Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my USA friends and supporters! May you and your loved ones have an awesome holiday, filled with family, friends, gratitude, joy, and peace.

The Undecided Dog

Slow Going

I haven't posted much here lately. Training is at a minimum and really only includes roadwork. The legal business has been very slow, so the money just isn't there for gym membership fees. Oh well, things will get better. I have to stay positive.

A Happy Anniversary

On a chilly day, September 20, 1975, a 9-week-old miniature schnauzer puppy came into the lives of my parents, my brother, and me. Her name was Mopsy and, although the events leading up to our getting her are numerous and complexly intertwined, that sweet little dog was anything but complicated. Hers was a genuine, unconditional love that blessed us all until September 3, 1989 when she passed away.

Mopsy's days with us were a (I'd like to think mutual) delight. She was always a happy, curious dog who loved riding in the car and traveling to new places. Her life was too short, when measured in years, but I think that's always the case. I believe God gives dogs shorter life spans so they can get to the Rainbow Bridge and heaven sooner.

So, this day, I remember Mopsy, and the "sister" and "brother" who followed her: Flopsy and Sebastian, mini schnauzers all. I am grateful for the joy that they have all brought to my family over the years. What a blessing are dogs!

One, If By Land; One-two, If By Sea?

Here's an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about how the America's Cup-winning Oracle Team USA uses boxing workouts to prepare for sailing races.

Happy Birthday, United States Constitution!

Today is the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America. Let freedom ring!

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.

Old-time Boxing Manuals: *Boxing for Beginners*, by William J. Jacomb

Boxing for Beginners

Please note that most, if not all, of these old-time boxing manuals were written during a different time. That earlier time had somewhat different cultural, social, and political sensibilities and may use some words and expressions that are rarely used today. Please remember that I did not write these materials and I do not necessarily agree with or endorse everything they say about training techniques or other matters. Thanks.

New Law Firm Web Site and Blawg

I am happy to announce my new law firm Web site and blawg (or law-oriented blog, if you prefer). Here's the address:

http://illinoisbusinesslawyer.us

I an currently posting links (and occasional commentary) to online stories about business law. Starting today, I will also post updates about Internet law. Enjoy!

Mental Game: Practicing the Ol' One-two

I have been working on the mental game recently. For now, that consists of visualization. I have been mentally rehearsing the left jab-straight right (or right cross).

The mental training is interesting. To do it well, I think one has to imagine that all of the senses are participating in the practice. Specifically, it helps to imagine my feet and legs stepping forward with the jab and pivoting with the hips to really turn the body into the right.

Some of the rest of it is obvious: imagining balance, keeping hands up, looking for opportunities to throw more punches after I see how the one-two goes. One thing that isn't quite so obvious is remembering to breathe. That is essential, too, so that I can develop good habits that will carry over into physical training.

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.

Old-time Boxing Manuals: *Boxing*, by Richard Kyle Fox

This book is shorter than some of the others I have mentioned in this series, but its lengthy subtitle balances the brevity of its content:

Boxing: With Hints on the Art of Attack and Defense and How to Train for the Prize Ring.

Boxing - Richard Kyle Fox

Please note that most, if not all, of these old-time boxing manuals were written during a different time. That earlier time had somewhat different cultural, social, and political sensibilities and may use some words and expressions that are rarely used today. Please remember that I did not write these materials and I do not necessarily agree with or endorse everything they say about training techniques or other matters. Thanks.

Old-time Boxing Manuals: *The Complete Boxer*, by J. G. Bohun Lynch and J. H. W. Knight-Bruce

Here is another instruction manual I hope you will find interesting.

Please note that most, if not all, of these old-time boxing manuals were written during a different time. That earlier time had somewhat different cultural, social, and political sensibilities and may use some words and expressions that are rarely used today. Please remember that I did not write these materials and I do not necessarily agree with or endorse everything they say about training techniques or other matters. Thanks.

The Complete Boxer

Old-time Boxing Manuals: *Boxing*, by R.G. Allanson-Winn

Probably as much as any other sport, boxing is one that has a rich history. Fans, as well as practitioners, of the sport are often nostalgic about how the sport was played "back in the day." Here is the first in a collection of "old-time boxing manuals" that I will post here.

I'm dedicating this blog entry to Frank, a very good friend of mine from high school, who has commented on the sentimental, old-time appeal of the sport. He and I have tentatively agreed to put the gloves on sometime for a friendly contest. I'm looking forward it; I think it will be a good time and, no doubt, a good, spirited match.

For now, enjoy the book. Also, please note that most, if not all, of these old-time boxing manuals were written during a different time. That earlier time had somewhat different cultural, social, and political sensibilities and may use some words and expressions that are rarely used today. Please remember that I did not write these materials and I do not necessarily endorse everything they say about training techniques or other matters. Thanks.

Boxing Allanson Winn

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!