Upper Body Day

I made it to the gym!! Like everyone else, some days I have to drag my butt there and it's the last thing I want to do. On Monday, I had a series of very productive and inspiring team meetings, leaving me feeling invigorated at the end of the day. However, even though I had planned on a run and hitting the weights, the couch and a big fat glass of red wine was definitely calling. As per usual, my 16 year old weighed in with his voice of wisdom (this happens at the most unsuspecting times). Every time I stall on getting out the door, without fail, he reminds me that I will feel so much better when it's over. He usually adds that the other girl (meaning my opponent) is probably running so I had better do the same. Finally, he punishingly adds...and you better run faster and harder than her. Good point...still, I argue that I haven't made him dinner yet and that by the time I get back, he will be starving and I will just be starting his all-time favorite dinner - lasagna. No problem, he is willing to do all the prep!!
Smile, sigh. Off I go.
I run to the gym - good compromise! I get there at 7pm and it's absolutely packed...now I know why my 9pm preference is best. I can barely find weights or a bench or any other station to start in on my sets, but thankfully, some nice guy is letting me work in. I work diligently and with intense focus and dedication for 1 hr. This is the part I don't have a problem with. Once I'm there, I'm all in.
I do spot a rather doughy young woman pacing (more like wandering) around the gym looking for something to do. She has a water bottle in hand and towel draped over her neck, and clearly has no intention of using either. I am amused but I also sense that she is overwhelmed and discouraged. This is new territory for her. I help her get set up on something that I think she can manage on her own without hurting herself and leave her to her own devices. I really wish that the staff would be more proactive in these cases and at least give her an orientation and maybe suggest some privates. This is definitely how people end up never coming back...they go home and sit on the couch with a big fat glass of red wine!
Mission accomplished...I run home, finish the lasagna and sit down to a nice dinner with my son at 10pm. I feel happy, fulfilled, and very supported by my family and friends.
What a lucky lady I am.

Health and happiness!
Emma

RUNNING IN THE DARK

I really needed to go for a run last night. After a long day of administration and sitting at my desk (not my favorite place to be), I was itching to get out. I am used to squeezing my workouts in around my hectic life. Running a Martial Arts club, which means being head instructor and CEO, and raising 2 kids on my own does not leave a lot of free time. But training always maintains a high priority in my life, especially with my goal of competing in a boxing fight this year. Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy to be juggling so much but who am I kidding, I LOVE my life!

On my run I use my time to process the day's work and motivate myself for the next hurdle in my business. I'm trying to stay in the zone and focus on my fighter's mind. But I also have to keep my wits about me; after all I'm running in the dark by the ocean in Vancouver. I can't ignore that I might be seen as a target. Could someone pop out and jump me at any moment, and if so, would I be ready for it? These questions are always in the back of my mind, and some might call it paranoia - but I call it preparedness.

I have a lot going on in my head and my body, but all the while I keep aware of my vulnerability and my responsibility to keep myself safe. I don’t have my headphones on, and I’m certainly not distracted on my cell phone (2 big No-No’s). Perhaps I shouldn't run in the dark (and mostly I don't), but sometimes the day just gets away from me and I still need to do what I need to do...for me.

But the real question is, could I protect myself if that creepy dude did turn around and start chasing me or if that distorted stump up ahead turned out to be my worst nightmare? I believe I can. I don't know exactly what it is, it could be the countless hours I've spent struggling under men almost twice my size at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, or it could be the knife attacks and chokes I've had to fend off from the lovely (but extremely tough and resilient) women in my Women's Self-Defence class. What I think it boils down to is that I believe in myself and I'm not afraid to fight for my life because, as I mentioned, I LOVE my life and anything I love is worth fighting for!

If you are interested in learning self-defence, I encourage you to come out and try the Women's Self-Defence class at my club. It is a fun, positive and constructive hour spent with wonderful, strong, supportive women. Why not try it out? There's a self-defense workshop on Tuesday, March 8th at my club from 7pm - 8:30pm in recognition of International Women's Day. It's by donation and proceeds go to WAVAW.

It's fight, not flight.

Emma