Feeling really good this week, my tweaked nutrition, seems to be working, my energy levels are high and my workouts are getting better, harder and managing to push myself further each day, so all good.
Was looking forward (sort of) to tonights session as Ben had told me (warned me more like) that I would be doing some sparring with him tonight.
Although I knew this was going to hard, I was actually looking forward to it, as sparring with a much higher level boxer is only going to improve my skill level.
So as soon as I had warmed up, I was called through to the ring, for 3 x 2 minute rounds, with 30 seconds rest, which is 30 seconds less than I'll get on the night.
Felt a lot more relaxed tonight, and didn't seem to be over thinking everything, although never got much chance to think about anything apart from where Ben's head was, or more importantly his fists.
The first round whizzed past, with Ben talking me through it, while he allowed me to hit him a few times, while very kindly hitting me back as soon as my guard dropped or I never moved away quickly enough, which was a brilliant learning curve as Ben is extremely quick, so made me move a lot quicker too.
By the end of the first round, I realised I wasn't out of breath as much as I had been, even though I was working harder, this I put down to my new gumshield, which I don't really notice is in, when I'm boxing now, compared to being out of breath after about 30 seconds with the previous one. I even used it for the rest of the session. The more I wear it during training the better, even when I know I'm not going to get hit with anything or anyone.
The second and third rounds felt good too, although I was completely wiped by the end of the third round. Which was mainly down to Ben making me work hard constantly, getting me moving, punching and blocking.
The one thing I do actually still find hard is, when Ben told me to hit him a few times, I still struggle to throw my hardest punches, at someone just standing there, although its not a problem during sparring, so shouldn't be a problem on the night.
Even Ben wearing his Glasgow Celtic gumshield didn't make it any easier to hit him.
Took a lot from these three rounds, the only problem now, was I still had to finish the rest of the hour.
When I went back through to the main gym, I was just in time to start 4 x 3 minute rounds of bagwork, which was surprisingly tiring, which i think was partly down to the sparring and the fact I put more into my punches and movement, all good signs.
Next up we went through some drills, getting our movement better, ducking and sweeping, moving ourselves out of the way of punches (which could be handy on the night, so I paid attention to this part), not just moving out the way, but the best way to avoid a punch, while putting yourself in a good position, to avoid another punch and be able to throw your own.
We did this working in pairs, starting off slowly then, speeding it up, as we got more comfortable and confident with the movement.
This was followed by a couple of rounds of shadow boxing in front of the mirror, practising the moves we had just learned. Its amazing to see the difference in all the guys now, no one is standing still punching now, there is a whole lot of good movement going on and everyone is definitely heading in the right direction.
We finished off with some 30 second rounds on the bags, getting as many punches in as we could, with various exercises during our 'rest' period.
Thursday done ! Was really wiped after tonight, got my post workout drink in straight away before i left the gym, home showered and some fish and vegetables for dinner, think it'll be early night tonight.
Next up, Sunday Funday again.
Craig :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment