Round 2 of Middle Age Karate

Last night was my second class as an adult white belt karate student. This class was harder than the first one. The warm up had me winded, sad to admit. I gave it my all though the whole way through. We learned a kata that we are supposed to perform at tournament in a few weeks and then again at the end of the term to rank up to the next belt. I will really have to work on it even though I helped my son learn it two sessions ago. It is much easier to teach and give pointers than to do yourself! In this class we also did some self defense moves that were pretty cool. Hope I never have to use any of that stuff.

Karate - My New Challenge

My son started karate at 5 years old. He loved it. He is now almost 11 and as tall as me. His height got him moved up from the Junior division to the Adult division this past year. Weekly when just sitting on my tush playing on my phone, reading a book or just watching the class I had the random scary thought what if I signed up for the class. What if instead of sitting here I actually did what they are all doing. Most if not all the newbies were around my son's age so that was a big mental obstacle. What if I actually have to sparr my son? What if everyone laughs at me? What if I just can't do it?

I made the mistake of saying to my son "What if I were to do karate?" I can't say what reaction I expected but not the excitement I got. He was over the moon that I might do it with him.so much that he told his instructor, from there it was constant reminder from all that I needed to do it. Even though it was my idea I was not convinced. 

The second week into the new session and I was going to do it...I totally psyched myself out. I didn't do it but the Instructor had me try on a uniform, he wasn't giving up. I even tried to talk some of the other parents in to joining. I had two others moms that said they would try it the next week. 

The next week came and I was totally scared, nervous and excited all 

at once. One of my coworkers said he would come to watch, cheer me on and laugh. So glad he went because the two moms who talked about taking the class with me both not only backed out but didn't even stay to watch the class! My coworker tried it out with me though which made me feel so much better. He is about 15 years younger than me but it still eased my anxiety a bit. It was a fun first class. We both enjoyed it! My son loved having me in the class. It totally kicked my butt and helped me realize just how far out of shape I am but now I am doing something atleast once a week.

Planning to write more on my karate  journey! Thanks, Mel

Couch to 5K Reload

Last year around this time I was doing my second round of couch to 5K until I got a stress fracture and ended up in a boot. Since being out of the boot I have run in spurts and spells. I am in need of a push out of my current rut so I am going to give the couch to 5K another run. This evening I started with week 1 Day 1. I finished two miles of run/walk in 30minutes. Nothing to write home about but I finished and can check it off! You have to start somewhere right? What did you do to get back in the swing of things? 

Here is the sunset while I was finishing up this evening. 

It's a Boot-iful Day in the Neighborhood!

So what is new in my hood? Well about a month ago now I started to have foot pain. Not awful foot pain but "Man something doesn't feel quite right" type of pain. I waited a week to see if it would go away or get worse. It did neither...it stayed. So I waited another week and finally found the time to get an x-ray. Verdict I have a stress fracture in my right foot. So 3-6 weeks in a boot for me.

First off I am not 100% sure what initially caused the foot pain however since my foot started bothering me it has been a target for my kids. They are forever stepping on it, landing on it, jumping on it, kicking it during karate practice, etc. I just can't seem to catch a break with that foot lately. 

I have now been in the boot for about two weeks. It is amazing how my foot doesn't hurt at all when I have the boot on. I must say though, that thing is HEAVY. I waddled before with my turned out feet but with the boot on it is so much more obvious. I am a sight to behold for sure. 

I am pretty bummed about the cut back in my walking and mileage etc. I can't wait to get the boot off and hopefully be as good as new. Cause there is nothing like watching people have fun and not being able to take part. Summer is pretty much here and I am ready to enjoy (well except for the heat)!

Words For Wednesday - 3-5-14

Notes For A Cold Running Wuss

Here are a few notes to self for the next time I decide to run at any temp around 32degrees F. 

1. Fingertip less gloves or iPhone gloves are a must.  Hands get cold. 

2. Something to cover your face from the cold biting wind would be a good idea. 

3. Should one wear some sort of eye cover for eye wind protection? Sunglasses won't work cause I run in the evening.

4. Add another layer to upper arms. Maybe a thicker tshirt length on top of long sleeve. 

If anyone who runs up North or in the cold wants to add to my list please do. It is March so this is probably the last cold spell like this...but you never know. 

Another Round Please

I am doing another round of Couch to 5K. I do a round then sit on my duff for a bit...just long enough to where my body needs to start at the beginning again. I was running pretty well in the Fall but then it happened, Texas had a real Winter this year. Since A) I am a wuss and B) I run outside mostly late I just didn't do it. My hubby signed the son and I up for a 5K a week back. It was brutal. I hadn't prepped at all not one bit. I had the worst shin splints. I stretched before the race but my months of no running caught up with me. So I decided to start another couch to 5K. I got a great app that I love so far. Interested to see if I like this program better than the one I used before. 

Pic from the race day that prompted another round.