Size... does it matter?

I found this picture to be funny, but it's so incredibly true!  I am becoming more and more self aware, and realize that I am a big girl.  I have always known that, but it's taken some time to realize just how big I have gotten.

Welcome Back!

It sure has been a minute or two, hasn't it?!

We went on vacation.  And it was amazing!  We went to Branson and just spent time together.  See, since we work opposite shifts, spending time together is kind of rough.  Especially when you through up to 4 days of training a week... but that's ok!

Ohana means "Family"... Hale ha'uki ohana means "Gym Family"

There is something to be said for the people that you surround yourself with.  Even the bible says: As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend - Proverbs 27:17.

North/South 2016 Judo Tournament

This weekend was the 32nd Annual North/South Judo Tournament.  It was held in Belleville, and 2 Judoka from my gym were competing.  I was so excited that there was a tournament close by, so of course I went to show support.

Being brand new to the sport, and not knowing what to expect, I was super nervous about going.  I am so glad I did!  First, besides Sensei Jeremy, Sensei "Peeps", and Gabby's dad, no one else from our gym was there to show support.

You all already got to meet Rowdy Reagan, but Gabby Ward was also there to compete!  She is currently a yellow belt from The Hit Squad.

Due to the division being so small, they did have to fight each other, and they did great!

They both were very sportsman like, and while Reagan won the match, they still congratulated each other and exchanged handshakes and hugs!  It was great to see!

Here they got to share the podium!  I was, and still am, extremely proud to call them teammates!

Gabby brought home 2 medals - Gold and Silver!!  And all with an injured knee!  She spent the day with ice on her knee, but when it came time to "go to work" she put the pain out of her mind and did what she needed to do!

Here are some more pictures from Saturday:

While the South did not beat the North, there is always next year!!  Reagan did get to compete on the team:

It was a great competition, and our team of 2 did great!  It really inspired me to do whatever it takes to be able to compete next year.  

After I got home from the tournament, it was UFC 198 time!  It was a great card, and Cris Cyborg's UFC Debut.  We all knew it, she wiped the mat with her opponent in like 80 seconds!!  WAY TO GO CYBORG!!

Other than that, nothing is new in my journey.  I keep working hard, eating on my plan, and drinking my water.

How are YOU doing???

Thoughts on a Thursday Night

Tonight was so much fun!  Judo was tonight. And amazing things happened tonight!!

Because I get there after the warm up, thanks to work and traffic in St. Louis, I have to do my own warm up.  Tonight, it was 3 laps around the mat.  Now, I just have to say... I am not a runner.  Never really have been.  Doubt I ever will be... but tonight, for the first time, I made it around the mat 3 times!  Without stopping!  And I didn't pop a lung!!!  MORE PROGRESS!

After I ran, it was time to learn.  Throw #4 - O Goshi (I believe) which is Hip Wheel.  Once I threw Sensei Jeremy a couple of times, he then threw me.  For the first time!  AND I LOVED IT!! I understand now why people "WEE!" threw the air!  It was so much fun!  I never thought that I would enjoy getting thrown.  But it was great!!

After being thrown a few times, we learned some choke techniques.  Then we worked on mat work.

With the 32nd North/South Judo Tournament coming up, Sensei had Reagan spar with us once she finished up coaching the littles.  Yes, even with me.  And after a little bit, I actually took her down!  Maybe she "let" me, maybe she didn't.  Only she will really know.  We both fell, tried to high five and MISSED terribly, and died laughing!  That's what I really enjoy about Judo.  It's fun, and so easy to start laughing!

What else can I say that I haven't already said?  Tonight was so much fun!  I never in a million years thought that I would be here:  Being thrown and enjoying it!  Running laps on the mat and not quitting!  Sparring and throwing a blue belt!

HUGE shout out to Sensei Jeremy for believing in me, especially when I very first started Judo, because I sure didn't.  I went into to class feeling very self conscience. uncoordinated, and unable to even tie my belt the proper way.  It's crazy to think how far I have come in such a short time.

Until tomorrow friends!!!

No Pain, No Gain; The Perils of Losing a Toenail vs. Losing Focus

First, let me apologize for the blog post coming so late.  It was a very busy day, and quite honestly... I was lacking a topic.

And then I went to Judo tonight...

I want to start off by stating that I will, in no way shape or form be complaining.  I learned quite a bit about myself tonight.

I got to Judo just in time to realize that we were working on technique, since most of our class is going to the North/South Judo Competition - More on this later.  I was NOT left out of those working.  I worked technique on the 3 throws that I know, my o soto gari needs work, but it will come in time.

