Working Through the Pain ...

I was supposed to be in class last night. Didn't happen. I couldn't even get out of a chair (or walk up/down stairs) without intense pain shooting through both quadraceps. I feel like I've blown the muscles in each of my top legs. My ass muscles hurt, too, but I can handle that. The quads are a completely different level of pain that I've only experienced once before in my lifetime of working out and challenging myself physically and mentally. My sweet husband was so great in helping me. He massaged my muscles with Icy Hot (ouch, ouch!) and ran a hot bath in our jacuzzi tub. He has been amazing in his support of my aspirations in TKD.

I truly planned on being in class last night, but I didn't want to show up and truly injure myself. In addition, I didn't want my instructor to think that I wasn't giving it my all or doing my best. I called and left word with a jr. instructor. Mr. Frieberg called back - he was disappointed in my choice to stay home. He encouraged me to attend the Thursday lunch class.

I rearranged my schedule to attend the Thursday lunch class. I am truly glad that I followed through on my commitment - both to Mr. Freiberg and to myself. I got to class early, stretched and warmed up. Class Began. There were no other white belts - everyone outranked me. I don't know why I always notice this. It really doesn't make any difference.

We worked on conditioning, punching with partners on the big bags and I once again discovered that my punches are much more powerful than even the black belt women. The men and Mr. Freiberg really take notice. I think it's because I was raised in the country - country girls ROCK!!!

I didn't go full force on my kicks - my legs would not allow me to. Working through the pain was great mentally. I was competing with myself today. I sweat my ass off.

We did floor work today to isolate and work the muscles required for hook kicks and back kicks. I need to do this on my own - ALOT. My quads, gluteus muscles and hip flexors really got some conditioning today. I can see why my kicks need work. These muscles need developing something fierce. If I can really perfect these floor exercises, I'll be able to demonstrate a great deal of control in my kicking forms and precision.

Lastly, I worked on my Poomse, or form. I now know the 23 moves of Songahm 2. I really enjoy the mental and physical aspects of performing my form. I would like to compete in forms to see how I stack up against others in my belt and peer groupings. I would also like to compete in sparring in the same.

When I left class today, I felt like a winner. I worked through the pain and had an outstanding class where I gave it my all. I did my best and it feels AWESOME!!!

Outside of class, a female black belt stopped me to tell me how great she thought I was doing. She told me that I would be her instructor one day. OMG!!!!!!!

Kihap!!!

Dedie