Lace em up...

Lace em up...

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee...

My attempt to look "badass" with my boxing gloves
and loose abdominal skin...


And so I return to write on my much neglected blog. I do have news though. After talking smack for so many months, I have finally started my boxing training. I'm training with Brodie Boone at the Hamilton Boxing Club which also happens to be located in the same gym that I train with Tony at. Convenient, no? My right rotator cuff is finally strong enough and I got the go ahead from my physio and trainer to begin throwing punches. And I jumped right in, feet first. I will say this with 100% conviction. I am very, very, very thankful that I strength trained with Tony for 10 months prior to joining the boxing gym. No word of a lie, I would have been a complete mess and may not have continued with boxing. Boxing training is no joke yo!


Bought my leather boxing gloves and purple wraps which you can't see.
I'll be getting purple boxing gloves too, of course!


Everything I have accomplished in the past 5 years has been a test of my mental strength. Losing the weight, becoming a runner, even stepping into the gym with Tony for the first time. I was terrified to do all of it. Mostly because I'm afraid of failure and prior to this time in my life, I have failed at every previous attempt I've made to live a healthy lifestyle. Sparring with Brodie for the first time was one of the hardest things I ever did. He's a great instructor and one of the things I love about both him and Tony is that neither of them coddles me.

I have never not attempted to do something that Tony has instructed me to do. I have failed at things, but he's always said that it's okay to fail, as long as you try and give it your best shot. Then you can gauge where you are and this will help determine what you need to work on. That's invaluable advice and something I hold in the back of my mind always. And I think of that every time I train with Brodie. Brodie says he will make me the best boxer I can be, but I need to listen and follow instruction. And there's so much to think about while boxing. I'm three weeks in and I can see improvement, but I've still got a long way to go. Brodie's most repeated line to me right now? "Are you breathing?" I tend to hold my breath. A lot.

I do a one-on-one session with Brodie once per week and take his group boxing class 2x per week. Once I get used to the workout on my arms and core, I'll add another boxing class. I still train with Tony two mornings a week and by myself on the weekends. So how do I fit all this into my week? Double training days. Usually two days have double workouts. I can only do boxing training in the evening because that's when Brodie's available. My body's getting used to it and I rest after a double training day. So I still have two rest days in my week right now.


Looking forward to leaning out and really building my shoulder and arm muscles.


One of the first things Brodie asked me when I walked into his gym was what my current weight was. When I raised my eyebrow he said, "it's my business to know your weight so I know who I can pair you up with for your potential first match in 6 months". Then he told me to minus 15-20 pounds from my weight because if I stick to my current training schedule, I'll be super lean. He said that everyone who trains with him drops weight without trying because of the intensity of the cardio/interval training.

Brodie's boxing class is one of the most physically demanding things I have ever done. Even I had to give myself props, which is not easy for me to do. I'm the newest "boxer in training" at the gym and I kept up, and not even barely. Even Brodie said I did a good job and he's not a huge "praiser". Class lasts about 1.5 hours. The boxing clock runs continuously (3mins on 30 seconds rest). So all the stuff we do is in rounds. We start with 3 rounds each of skipping, calisthenics (burpees, mountain climbers etc.), core (all done on the mats but with no rest in between rounds because we plank for the rest), shadow boxing with and without hand weights, then heavy bag work for 7 rounds followed by a round of 1-2 punches. Running is part of the heavy bag work. When you are tapped on the shoulder, you leave your bag and run in the back laneway behind the gym for a couple hundred metres (you can be tapped 4-5 times depending how many are in the class that day). That's my favourite part. By the time class is done, I am completely soaked. My hair is wet, like I just got out of the shower. I have such a feeling of accomplishment when I'm done. That is totally addicting.

I'm getting quicker and more precise at throwing punches. My "uh-oh" moment this week? When someone said to me, "your strength as a boxer will truly be measured by how well you can receive a punch". Um, what? Exciting times indeed until I realized that I'm going to get hit! This is why core and balance are so important. Something I need to work on diligently over the next while. Makes no difference, I'm loving my training thus far. Can't wait to grow as a boxer!


A recent night out with my sister. We went to the Augusta House to watch Tony's band,
Charlie Rocker perform. Good times...


Boxing training is on in full force! But wine time can still be enjoyed sporadically. Lately I've been craving all the protein and veggies. Something I've had to do is resort to processed protein (bars and shakes) more than I want to. But I need something right before boxing and that's usually my only option, especially when I'm coming right from work. I got lazy with macro counting. Not because it doesn't work, it certainly does. There's a guy at my gym called Chuck and he's started counting macros with an on-line coach. His macros were worked out specifically for his body type and goals. Tony and I are going to keep a close eye on him. If we like his progress, we're gonna jump on the on-line coaching bandwagon too. Nutrition goals to be continued...