Monday
It was raining heavily this morning so I used the car for work. I didn't feel well for most of the day. I felt rough to the point where I skipped lunch, and just drank some coffee. After lessons, I made myself go to the college gym. After about 15 minutes I was feeling better and by the end of it I was back to my old self!
I went home to make a nice beef stir-fry and drink some beer!
College Workout, beers
Tuesday
I cycled in to work. It was rather windy so was a struggle to get up to speed.
I cycled home in the sunshine and showers. I had a wash and changed into my karategi. Martha and I headed off to the dojo. It was a good self-defence and kumite lesson, with plenty of punching and kicking. Happily, I only worked with black and brown belt adults so didn't really have to worry about injuring anyone (we always use control, however.)
Back at home, I scoffed loads of chicken and pasta and drank water.
Karate
Wednesday
I cycled in to work. It was surprisingly cold on the ride in.
After lessons, I went off to the college gym to continue to increase the volume of my bench presses, and to listen to 90s rave tunes. Then I cycled home. The ride home was considerably warmer and I was sweating a bit by the time I got back!
I cooked up some fish and homemade chips for dinner. In bed with a cup of tea by 10pm.
College workout
Thursday
We used the car for work today.
Back at home, I set about a heavy lifting session (well, heavy for me anyway). It was the first time using my new dumbbells with the steel grips. I found them for an absolute bargain online. My old dumbbells with the plastic grips were gradually disintegrating, with bits of plastic falling off in every session I used them. Today, I did some lat raises, front raises, deadlifts, shrugs and plenty of curls, along with 300 body weight reps. I got it done in just under an hour, and then sat down to scoff a bowl and a half of homemade chilli con carne.
Weight training
Friday
On the bicycle for work. I lost the Silly Commuter Race to a guy who cycled on the pavement and rode a bike with an incredibly rusty chain. It turned out he works at the college too! We had a chat afterwards and I complimented his obvious fitness. He didn't know what speed transmission he was using, but whatever it was it was a deep rusty orange colour. His bike looked like it was kept at the bottom of a pond.
After lessons, I cycled home and then got ready for Karate.
I had been asked to run tonight's session while Sensei Gary is training in Japan. I was glad to see Sensei Jason there too. We drilled everyone on ippon kumite as per Sensei Ronnie's instructions last Sunday. Then I took lower grades for kata and Sensei Jason took the higher grades through Jion.
Home for sausage, egg and chips and a few beers! Naughty but very nice.
Karate, beers
Saturday
I had to make some purchases up at Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. My wife declined to come with me and she needed the car, so I decided to cycle in. The road bike needs a lot of work done to it, so I used the mountain bike instead. I gave myself plenty of time.
It's 11 miles to the Jewellery Quarter. I had to cycle past the college. I stopped off to try to pick up my steel D-lock so I could secure the bike when I got to the shops. However, the security guard at college didn't recognise me and he wouldn't let me in even when I presented my staff ID card! Oh well. I had a cable lock with me that I could use.
After the college, I had to cycle through Spark Hill. What a dirty, miserable depressing place that is. The Highway Code no longer applies here apparently, Cars simply pull out and it's up to everyone else to brake. Some drivers just brake when they arrive at their chosen shop, put the hazard lights on and get out of the car. Even though the car has blocked the entire lane! Dazed people, who look like they gave up years ago, shuffle out into the road and it's up to the traffic to avoid them. I was very glad when I was out of the area and into Birmingham City Centre.
I navigated through the shoppers, across Great Charles Street and then continued north into the Jewellery Quarter. After splashing the cash, I headed back to the Bullring to use the public toilets (a lot like Spark Hill with mad shuffling people and a sense of desperation) and then sped off south to head for home. It was an eye-opening adventure!
After 22 miles, I was back home to stuff my face with some lunch before heading to the dojo.
For my Saturday session, I continued working on ippon kumite with my fantastic young people. Then, as always, we ended by hitting the heavy bag.
In the evening, I thought I deserved a few beers!
Karate, beers
Sunday
At lunch time, I went over to Cocks Moors Woods to cover for Sensei Gary while he is training in Japan. As it turned out, Sensei Lloyd was there to take the lesson! I was a bit miffed because I could have gone cycling with the lads instead. However, Sensei Gary was kind enough to call me from Japan to explain the situation.
In the evening, I went to Tudor Grange to take that session. We had a great hour working on ippon kumite and everyone seemed to go home happy.
Later on, Lucy, Jane and I watched the St George's Day parade go up and down the Stratford Road.
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| Just one of the many vehicles in the parade. |
For dinner, Lucy made a wonderful homemade chicken curry. I shocked my liver by drinking water instead of beer.
Karate
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