Principle on Life:

T. — Thu, 20 May 2010 22:14:53 +0000

Over a month ago, I was terminated from my job. I haven’t really discussed this outside of my friends. Long story short, I fucked up. I did properly lock out the unit I was working on, which is a safety violation. At the time, of course I was furious. Not so much about not having a job, and not towards any of the management that had to do what was done. I was more furious with myself, for making such a mistake.

Time and reflections, while not changing what was done, does add some perspective. I was bored. Plain and simple. For the most part, these units only break down in a certain number of ways, and there was no thought process or challenge to the brain. In short, since I had no challenge, I just didn’t care.

I’ve done a lot of things, put up with a lot, and always manage to come out ahead of where I want to be. Somehow I always come on top. I’d been wanting to figure out how to juggle work and school, and couldn’t get the hours of the day to add up, specially for the degree I want. Business Admin is something I could do online or at night, but I would be bored with that again. The heavy sciences require actually dedicating time to it, and during the day courses. So it never put my plans in action. So job gets lost, run through the finances. The lovely wife and I can make it with me going to school full time. May require some tightening of the belts here and there, but it can be done. And it will be done.

As my Great Uncle put it “You are the only guy I know, that can dive headfirst into a pile of shit, and still come out smelling like a rose.”

So I’m basically now making a new life for myself, a new path. The gears inside the brain are getting the rust cracked off of them, and I’m working on becoming what I always should have been.

With all this, I have boiled down my guiding principle:

Do what you like. Like what you do.

I can not justify going against it again. I’ve done it for far too long.

Name of the Game:

T. — Thu, 20 May 2010 22:01:59 +0000

Endurance. I’ve been neglecting here, I know, just a lot going on. Had tournament, did fairly well. Kept on trucking about, working on swimming more, and running. I did an ultimate endurance workout for me.

800 meter swim, 6.5 mile run, and TKD class almost immediately after.

I made great time on the runs, splitting it off in a 4.5 mile block (averaging 7:30/mile) and 2 mile block (averaging 7:00/mile) I was extremely proud of that fact figuring I just swam half a mile. Had a lot of pain, charlie horses and mental hurdles to overcome, but it has been done.

TKD focused a lot on turning side kicks, so I spent most of the class on one leg. It wasn’t too bad, mainly because early on my legs went numb so I didn’t feel anything. No worries at least.

Legs… They were pain sticks:

T. — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:54:26 +0000

I managed to do the rest of the workout on Thursday that I alluded to. After the lunch TKD workout and swim, I did run from my house to TKD. This is just shy of a 5 mile run, and I only did 4 1/4 miles of actual running (4 miles, jogging, hovering above a 7 minute pace, although unsure of truly of time due to having to stop at stoplights) and then gave my legs a cool down break, and water (there is a park I run through just after I hit 4 miles) Then a much faster paced (5:45 minute) for a 1/4 mile. No I wasn’t sprinting it, that workout will be sometime again shortly, and I’ll want to cry.

Haganah was a blast, even went out to the parking lot and did some practice there in shoes. It was fun watching some people do this in flip flops. Me I always wear my trusted hiking sandals, so I know how to move in them. He also added some running in the mix, to get used to doing some of the moves under stress. Very enjoyable. After that helped the beginner’s in TKD. Some basics for the most part, getting the new onesteps and watching there. But also got to work on some hip throws, and that is always fun. There is no greater love than having someone nearly twice your size, just be thrown off of you, with relative ease. But he also sent my flying several times learning the technique. Glad I can fall.

Friday (May 7th) I hit up another workout in the pool (my only workout, trying to save my legs a little) I did a 700m workout, and really pushed myself in certain aspects. I’m proud to report my rest time in between a set has gone down from almost a minute to maybe 10-15 seconds. Also, the other milestone. 200m swim, non-stop, no touching the walls, or sides, or little lane markers. Not bad for not even being able to make it 25 meters a month ago.

My legs off course, are painful, make me want to cry, and probably did at one point. I cut short my swim workout, mainly because my eyes were extremely painful (I still haven’t found my goggles.) Also, took some time alternating between a cold plunge and a hot tub. That made the legs feel numb, but wonderful. It’s at least keeping me from going crazy this Saturday morning.

