Revving Up My Amateur Boxing Career

In recent developments--and I haven't decided on this yet--I am considering revving up my amateur boxing career. There is a masters division (ages 40+) in which I can compete.  The rules require careful matching of boxers by age, weight, and experience. 

I have been in such a funk since my father's death in September 2018 that I need the intensity and focus of the training and competition to pull me out of the dark state of mind that has gripped me. Thus, if you receive an invitation to be in my cheering section at a bout, it won't take you by surprise, and I would be honored by your presence.

Back to Training

After a long hiatus (due to many things demanding my time on a fairly unforgiving schedule), I have gotten back to my training more regularly. I have resumed going to my gym and have resumed roadwork. I need to do more mental training; I didn't do as much of that as I had hoped during my break from physical training. I will get there.

Added: I forgot to mention, I have been in contact with Glen, my coach, and am hoping to resume work with him soon.

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!

The lake is awesome!

Did 1 hour and 12 minutes of roadwork at the beach today. It was great. The waves breaking on the shore and rolling over my feet were pretty warm. (In early September, after a hot summer, the water in Lake Michigan is about as warm as it's going to get, ever.) I had fun with it.

Since I live near a dogs-friendly beach, it was neat to see all the dogs playing and having a great time. Ah, summer, how quickly it is passing.

Friday Update

Did 30 minutes of roadwork today in the much cooler weather. Also did some mental training.

Wednesday Roadwork

Did 1 hour yesterday. It was much cooler outdoors; we're getting a brief break from the grand heat wave that has characterized this summer.

Friday Roadwork

Did 1 hour and 8 minutes out there. It was much cooler outdoors today. At times, I even felt a cool breeze. Keep at it!

Summer Monday Roadwork

Like much of the United States, we're having a very hot and dry summer here in Chicago. I did manage to get in 29 minutes of roadwork today, so that's something. I'll be very glad when work stabilizes somewhat and I'm able to resume more regular training.

Summer is Here!

33 minutes roadwork today. It was hot out there--about 90 degrees--and sunny. Gotta love it.

Monday Roadwork

48 minutes of roadwork and shadowboxing today. It was hot out there: about 90 degrees.

Possible New Training Buddy in My Apartment Building

Foster Beach, Chicago, IL USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I don't know if I mentioned this earlier here, but I moved my home in the middle of March. I am still in Edgewater Beach, just a little closer to the park and beach. My apartment is a little larger than the last place I had, I am paying $75 month less in rent, and frankly, I trust the management company of my new apartment more than the one that managed the last building I lived in. My bicycle was stolen at my old building, my apartment was invaded by bedbugs that ruined about $2,000 in furniture, and the management company engaged in unlawful housing discrimination, and it was time for me to leave.

In my new building, I've met a nice mix of friendly people and dogs. Yes, the building is dog-friendly, too. I am hoping to adopt a dog or two from a dog rescue organization or animal shelter. Having some canine friends around regularly would likely do wonders for my disposition and mental and physical health.

Last, just a few days ago, I met one of my new neighbors. He's about my size and is interested in doing some boxing training with me. Since summer is approaching, we can probably do some outdoor training. I'll let you know how it goes.

30 minutes light roadwork today. I've got to shake off this ring rust, but my mom has been in the hospital so my time has been limited. I need to get back to my gym; hopefully, they'll still recognize me when I return! For now, doing some dogsitting and chilling out.

Spring is Here

Did 42 minutes of roadwork today. It was warm and sunny outside. It was a great day to be outdoors. There were lots of people and lots of dogs! :-)

Cold Roadwork in Early April

Did one hour and 16 minutes today. It was cold out there. March was unusually warm, but so far, April feels kind of cold. No big deal. It keeps me moving.

Saturday Roadwork

37 minutes on a nice, warmer-than-normal-for-this-time-of-year Saturday. Ah, sweet stuff, indeed!

Back in the Gym Today

Today was finally the day I got back to the gym to resume workouts. I intended to go easy my first time back, although once I got moving, I'm not so sure how easy I kept things. I guess I'll be able to tell by any soreness I feel tomorrow.

It was great to be back. We're getting a lot of snow here today, so that made traveling to and from my gym a bit slower than usual, but it wasn't all that bad. Rob, Chad, and Ricky really made me feel welcomed on my first day back and I appreciate that very much. Thanks, gentlemen!

Here's the breakdown of today's work.

• 30 minutes roadwork
• 3 rounds shadowboxing
• 4 rounds double-end bag
• 4 rounds speed bag
• 1 round heavy bag
• 1 round sit-ups and crunches
• 8 rounds stretching/flexibility

I spent a lot of time working on flexibility. I've learned multiple times that one doesn't take a fairly long break from exercise and then jump right back into it without being respectful to one's body. If I honor flexibility and give it the attention and respect it deserves, I will be fine. I don't care to have any injuries in general, and it certainly doesn't make any sense to have my return to training stopped by injuries resulting from being a bit too eager to resume the exercise routine.

Today's return was something of a homecoming for me. Now, the challenge will be to arrange my time skillfully so that I will be able to fit in a lot of workouts and use the one-hour trip each way as working time. I am blessed to have some projects now that ought to fit into that kind of arrangement. Ah, so good to be back!

Getting Back to the Gym

If all goes well, I'll be back at the gym tomorrow morning. I've spent a lot of time developing a plan for 2012 and have spent the last few days implementing some of the plan's first tasks for my law firm. It will be great to get back into a regular training routine.

As for the law practice, I have a renewed enthusiasm to generate new business this year and explore a variety of opportunities. I also watched some very good MCLE programs during the past week. (That June deadline is getting closer.) I think the recent spring-like weather is helping to boost the energy and focus, too!

Last Day of the Year

45 minutes of roadwork today. I expect to be back in the gym next week. Happy new year 2012, everyone!

Late October roadwork

Friday: 35 minutes
Saturday: 30 minutes
The days are getting shorter and it's getting colder out there!

Not much to report on training

I have been doing some roadwork and trying to be consistent with that. Mostly, I've been lawyering, writing, and hustling to get more business so I can do more lawyering. How are you, my friendly readers, doing? I hope you're enjoying your summer (or winter in the southern hemisphere)?