Knocked down, not out.

Me and some guys that are all better boxers than me... aaaand they're all at least 10 years younger.

I’m anxious to get this boxing challenge over with. It’s not that I’m not enjoying it, I love boxing, I just want to have this shit done already.  This is different than any other challenge I’ve even done in my life.  I’d only sparred for a total of 3 rounds.  One of those rounds I split my head open from an elbow and had to get stitches in the ER.  Good times.  I’ve endured self diagnosed stress fractures in my hands that still haven’t healed.  I’ve taken punches to the body that hurt for a week.  And here I am… still going at it.  I said I’d fight… and I’ll get my fight.

I didn't really ice my face with a bag of peas, that's only to be dramatic for this photo!

Tonight, I learned a really good lesson.  If you hit a wall… or get knocked on your ass… do like I do.  Jump back up, laugh it off, and keep doing your thing.  I walked into a punch today… a left from a kid that weighs 30+ pounds more than me and is probably 20 years old.  I got lazy,  flat footed.  For the first time in my life, I got knocked on my ass (I know!  You’d think somebody along the way would have taken a swing at me, right?!?!).  See the video here.

After 4 rounds of dancing and punching with a guy far above my weight class, I’m sitting here with a swollen lip, a throbbing head, and a busted up nose (i literally heard it crunch and felt it bleed tonight… that kind of sucked a little).  But, damn… I feel better than I have in weeks.  Feels good to do something most people will never do.  Here’s a little edited down video of the 4 rounds:

Sitting in a piping hot, 110 degree room doing Yoga is a test in will power for a first timer (it’s been awhile since I wished someone would fart on me to cool me off)… but you’re surrounded by hot girl butt in tiny yoga shorts, so that helps to numb the pain.  But, boxing… oh, boxing… it’s a test in heart.  Anyone can go in and do some “fitness boxing” or punch a bag, but to stand in a ring and bang it out with another human being is something totally different.  I still get nervous as hell before I start sparring.  It’s almost unbearable for me.  But, I don’t think anyone would ever know it watching me.

Duct tape hand wrapping by Jimmy

I could easily be spending my winter sitting on the couch every night in my sweatpants, agonizing over having to get up off my ass to get the remote 5 feet away.  I’ve had a “Sweatpants Winter” after Little C was born. Guess what?  I don’t remember shit about that winter… because I didn’t do shit.  And that’s no way to live my life.

So, as you read this, ask yourself, “When was the last time I tried something new… something ‘outside my comfort zone’?”  If your answer is, “I tried that Double Down from KFC yesterday after I went shopping for sweatpants.” Well then, I’m talking directly to you.

My current workout playlist this week is:

Aw Naw- Nappy Roots

There goes my baby- Usher

Six Foot- Lil’ Wayne

Simple As- Kid Cudi

I might listen to some random stuff, but it works for me.  Pick music that fires you up emotionally if you want a good workout.  Personally, I still can’t do stretches of cardio or strength training without music.  It makes all the difference.

Now go out and make yourself proud.

Be Great,

Mike @ M7

p.s.

Oh, and a big thanks to Joel at Mix1. He was awesome enough to give me a few cases of their “Enhanced Protein Shakes”.  The problem with getting lots of free protein shakes is that you feel obligated to share them with others.  I dropped a case at the Cyr Farrell Boxing Gym and everyone attacked them.  I’ve drilled through most of the rest with the help of the lovely E.A. Horton.  If you’re drinking Dunkin’ Donuts pre or post workout… please punch yourself in the stomach as punishment… then go buy some Mix1.