I'm Back

Finally, after at least a couple months I'm back in the gym. My professional life requires travel and I had weeks and weeks of it in a row. I finally got back into the gym last Monday. I attended class three times last week and will attend for the first time this week tonight.

My first night back was challenging. As I expected, my instructor pushed me to the limit. After the first hour of warm-up and technique, he proceeded to insist that I roll for over an hour almost non-stop. I can't tell you how many times I almost puked on the mat. Fortunately, I was able to hold it in. My body actually felt pretty good even though I was extremely exhausted. I know I missed out on a lot of experience while I was away but the break did my body good.

My second night back, last Wednesday, was great! My cardio was much better and I felt good. It was a notable night in that I caught a purple belt in a triangle. Wow! I have rolled with this person at least 40 times and had never been close to tapping him. I'm not trying to brag but it was a milestone passed.

Friday of last week, my third day back after the long layoff, was equally good. My cardio was fully recovered and I still felt good. After warm-up and technique I rolled with a beginner and easily tapped him over and over. As a white belt it is a confidence booster to actually tap someone else out, especially when I usually roll with advanced guys. After rolling for awhile with the beginner I rolled with Roberto, the instructor. Of course, I have no chance against him but he made me work for about half an hour. It was fun and quite a learning experience. To my surprise, after class I received my third and fourth blue stripes on my white belt. I need to get into a couple tourneys before I actually get my blue belt.

It's great to be back!!!