We worked our Ne Waza - mat work.  Starting on our knees, we had to take the other down and either keep them there, or fight for guard.  I did pretty well, but I know I need to learn to protect my throat better.  No worries, I am fine.

This is where the possibility of losing focus could have come into play.  We started our group cardio workout.  It started with sprints from 1 end of the mat to the other, 5 sit ups at one end and 5 push ups at the other.  Eventually, we were changed from sprints to crab walk.  And this is where my lunch started to make its reappearance... I made it to a trash can, and didn't throw up much, mostly water, but enough that I threw up.  The cost of throwing up in a trash can in Judo - Changing the trash afterwards.

After pulling myself together, it would have been incredibly easy for me to sit down.  Or gather my things and leave (it was kind of embarrassing) Or run off to the locker room, and only come out after everyone had left for the evening.  But I didn't!  I took a few drinks of water, took some deep breathes, fixed my gi, and back to the mat I went.

I didn't jump right back in, as they were finishing up the runs.  Once they finished the last lap, we circled up and did what can only be called... the Circle of Death!

4 exercises - fast feet, mountain climbers, squats, and burpees.  All done as fast as possible, 1 at a time, for 20 seconds with 10 second "rest" in between.  Go through the set twice, and that's 1 round.  We did it twice.

Now, I can't do mountain climbers - so I held plank positions on my hands.  I didn't quit!  I can't do burpees - so I held a plank position on my arms.  I didn't quit!

While I was doing these reps, I kind of went into my own little world... I started thinking about all of the people who told me I couldn't do something.  I started thinking about all of the people who have cut me down for certain things, or others.  I thought about all of the times that I held myself back.  Or felt worthless.  Next thing I knew, it was over.

I was soaked in sweat, my knees were a little weak, but I DID NOT QUIT!  I pushed through, and went farther than I ever thought possible.

Am I perfect?  Certainly NO!  But I now know and understand just how far I am willing to go.

Now, the toenail... I am not sure when, how, or even where it happened... But after my shower, I noticed that my nail polish was chipped... Upon further inspection... MY TOENAIL HAD BEEN RIPPED OFF!!!  It doesn't hurt, it didn't bleed, and I promise I am fine.  Just another excuse to go get my toes done again.

Much love!!  Keep going!  You are doing this, no matter how great or small your accomplishment is, YOU brought yourself one step farther!

Friday Funnies!

It's Friday, we are in the midst of busy season at work... so have a good laugh!! 

The very last one is something I need to remember in Judo... I WILL NOT hurt anyone, and if I do, they are trying to hurt me... so ready or not, here I come!!

Happy Friday!

Rest and Support

Not going to lie...that 5k pretty much ruined my legs.  But that's ok.  With some TENS Unit therapy, and some rest, I will be as good as new tomorrow!  And right back to it!

Don't have much to say on the REST department, other than you KNOW when you need it.

So on to the Support!

I pretty much have the best support system a person could ask for.  When my husband sleeps during the day, I am part of a very small (there are only 3 of us) facebook group that chats most days.  About anything and everything, really... but we are seriously each others cheerleaders!  When one of us feels down, the other 2 are there to encourage!  

I am finding that support is also a very important component of getting healthy.  Some days, it isn't very easy.  In fact, most days, it's really hard.  Some days, it's easier to just give up and go back to what was easy!  But that's when it is desperately important to have a secure support system in place.  

We 3 walked through the 5k together, and we REFUSED to let each other quit!  They are incredibly important, and I wouldn't be as far as I am today without my support!

My advice for the day is to get a support system - Someone, or people, you trust who will be honest with you when you need it, raise you up when you feel low, 

Pre 5k Jitters

In a couple of hours, I will run the first 5k since the highway 64 run!  And needless to say, I am a little anxious... I am not a runner... I am hardly a walker!!

But with some friends on tow, we WILL finish!  And once we finish, I will be riding roller coasters the same distance, at Six Flags St. Louis!  It's going to be super duper fun!  My only worry is that I won't fit on the rides... I haven't been to Six Flags in about 5 years.  And I know I have put on some weight since then.

Tonight, we had a decent hail storm come through.  So far, I haven't noticed any damage, so I am not worried.  But we decided to pull my husband's car into the garage as far as we could.  We have a 2 car garage, but we have 3 cars.  My daily, his daily, and his race car - SRT4.  He is rebuilding the engine and other things that I don't quite understand or know how to explain, so it is up on jack stands.  

I pulled my car up as far as I could, and we pulled his daily in behind mine.  And then we stood there and watched as the back end got pelted with ice... No damage that we can tell.