Swim workout:

200 m, breatstroke/freestyle

3x50m kick

3x50m pull buoy

1x50m pull buoy, left arm only

1x50m pull buoy, right arm only

1x100m breaststroke/freestyle

Summer and Swim

T. — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:05:47 +0000

Pools around the country are getting ready to open, tons of kids everywhere about to start playing marco polo, and several of you have a new avenue of training available, or at least to think about. For many, the clear blue is a very scary thought. Whether it be from a near fatal accident as a child or just the sheer fact you know what you look like in a bathing suit and don’t want to show it, or you are so skinny your bones cause you to sink to the bottom at lightning speed. All of this can be overcome.
No matter where your comfort level is in the water, adding some workouts in the pool can do wonders for you. Give you a chance to feel different muscles working. Teaches you a lot about breathing properly, which is very important in any endeavor. Finally, swimming can kick your back side in terms of endurance training.

There is a pool at the gym, but the people who frequent it are always in shape and kind of aloof -
Most the swimmers I have run into, are a weird breed. Not very chatty, and there to get work done. It’s not that they are looking down on you, or not friendly, it’s just they have a 1600 meter (mile swim) workout that they need to do, and are on very limited time. Even if you are just learning, but you go in there with a game plan, and are there to work, and not play, there is going to be a line of respect. Most swimmers there were not naturally gifted, but took some time getting there, countless hours working and striving to be able to swim. Some after workout may chat it up, but the time in the pool is as sacred as time in the weight room is to any lifter, and they don’t really have options to talk when focused. Go to the pool with determination and you have nothing to worry about from the other swimmers.

The kids… the kids -
Public pools of course are opening, and it is still a good idea if that is the only option. Hopefully the pool will have a lane or two tied up for lap swim. That is where you should live. That’s the place for serious people with defined goals, and that is you. If there are no lanes marked off and your pool is a sea of chaos, you just get to learn more about turning in water, and weaving in and out. Not a huge problem, but do be aware of it.

I’m ashamed of what I look like in bathing gear -
Fair enough. There is no shame if you wear board shorts and a t-shirt. What comes into play is your attitude again once you get into the pool. Anyone can see who is there to play, and who is there to get a work out. The personalities are massively different. When you get there, you have your game plan, you have your determination, and you are there to work on your body and build your endurance. You are there to build up your stamina, build up your muscles by pulling yourself through the water. The real swimmers will see that, and while may not directly say it out loud, generally will applaud you for taking steps to better yourself. The other adults around that aren’t actually doing it for exercise probably will think you’re nuts, but you already know this and you can take solace that you are doing good for yourself. As for the kids, well can’t help you there, they shall be the cruel ones.

I fall straight to the bottom and blow bubbles while waiting for someone to rescue me -
This is the category I fall into. Skinny, and I’m ultra dense, so I sink quicker than you would ever believe. I can’t even float in salt water. You have to learn the technique, plain and simple. Even people who can’t float, can still swim at the surface, it just requires more muscle exertion. So that means better workout for you. Plus there are several flotation devices that can help you with the form and make it not so bad. And no water wings, unless you really want to geek it out for the humor of it. Kick boards and pull buoys here are your friends. Again though, you use these, do so with determination. You are also here to work, and not play.

I don’t know how to swim -
Not everyone does. But why not make that a goal of yours. It is achievable, you will be able to see results, very quickly in terms of swimming. When I started back up (over 8 year hiatus) I could not even make it 25 meters. In under 3 weeks, made it to 200 meters non stop, and working out at 600-800m intervals. It just takes time, practice, and the want to do so. There are plenty of places online that will show you for research on what to do, and workout plans for even the absolute beginner. There is no shame in not being able to swim, but why not check it off your list as another accomplishment from something that could not be done in the past. Each accomplish you think was not possible, that you pass, will make you realize even more is in your grasp.

Hopefully some may consider to add this just as a different form of cross training. If you want to know anything at all on swimming, basic drills, techniques, or just how to get started, by all means ask. Hope to hear from some of your successes in this department.

The Day Isn’t Over:

T. — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:45:08 +0000

Today is definitely body abuse day. All about endurance for me, even when the muscles are sore. It’s not recommended for everyone, specially if you are starting out, but there is a constant strive to push yourself, even when beaten, battered and scarred. Currently I am feeling this way. Yesterday was a mid-distance run followed by and hour up at the TKD studio. Of course, worked mainly kicks and aerial kicks. Can we say calves hurting and burning beyond belief.

Take it today, made it up to the noon class up at the studio, and worked some more aerials. I can’t really feel my legs, but thanks for asking. Actually, immediately after, I made it to the gym, and hit the pool. Needless to say, they were screaming after the abuse in the pool, so did a nice cold plunge for them, followed immediately by time in the hot tub.

After all, they are about to go through some more abuse. Still have another run slated today, as well as Haganah, and instructing in TKD for tonight. Fun.

