One Year Of Sweat

I ran suicides this morning.

While carrying kettle bells.

I sure have come a long way from a year ago when I was sitting at a table signing up to join a gym.

A year ago, I was basically starting from scratch.  I had taken a 3 1/2 year hiatus from anything fitness.  Unless you consider paddling a raft over to the steps of the pool so you can get out... exercise.

And I did.  For 3 1/2 years.

Until I got the kick in the pants that I needed.... and the rest is history.

Thank goodness my muscles have a good memory.  At least something on my body does.

It is by NO means easy.  I have good days... I have bad days.... But the good ALWAYS out weighs the bad.  One week, I can attend all my classes, achieve all my goals, and feel amazing.  The next week, I can have knee trouble, feel exhausted, and have no motivation whatsoever.

But I believe that this is where I differ from when I worked out before.  I used to let the bad weeks take over.  I would get so down on myself for not working out that I would compensate with over eating/eating lots of unhealthy foods.  And then I would get upset with myself over the food and just throw my hands up in the air and give up.

Well, there is no giving up this time.  I am much more balanced.  I am much more determined.  And I've actually started listening to my body.

Unfortunately, though, she has a VERY strong Southern accent which is very hard for me to understand.  But I do my best.

My half marathon training has been a little off the past two weeks.  I hurt my knee by doing outdoor walking lunges (don't ask) -so, I have been trying to take it easy by focusing on my weight training, taking yoga classes, and spin.  I plan to start back with my running  next week.  I have 35 days left.

And then there is the BOXING. 

My most favorite workout of all time!  Even though I spend the entire 40 minute drive to the warehouse trying to talk myself out of it.  It is intimidating.  And incredibly hard (but in a good way). 

It helps that gas is a trillion dollars and that I am trying to save a trillion dollars..... that way I insist that my body completes the class.

It hurts that it is not near anything else that I do.  Work, home, grocery, etc.  And that the times of the training don't always get along with my new work schedule.  I have only been able to go twice in the last two months.  My first time back was just two weeks ago. ( And It just about killed me... I was sore from head to toe for an entire week!)  I had so much catching up to do. 

The gym has gotten so popular that there are multiple coaches and they take turns teaching different classes.  No class has EVER been the same.  The coaches are tough as nails and they push you to be the same.

I've learned that there is no smiling in boxing. 

I've learned that there is nothing that I CAN'T do.  They won't allow it.  They have the patience of saints.

I've been able to spar the last two classes with Darryl.  It has been a dream come true.  Even if he tells me to "stop smiling" "act tough" "act scary" "come after me" "punch harder" "stop jumping rope like a six year old girl".

I LOVE every single second of it.  That's why I can't help but smile.

I tried so hard today to keep my face focused and angry.  It caused me to miss a couple of punches.  But the hundreds that I made were pretty decent ... and I've got the broken blood vessels on my knuckles to prove it.

Darryl told me that I could hire him to coach me one on one.... and that he could get me in the best shape of my life.  I have no doubt he could.  I would sign up in a heartbeat if I won the lottery... but for now I will have to settle for Groupons to keep me involved in the training.

I love Groupons.

Now if only there was one to help me control my sweat problems......

This was after one hour.  I sweat more in boxing than any other class or running.  And yes, this picture was taken in Kev's store.  I stopped by to surprise him with my stench.  And so he could take a picture of me for my "one year" post.

I think his eyes rolled in to the back of head when I walked through the door.  And then while blinking his eyes violently and turning up his nose he said " What has just happened to me?".

Just the reaction I was going for.

He took a shot from the back just for good measure.  The only dry spot on my body was where my sports bra was.

And yes, I kissed my guns after the picture was taken.

I've worked really hard for those guys.

Here's to another awesome year!!!