I cycled in to work and back and then set about doing some weight training. Protein rich dinner!
Weight training, no junkfood, no alcohol
Tuesday
I cycled in to work and back and then went along to the dojo. The session was led by Sensei Mark and was all about take downs. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was Sensei's uke for many of the demonstrations and I found myself lying on the floor for a lot of the session! It took me back to the days of training with Sensei Paul Hexley (although it's not quite as rough and tough at Ruach!)
It was an enjoyable work out.
Healthy eating at home.
Karate, no junkfood, no alcohol
Wednesday
I cycled in to work. After lessons, I went along to the fitness room for some interval training with four other members of staff and led by Mr Roger. It was mainly light and fast weight training sets with only seconds to rest in between. We finished with some core work using medicine balls and then I led the static stretch cool down.
I cycled home very slowly because everything was aching!
I made a chicken stir fry for the family while listening to the last of the days cricket. Hydro was there too and made me cook weird vegetarian food.
I waited up late for Martha to finish work. I tried to do some college stuff but ended up reading Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison instead!
Circuit training, no junkfood, no alcohol.
Thursday
I cycled in to work and back. There wasn't much left in the legs on the way back and it was a rather hot day. I decided not to go for a run and did some weight training instead.
Weights, no junkfood, no alcohol.
Friday
We had an afternoon meeting to attend at Bournville campus so Lucy and I went to work in the car today. After work, I had to drop Lucy off at Solihull and then make dinner so I didn't get chance to go along to the dojo. I did some weight training instead. And then drank beer.
Weight training, no junkfood, 3 beers
Saturday
The hottest day of the year so far! Blue skies and blazing sunshine.
I jumped on the bike and pedalled along the Honiley route. Unfortunately, there wasn't much in my legs today. Plus, I couldn't seem to get comfortable on the bike - my shoulders were aching, my helmet felt heavy on my head and I was getting saddle sore. I was very glad to roll into the cakestop to have a proper stretch.
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| Heading up to Honiley |
Lucy was there and she had been given a second hand bike! It was an old Dawes which, according to the stickers on the frame, had been handbuilt in the UK! After tea and cake, I set about raising the handlebars, raising the saddle and pumping up the back tyre. Lucy was very happy with it!
Tilly and her latest boyfriend had turned up too. We all sat outside with Eric and enjoyed the fantastic weather.
Eventually, I climbed back on the bike and went home in the heat. I felt stronger heading north and got back after 41 miles with an average speed of 14.4mph.
After a quick snack, I showered, and then Martha and I were on the way to the dojo at the Village Hotel in Shirley. I had a quick word with Sensei Tony and explained that I had ridden 40 miles in the heat and wasn't feeling energetic. He was very understanding.
However, when the lesson started, I found that, even though I was consciously taking it easy, I was still keeping up with Martha. Maybe taking the power out of a technique doesn't necessarily affect speed? Anyway, It was a fantastic, and very hot, session which covered kihon and kata and left everyone happy. As usual, the discipline and dedication on Saturday were second to none. Out of the four sessions that I attend, this class certainly has the best Karate spirit!
Finally home, I enjoyed some time lounging about in the sunshine, tried not to fall asleep, and drank some beer! Eric came over to have dinner with us and watch some cricket.
Cycling, Karate, junkfood, beers
Sunday
Martha and I got up early and made our way to a special kumite session at Cocks Moor Woods leisure centre. The session was run by Sensei Lloyd and Sensei Gary. Unfortunately, I was the only adult there. However, young black belt Dan was kind enough to partner me and he certainly kept me on my toes. He is a very fit and determined young man. I emerged an hour later feeling rather sweaty and with some new bruises to add to the collection!
After breakfast, Lucy and I took the dogs for a long walk over Earlswood Lakes and Clowes Wood. It was a lovely warm, bright day and we didn't mind the fact that we got ourselves a bit lost!
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| Freddie the dog is also lost and he doesn't seem to mind either! |
Karate, junkfood, beer
So, this week did nothing for my journey towards a black belt. Yes, I trained every day, but I also drank beer 3 days out of 7! I'm a beer monster at the best of times but this hot weather just makes me worse! I must try to do better next week.
