Monday's Training: A Personal Best

Today has been a good training day. I was determined to come out swinging at the start of the week, and I did.

• 30 minutes of roadwork
  
• 11 rounds on the pads with Bernard (with 10 of them done all in a row, with no breaks except for the 30 seconds between rounds)
• 3 rounds of shadowboxing
• 2 rounds of situps
  
• 2 rounds of stretching
  
• 1 round on the solid heavy bag
• 1 round on the water-filled heavy bag
  
• 1 round on the uppercut bag
• 1 round on the double-end bag

That's 22 rounds plus the roadwork. I'm happy with it.

We had a decent turnout. Bernard, Kevin, the Judge, Mike B., and I were there.

The 10 consecutive rounds on the pads was a personal best for me. I had previously worked with Bernard on the pads for 8 consecutive rounds, but I managed to keep going for 10 tonight. I was surprisingly focused and energetic, even during the last few rounds. During round 9, I realized I was getting tired, but I stayed with the work; I figured the tiredness was more mental than physical and I was confident I could overcome the mental fatigue.

I stayed confident and focused on doing my best. Instead of thinking about how tired I was, I reminded myself that I was strong and quick, ready and energized. For his part, Bernard kept the work interesting and challenging as always, and I am pleased with some of the progress I've made. I was lighter on my feet tonight, more readily staying on my toes, and punching with greater precision and power. As my technique and conditioning improve, my confidence increases. This was a workout day to remember.