Eboncat visits the Monks

[Eboncat]

So I totally bombed the last challenge by getting sick and only sleeping and working for 3 weeks.  Couldn't quite get it back together after that.  So I'm going basic on this challenge, to get myself back in the groove.

 

Long-term goal - to get and stay fit and healthy.

 

Motivation: my son and husband - I want to enjoy a long and healthy life with both of them.  I will be 55 when my son graduates from high-school.  I do not want to be a burden to him.  Also, I want the term "bad-ass chick" to apply to me!

 

My husband and I started Tae Kwon Do 2 weeks ago (our 6 year old son has been going since April last spring).  Hubby is able to go every day, but I have to work outside the house and my schedule isn't as flexible.  Sigh.

 

Goal 1: Attend 3 TKD classes per week.  Practice at home 30min, 3 days per week.  +3 DEX, + 1 STA.

• 10 Pushups and 30 situps to be done as part of home practice. More if becomes easier.
• Need to get go bag set up for work, so if I get off early I can attend extra class by this Sunday.
• Find some stretches for hips/legs to become more limber.
• Holiday weeks - missed classes ok if dojo closed. - Practice at home!

Goal 2: Drink at least 1700ml water every day.  +2 CON.

 

Goal 3: Cardio at least 30 min. 3x/week.  +2 DEX, +1 STA.

• 1st 2 weeks = running. 2 days intervals, 1 day distance (5k).  Race on 11/23
• rest of challenge: any cardio that lasts at least 30min.  Core work bonus!  Yoga counts.  Extra TKD class counts.

Goal 4: 50 Pull-ups training 3 times per week.  +2 STR, +1 STA.

 

Bonus pts: Finish challenge with 90% on each goal.  +1 WIS, +1 CHA.  Skadi ring (or similar, depends on budget).

 

will post some starting stats later.

[idealistinfire]

Great goals!  I'm a bit jealous of the classes though

[Eboncat]

Thanks.  I love it so far.  Everyone is so encouraging.  It's a great environment to learn something new.

[The Shogun]

I'm glad you enjoy your TKD classes, training with a significant other is a great way of bonding (and it makes discussions much more interesting). 

 

Welcome!

[Kishi]

There is something to be said for having a significant other to train with. My sensei and his girlfriend bond over the throws, now. Sorry to hear that you don't get to train in class as much, but awesome that you have the drive to train anyway. Get on it!

[WildColonialGrrl]

Training as a family looks great. Where I train there is a family where the father is a red belt and when the kids started training too the mother got bored at home and decided to start. I think it's great for kids to see their parents learning new things. All the best with this challenge.

[Zuel]

It´s so good you have found a friendly environment for you and your family! Training together is health for body and mind.

 

Congratulations Eboncat! Keep it up! =D

[BlamedCat]

I love your goals, EC and Welcome to the Monks!

[Eboncat]

Thanks everyone!  Sorry I've been incommunicado this week, I had to go to a training seminar for work and have been really busy and tired.

 

Even though I can't go to as many classes, we've been practicing at home and I am keeping up that way, skill-wise, at least for now.  There is a minimum number of classes you have to attend before testing for the next belt level (as well as skill proficiency), so that's where I may fall behind.  Doesn't matter.  My family and the instructers know I won't be able to make as many classes, and those are the only opinions I need to worry about.

 

Monday went to 2 classes, did 20 min on the treadmill and pullup training.  Pushups and situps too.  Wasn't sure I'd get any workouts while away.  Took workout clothes, but....

 

Didn't get any workouts in at the hotel (3 days total including travel) - checked out the "gym" it was 3 cardio machines and no floor space.  I tried to drink as much water as I could - filled up my styrofoam cup every break they gave us - but I'm sure I was short of my goal those days.

 

Yesterday I did a half-hour practice at home, did my pullup training  session and worked on pushups and situps.  probably about an hour - hour + half total.  Felt good.  Today was supposed to be weights, but my friend ditched out today, so we'll do tomorrow.  Had class this morning - got my 1st stripe - and hubby and I did Kenpo X - mostly to help us get limber and try to stretch out more.

 

I hope everyone is having a great 1st week!

[The Shogun]

Hey, you're having a great first week! Keep it up! 

[BlamedCat]

Looks like you did pretty good this week considering you had to roll with the punches.  I think you'll do fine next week and you are right about the martial arts classes.  Just keep progressing at your pace and your schedule, they know what's up and that's all that matters

[Eboncat]

Week 1 Recap:

 

Goal 1: 3 classes/week, practice at home 3x/week: 100%   this one is easy right now because I'm still having so much fun at the classes and the basics are pretty simple and easy to learn.  I am having trouble getting the kicks just right - tight hamstrings, old joints. 

