Starting a New Year

Since my birthday was November 28, I am starting a new year for myself. Training is still minimal, but I am getting some roadwork in:

November 28:     37 minutes
November 29:     36 minutes
December 1:        1 hour and 16 minutes

I am eager to get back to the gym and regular workouts. I am optimistic that the improving economy will allow me to realize more revenue so that I can do that in the fairly new future. I am hustling to get new work for my law firm!

Happy birthday to me!

Got cake? :-)

Happy Birthday to My Uncle, John Fabian Imparl

Another year has gone by. Today is the birthday of my father's beloved older brother, John. Dad speaks highly and often of you, John. May you be at peace and rest wherever you are now.

While our paths did not cross here on earth, I'm eagerly awaiting the day they will intersect. Since your birthday always coincided with Christmas, here's yet another separate commemoration of your day, too. Dad tells me your parents--my grandparents--always went the extra mile to ensure your birthday was celebrated properly and didn't get swept away by the festivities of Christmas, huge and important as they are.

May you always rest in peace and receive at least as many blessings as you gave to others during your short stay on this planet. Dad and I and the rest of the family will see you soon. May God bless you and us.

Your nephew,

Steven Damian Imparl

PS You passed away while serving in the United States Army and attending the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLI-FLC) at the Presidio of Monterey, California. You might like to know that I, your nephew, am pretty good at languages, too. Peace to you.

Good Sunday Morning Workout

Sunday's training provided a good workout and a good start to my year (yes, happy birthday [November 28] to me). I've decided to renew my commitment to health and fitness and a good workout on the morning of my birthday seemed like a good way to do it.

I don't know where the rest of the guys were, but Glen gave Howard (a fellow lawyer) and me plenty of intensity. While I prefer to have a larger group of guys (more camaraderie, more chances to train with different styles, and a faster pace on rotations), it's nice to get the more intensified treatment when just one other boxer attends the workout. Here's the recap:

• about 30 minutes of roadwork
• one round shadowboxing
• one round on the punch mitts with Glen
• two rounds on the punch mitts, working on combinations to the body and head
• lots of rounds of drills, several of which reminded me that Howard is a southpaw
• two rounds of sparring with Howard
• three rounds of heavy bag drills
• five rounds of abs
• three rounds of 30s as the finishing touch

 I felt good and finished strong. I always strive for a solid finish. Physically, it's always good to build up more endurance so I can control the pace and keep the pressure on my opponent. Mentally, the strong finishes during training reassure me that I have a little left in the reserve tank when I need it most. That increases my overall confidence.

Starting the Year with a Renewed Commitment to Fitness and Training

November 28 was my birthday. I've enjoyed, for the most part, a long Thanksgiving and birthday weekend.

Since I view each birthday as the beginning of a new year for me, one way I celebrate birthdays is to plan a set of goals for the coming year. Another part of my celebration is to renew my commitment to the things in my life that are important to me. One of those things is my boxing training.

To kick off the new year, I did the following workout today:

Bike ride: 2 hours 20 minutes
Roadwork: 15 minutes

It was an intense bike ride, but an enjoyable one. I rode through sleet, driving wind, and spray and flowing water that covered the bike trail as I rode alongside a very choppy Lake Michigan. I am considering biking to and from my gym, once I develop enough endurance to do that in a reasonable amount of time.

I am happy that I have done the most important part of renewing my commitment to fitness and training: I have begun doing it in the new year.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I am celebrating today. It's interesting: I don't feel 44 years old. I feel a lot younger, but maybe that is due to workouts. I hope so.

Training has been moving along. I'll post an update later today or tomorrow. For now, I'm simply savoring the moment.

May all beings be safe, healthy, happy, prosperous, and at peace.