Mid Week Musings

Hope all is well with everyone out there. Today seemed to be a very long day - started at 5:30 am and just ending now (11:40 PM). I had some really great clients today who brought their best to each session. I'm very happy with their progress and know they will all continue to do great work.

My mid-day workout consisted of shoulders, abs and 45 mins of cardio. Everything felt really good and I continue to lift heavier weights while trying to lean out. Tonight I went to my fifth jiu jitsu session at Up Top Martial Arts Academy. Tonight was a rough and tough session. Monday's session was a bit of a confidence boost, but tonight brought me back down to Earth. I got gassed pretty early in practice and felt like I didn't have much energy left when we rolled. I went against some pretty experienced guys who definitely gave me a tough time. They were all great and helped me learn while getting my ass handed to me.

It's easy to get frustrated with this sport, throw my hands up and walk away saying, "forget this; I'll never be good at this," or just simply "this isn't for me." That's where determination and willpower come in. I have a tough time accepting "I can't" and plan on giving every challenge my best effort. Although tonight wasn't what I wanted, I'm still very new to this sport and understand it will take time to level up and become better. So my last words I leave to anyone reading this - don't give up on your goals. Just like your body, you mind needs work and training. Mental toughness comes over time; practice on pushing through the tough times and give every effort your very best attempt. Good luck and goodnight.

Now Playing - Gym Class Heroes - Ass Back Home

Set Your Goals

For me to remain physically motivated and driven, I need a challenge. I've been putting challenges and new goals in my own path since 2010 when I ran my first half marathon - the Philly 1/2 in November of that year. Two months later I ran my second half marathon down in Disney and shaved 12 minutes off my time. From there I graduated to my first full marathon in San Diego in June 2011. After that much running I wanted to switch gears and that is how I got into body building. After completing three shows earlier this year, I'm ready for a new challenge and goal to overcome.

After speaking with my boss one random day, he suggested competing in a Brazilian jiu jitsu competition. Learning a martial arts discipline is on my bucket list and what better time to start than now.

Last week I joined Up Top Martial Arts Academy in Wayne and have gone twice already. Last night was my first time rolling in a gi and boy are those things, hot, heavy and smelly! I fear what our laundry room might smell like today since I didn't get to wash the gi last night. The next few weeks, I'll be getting a beat-down as I learn exactly what to do, but soon enough I'll be giving them out... hopefully!

I haven't found a competition yet, but I'm sure I'll get in one before the end of this year!

Song of this Post - Set Your Goal - This Will Be the Death of Us