Please watch and enjoy.

Please watch and enjoy. Then be inspired.

Sorry...

Haven't been blogging - been getting out of my comfort zone. I should be working on Forms but I'm not and I don't even feel bad. I've been working with a trainer two days a week and am currently rocking a four day streak of cardio workouts. I've done two-thirds of Week One of the Couch to 5K program with my eye on running the Race for the Cure in Madison in May. I feel good. I still wish I was 80 pounds lighter, but I feel good.

Peace be with you.

Yes, yes...

My perspective on training right now is that TKD is my favorite physical activity. The need for more physical activity means I need to do more of my favorite things. TKD. The trainer even said I could bring in some focus pads. I doubt he'll mind escrima sticks either. I have to do what I like doing, right? I agree.

C'est La Vie!

Life! That wonderful thing that kind of gets in the way of what really matters. Right now I don't know for 100% sure that I'll get a black belt in TKD, well ever, but I know that I am in control of my training. To that end, I met with a personal trainer (FREE!) today and made a commitment to invest in myself, my health and my martial art. He showed me crunches, I showed him stances and kicks. I expect it to go swimmingly.

Unfortunately the Gods of Army are not looking favorably on my black belt journey. We may move away from my school before I can attain black belt. It will be unfortunate, but the belt is merely a symbol of the mindset. I can achieve martial arts success and fitness on my own with or without a test to prove it. Wish me luck!

Classic Blunders

Alas! I have committed one of the classic training blunders of late. Rather than recognize that exercise reduces stress and being stressed out means I should focus more on exercise, I have focused more on stress and not on my training. It shows. Consider this an apology to myself.

Must...stop...wasting...time....

There, kids, is my Dilbert impression. I don't even have an excuse. I would have had time. I woke up with the motivation so my bag was not only packed but in the car. And yet... I didn't make it to the gym. GRRRRR.....

What pushes you on?

Visualization

So I went to the gym yesterday and hopped on the elliptical trainer. I really love the elliptical. I feel like I'm working my whole body and I know that my whole body needs work! After a few minutes, I put on my iPod and listened to some tunes. Then, I thought I'd give this whole visualization thing a try. So I closed my eyes. It felt a little weird plugging away on the elliptical with my eyes closed but then the vision came. There I was in a gi. I had on a white tope and black pants - a privilege reserved for senior students only (the way training used to be). I was kneeling - exhausted - in front of my instructors but facing away from them. Dripping with sweat, breathing heavily, anxious but satisfied; I awaited my results. They were in. Paul told me to stand up and face the panel - the board of instructors scoring the test. Nervous, I summoned the strength and will to stand and face them. Mr. Sharp and Mr. Gordon smiled and handed me my black belt. It felt amazing. That feeling burns in me today. I like it. I am focusing on that and letting it push me onward. I wish I could go to the gym again today. I will go tomorrow. Those 45 minutes on the elliptical yesterday were awesome.