 

Goal 2: 1700ml/day every day.  43%.  If I have to do a business seminar again, I'll remember to take my water bottle.

 

Goal 3:  30min Cardio 3x/week. 100%   I've done it, but the running only once.  Not too worried about the "race" this weekend, it's not timed and just for fun.  My friend is bringing her dog.

 

Goal 4:  Pull-up app 3x/week.  100%  Almost forgot the last one - had to get it done last night.

 

So far, so good.  I am sore everywhere, and my calf seems to have a knot in it.  That's new for me.  I spent my whole half hour TKD practice at home Saturday practicing kicks - trying to get the form on the side kick and round kicks right.  I need to find some stretches/exercises to loosen up my hips more and keep working on my hamstrings.  It sucks getting older.  Not that I was ever really flexible.

[Teirin]

That's an excellent first week :-)

[Kishi]

One of the ways I used to use to get better at kicking was to do them slowly. Really dig into the motion and feel every muscle growing tense. Go as high as you can, as slow as you can, and fry it out. It'll help the connective tissues get stronger, and it provides a nice workaround for the joints.

[Eboncat]

Thank you, Kishi.  I will try that.  Should also help my balance, which needs work too.

[Eboncat]

Noticed something yesterday.  I used to get a sugary coffee drink once a week (standing date with a couple friends) but the last month or so our schedules haven't been matching up, and I've always been too lazy and cheap to stop for one of those by myself.  I used to really enjoy them (the coffees - I still enjoy the friends).  Yesterday I met up with one of my friends and ordered my usual winter coffee - the Salted Caramel Mocha.  It was disgusting.  I couldn't even finish it.  So today, when I met the other friend, I just ordered a plain latte (non-fat) with a sprinkle of cinnamon.  It was much better.  Funny how when you haven't had junk in so long it actually tastes gross when you try it again.

[BlamedCat]

That's so true!  (glad you still enjoy your friends)

 

It really is amazing how our tastes change on things like that.  Like I was mentioning to a couple of guys yesterday, I ate poorly on Sunday, but it would have been healthy for the old me... oh. my. word. I was so sluggish monday it was just bad...   lesson learned, our bodies really do crave good things

 

Keep up the little life changes!

[Kishi]

Woot! That's awesome! Sounds like your taste buds got your back on this one.

[The Shogun]

Great first week, make sure you keep that bottle of water with you all the time! =D

[Zuel]

Oh yeah! That´s the best it can happen to you, no more cravings for stuff you don´t need!

[Eboncat]

So far so good this week.  I've already gotten in 3 TKD classes - was able to get off work a little early yesterday and go to a class I usually can't.  My ankle is sore, I landed a flying side kick badly Monday night in the 1st class - smacked my landing foot into the base of the bag and then rolled it a little as I crashed.  It's starting to turn some lovely colors.  I've been icing and taking some naproxen, so it's still useable.  Water consumption is on track.  Did my pullup app last night (though I really didn't want to).

 

Speaking of flying sidekicks - when the instructor said that's what we were going to do I kinda panicked.  He had us practice jump kicks 1st (during which I'm sure I looked completely uncoordinated), then run at the bag for the flying side kicks.  I ended up surprising myself by doing them fairly well until my litte accident, after which I still did a couple more (though probably not with as much enthusiasm).  Who would have thought I'd enjoy throwing myself in the air?  I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm surprising myself, things that I thought should be scary are turning out to be doable.  Yay!

[The Shogun]

I'm glad you enjoy those flying sidekicks until your accident. Make sure to take good care of it. 

[BlamedCat]

I'm glad you enjoy those flying sidekicks until your accident. Make sure to take good care of it. 

+1 to this

[Eboncat]

Thanks, guys.  Ankle is feeling much better - though it looks gross.

 

I've been slacking on everything except my water the last 3 days.  Work is hectic, but I have time in the moring and have just been unmotivated.  I have that race tomorrow- that takes care of 1 cardio, and 1 (extra) class tomorrow too - that's 2 cardio.   It's just so dang cold here right now, it's hard to get out of bed.  I'm supposed to be working on my toughness.  Gotta step up.  3 days left in this week to do 2 pullup training sessions, 3 cardio and 3 tkd home practice.  And I work today and Sunday.  I guess I'd better get off the computer and go do something before work!

[BlamedCat]

yes yes, keep plugging along.  Don't worry about the numbers, just do what you can do with the time you've got.  You're getting better at being productive with these sorts of things and you've come a LONG way.  I know you can do it, so don't backslide

 

Though, for what it's worth, it's hard for me to get out of bed in the morning too.. especially on cold days, but once I'm up.. I'm up, so there is that.