Once the ice turned into rain, he jumped in his car to move it back to its normal spot - out front of our house.  My job was simple... walk back in the house.  (Our garage is not attached...)

When I opened the door to head back to the house, water and ice came rushing in.  I jumped out the door, slammed it behind me... and the next thing I knew... my feet were in the air!  And somehow, my mind went straight into Judo training!!  BREAK FALL!!  I tucked my chin, and slapped the concrete once I made contact.  I didn't hit my head, I am not hurt!  Which is good, because I WILL finish both 5ks tomorrow!

I took my melatonin about an hour ago, but I think I am too worked up.  Dreamland is not coming so easily.

So, I am going to at least make an attempt at sleeping, as 5:30am is going to get here too quick!

Enjoy your Sunday!  What are YOU doing to stay active??

"Rowdy" Reagan Johnson

When I finally worked up the nerve to start taking Judo in February, I was introduced to Reagan Johnson.  (She is in the pink judogi)  In this picture, from left to right, is Sensei George Stanich, "Rowdy" Reagan Johnson, and Sensei Jeremy Johnson.  Jeremy is Reagan's dad, the Commentator for Shamrock FC, and Radio Host of That MMA Show

Reagan is only 15 years old!  She started training Judo at the age of 10, with her brother Mikey.  Her home gym is at The Hit Squad located in Granite City, IL.  And is currently a student at Triad High School in Troy, IL.

She has always been involved in sports, such as soccer and softball.  But she is now focusing on her MMA and Judo career.

2014 Tennessee State Championship - First Competition

  How did you get into Judo?

My little brother actually started a while before I did. I decided to go one day and watch and tried it out and instantly fell in love with the sport and have been with it ever since. 

Reagan and Mikey Johnson

  What is your biggest accomplishment?

I ranked 6th in the country in 2014-2015. 

  What would be your ultimate achievement?

Olympic gold medal 

  What is your biggest challenge, and how do you manage the challenge?

My biggest challenge would probably be [that] I can get very nervous about everything and I tend to worry about a lot. I manage this by just trying to relax and tell myself I can do anything that I can set my mind too. 

  Do you have a motto that you live by?

Train like you've never won a match in your life, and fight like you've never lost one. 

  Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration would probably be Ronda Rousey. She's an amazing athlete and an extremely nice person. When I got to meet her she was happy to take pictures and sign autographs for anyone that asked. 

  What is your diet like?

Chicken... Lots of chicken and veggies. 

  What was the best advice you were ever given?

The same [as] the motto. Told to me by coach George, train like you've never won a match in your life, and fight like you've never lost. 

  What does it mean to YOU to be competing in the 2016 Junior Olympics?

Oh my God it's amazing, and it means I'm that one step closer to the Olympics in 2020

  What would you tell any aspiring athlete?

If you really want to be the best, be the first to show up to practice and the last to leave and give 110% every chance you get. 

2015 Junior Olympics

If you would like to contact "Rowdy" Reagan Johnson, she can be found here on her Facebook Page.

Thank you Reagan for letting all of us get to know you.  Good luck at the 2016 AAU Junion Olympic Games!

Judo Shenanigans!

Don't have much to talk about today...  went to Judo last night, and I learned a new throw!

I won't lie, the art of Judo is extremely interesting. Created in 1882, Judo was created in Japan as a form of grappling.  The objective:  Throw or take down an opponent to subdue with a pin, or force a submission with a choke.  The practitioner is known as a Judoka, and the uniform is a Judogi, or Gi.

I promise, there is plenty more to it than how I just described it.  But it is very cool, when done properly.  I think I look like a crazy person... but my Sensei said I was doing great!

Ronda Rousey is a Judoka that most people know.  Her mother was also a trained Judoka!  I will let the video speak for her...

I don't know how to do any of those yet, but I am also just starting out.  I have to be honest with you, while I may look silly and I may have a hard time keeping up with some of the other students, I know that with time I will get better!  I already feel some core strength (read, aches and pains) in places that I didn't know I was using.  

My Sensei and classmates are incredible people!  They are patient with me (I ask a lot of questions) critique without being harsh (I do things wrong most of the time) and they do not let me quit!  They are all incredibly encouraging!

If you are worried that you will look silly - I STILL can't hardly do a somersault - you will!  But you will improve and look great eventually!  The hardest step is the first step onto the mat, the rest is a piece of cake! You even get to learn some words and phrases in Japanese!

Later this week, Friday perhaps, I will be posting an interview with Rowdy Reagan Johnson, who is in my class and is heading to Texas this year to compete in the Junior Olympics!