5May2010

4 mile run, 7:45 pace, 1/4 mile run, 6:15 pace

1 hour TKD workout

6May2010 (so far)

1 hr TKD workout

2×50 m swim, breaststroke/freestyle

2×50 m kick drills

3×50 m pull buoy

1×25 m pull buoy, right arm only

1×25 m pull buoy, left arm only

2×25 m focus arm drill

2×25 m kick drill

1×100 m breaststroke/freestyle

600 meter, yay.

Simply Amazing

T. — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:31:34 +0000

Well, there have not been that many work out write ups, mainly because there have not been that many workouts. 2 weeks ago, I was fired from my day job. The way my mind and body works, I had to come to terms with that, before I could do anything with it. On the plus side, I have a new direction for my life, that I haven’t had in a long time.

First thing is first, I’m heading up to school, and utilizing the lovely benefits for my time spent in the Corps. I will end up taking a part time job somewhere, but as of yet, unsure of where. Although me taking a part time job, has nothing to do with money to live on, so that is a very good thing.

So what am I heading to school for, well, Physics actually. I enjoyed my job, for the most part, but it was mind numbing. I can do much better, and I will.

I managed to at least keep up with workouts for TKD during the hiatus on posting, with the exception of the day I was fired. As of last Friday, I have started back on my swim training. I still despise it, but I despise it less.

Slowly I will start transitioning away from just my workout posts, and get more involved in actual writing of ideas and what not, but that will come in time.

Waterlogged! 14 Apr ’10

T. — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:13:13 +0000

Yup. Still sink in water.

But at the very least I am making headway in the swim. Finding that Good Shepherd had some pull buoys yesterday, really helped me devise the training plan. Namely, my cheap ass won’t have to buy one until I really feel the want for it. I’ve never been a fish, and while yes I have swam a mile in a flight suit and boots, it was an… interesting endeavor. Plus, that was over 8 years ago, and I’ve stayed away from pools ever since.

So, pull buoys. What the hell are they, and why are they useful. Well, basically it’s a lovely set of foam you put on your hips, and squeeze it there. This allows you to stay afloat on the back side, while keeping your legs perfectly still. So that means, focus on form, form, and more form on the arm drills. Today I even limped along the length of the pool only using each individual arm as the only part of me moving. Needless to say, it kicked the living day lights out of me.

I can’t say I’m not in shape. In fact I’m in top form or damn close to it as I ever have been in my life. But swimmers. Man I have a newly found respect for them. But, I’ll be up there as well in due time.

Elapsed Training:

Swim:

1x50m breaststroke

2x25m freestyle

4x25m kickdrills

2x25m pull buoy, right arm, freestyle movement

2x25m pull buoy, left arm, freestyle movement

4x25m pull buoy, freestyle (no legs, on all pull buoy work)

2x25m freestyle

1x50m breaststroke

Total Swim: 500m No Time Recorded

13 Apr ’10

T. — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:11:41 +0000

Did not do a morning work out. Legs needed at least some break from the torture I put on them the day prior.

Afternoon workout I hit the pool again. Another 300 meter workout. Each 25 meter section seemed easier yet all so much harder. But that’s because training was different than just a swim. Details will be below in the write up.

After leaving the pool did some relaxation in a restorative yoga class. Some nice easy stretching and loosening up before the beginners tkd class.

Got the class all warmed up and worked a little basics in stance work and kicks. Mr Azar had them working movement and float drills in a mock sparring. I was able to get a workout in there as one of the minors needed a partner. It is nice being able to help one on one. His round kicks are coming a long way. Overall-

2x25m breaststroke
2x25m freestyle
4x25m freestyle, arms only, with pull buoy
2x25m kick drills, with kicker board
2x25m freestyle
300 meter total swim
No portions timed.

1 hr various stretching and yoga

45 min workout in TKD

Part 2

T. — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:34:17 +0000

Woo. Second work out down.
Dropped off clothing and gear at the studio. Drove home then ran to class. Stretched a bit then tae kwon do.

TKD focused a cardio warmup followed by pattern drills and once all sweat had again poured out of my body time for sparring.

Run Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 36 min

TKD: 1 hour

Training Log 12 Apr ’10

T. — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:01:51 +0000

Early f’in morning. 5:30 actually, in the pool. This is the part of the triathlon I am dreading the most. Yes I never update this blog and I’ve got it in my head that I will become a triathlete.

So this blog will be a training log. One it will keep me honest with myself. I can track progress without issue. Two it hopefully will serve as some help to others later on.

At any rate the swim is what I dread the most. I sink even in salt water. Yesterday I did about 150 meters total just to get back in the water. This morning I got 300 meters in. Elapsed Training:
300 meters
3 x 25 meters, breaststroke
9 x 25 meters, freestyle
Did not time.