Today is day 2 of the fast. It definitely seems the workouts are harder today, but I’m guessing it is due to a combination of reduced calories and 2x/day workouts. Tomorrow, I think will be even harder. This is a steep climb, and I am trying really hard not to try to look beyond the current day. Going to try to go to bed a bit earlier tonight and see if a bit more sleep can help my recovery some.
Today, my anxiety has definitely got the best of me. I am looking at the next 11 days of training in this process and it seems like a giant hill. I’m anxious whether my body can manage 2x/day workouts. I’m anxious about the fast. I’m anxious about the test. I’m anxious about having to perform my form (that I swear I’ve changed at least a dozen times), getting feedback on it, and then try to incorporate that feedback into it and compete with that same form 5 days later. I’m anxious that I’m in a new division, coming in as the rookie, not knowing what to expect.
Here is the schedule for the next 11 days. I’m going to try to post each of the next 11 days, so we will see how that goes.
Today – June 7th
10 day fast begins
1400 calorie intake
Two workouts of at least one hour each
AM workout
6.25 mile bike ride
30 min body weight exercises
30 min flexibility training/stretching
PM Workout
45 min sparring class with students tonight
June 8th
10 day fast – day 2
1000 calorie intake
Two workouts of at least one hour each (activities TBD)
June 9th
10 day fast – day 3
600 calorie intake
Two workouts of at least one hour each
AM workout
World’s Training at the School 10am-12pm
PM workout TBD
June 10th
10 day fast – day 4
Water only
One workout of at least one hour (activities TBD)
June 11th
10 day fast – day 5
Water only
One workout of at least one hour (activities TBD)
June 12th
10 day fast – day 6
Water only
Master’s training 9am-5pm
Mastership Written Exam
Submission of written copy of form including creative portion
Form Demonstration/evaluation
Traditional breaking of the fast
June 13th
10 day fast – day 7
600 calorie intake
One workout of at least one hour (activities TBD)
ATA World Conference Training 8am-5pm
June 14th
10 day fast – day 8
1000 calorie intake
One workout of at least one hour (activities TBD)
Judging assignments for top 10 competition
June 15th
10 day fast – day 9
1400 calorie intake
One workout of at least one hour (activities TBD)
Judging assignments for top 10 competition (day 2)
GM M.K. Lee Inauguration Ceremony
June 16th
10 day fast – complete
normal meal schedule
One workout of at least one hour (activities TBD)
Judging assignments for Jr. Competition
June 17th
8am – My competition day – Forms, Sparring, Combat Sparring
Judging assignments for Adult Competition
June 18th
Fly home
So, there you have it. This feels like a lot all at once, so I am going to have to chunk out each day into pieces and eat that elephant one bite at a time. Wait…I’m on a fast… Daaaaaang.
Well, here I am now, having passed the halfway mark. It is hard to look back and see the progress, and harder to look forward to the climb still ahead. Worlds is a few short weeks away, and as part of that there is a 10 day fast, with 2 workouts per day during that time. That 10 day process is freaking me out if I were to be honest. Many days I feel lost in this process. Sometimes I question if I can make it to the end. Often times I simply try to get my workouts and reps in, waiting for those few breakthrough days of clarity (today is not one of them). While there are gaps between these moments of clarity, it is forcing me way out of my comfort zone and into just being in that moment. I am sometimes frustrated I can’t figure it out. Other days I wonder why I feel the need to race to the finish line. Ups, downs, pain, relief, all the feels… I don’t get it. Then I wonder if I’m supposed to get it yet.
Today’s Workout
Theme of the day – Do something physical, even for a little while
It has been way too long since I wrote in here. I have been training regularly, but I’ve not been great at keeping up here. I have been working on some automations for the school to make things easier to track student progress, as well as rewriting the region website. Most of that work is now complete, so I can get back to focusing on training and keeping up to date here. I am nearly at the midpoint in this portion of the journey, and it feels like time has flown by. Worlds is about a month away, and there are a few things about that week that are on my mind. First, there is another round of Master’s training. Second, there is a 10 day fasting process that I will start the week prior and break the fast on that day of master’s training. It will test many limits of discipline and dedication, as I will have to do 2 workouts per day while fasting. Third, I will be re-entering the competition ring in a division with 6th and 7th degrees. I will definitely be the rookie in the group and will learn a lot. I am ramping up the length of my workouts as I approach worlds, and hope to sustain that level throughout the summer into fall without triggering any injuries. I will have to double down on listening to my body and making adjustments.
Today is a bit of a setback. Somehow this week, I managed to tweak my hip, and it’s a bit sore. I have to be more mindful to properly warm up if I’m going to be kicking and punching with the kids during classes. Time to research some TLF stretches, therapy, and patience to let things heal.
