Defining Happy

"Try your best to find me in the crowd...I know it's hard but you can do it!"

I’m five days in to training at the “Plan B”  gym and made the decision to train solely in Western Boxing. In regard to Muay Thai I think I heard the echo of Teddy P telling me “I think ya betta let it go….let it goooo!” So the need to “master” that skill is now laid to rest in a nice plot with an engraved headstone, some nice flowers, and a final prayer has been said.  Moving along… 

With the lessons learned from the “beatdown gym” I decided to do a test session to make sure I was comfortable at the new spot. I also did extensive research (this means google and calling in a few favors at the state department) on the trainer and from what I learned he seemed pretty legit.  This tall young black cat from NYC who just so happens to also be a veteran runs a training business.  He had been recruited by Plan B and all who I asked spoke very highly of him. He’s accustomed to training amateur and pro fighters so it was no surprise to me that he turned my out of shape self down on the phone when I asked if he’d train me privately. 😐 I was upset for 2 milliseconds but I couldn’t really knock his hustle.  I’m all for staying true to your brand. In fact that what’s we teach our clients at ibrandulaunch.com (shameless plug 😉  ) Anyway, after hurting my feelings and shutting me down  politely declining he suggested I try the group session instead and this is what I did this past Monday.

I usually shy away from any kind of group workouts since the first thing that comes to mind is jazzercise or that one time when my friend Rhonda and I tried Zumba class and all of the senior citizens were getting it in and we were nearly dead after the first 2 minutes…but I digress.  This western boxing training class is one and a half hours of non stop fundamentals, technique, conditioning drills, and execution and this cat will not let you rest no matter how exhausted you are.  And by exhausted I’m talking about dehydrated, drenched in sweat, and on the verge of needing to be resuscitated.  Although I was accused of “coasting” in the class I honestly tried my best despite getting frustrated with myself a few times for doing a few things incorrectly.  Also, training in the morning  in 9 million degree weather took a bit of getting used to but I could definitely tell today that my stamina and endurance had improved from day one.  I could barely do twenty pushups on the first day which I thought was pretty pathetic.  Never eva neva eva would I reveal that not only have I been in the military but I’ve also trained for bodybuilding competitions.  Shhhh…don’t tell anybody.

Overall, the training was great but just not enough to make me want to stay.  I have indeed made the final decision to leave Phuket on Saturday or Sunday and continue on with my journey.  On one hand I definitely felt like I was throwing in the towel too soon but my losing weight is only a small portion of what I intend to accomplish during my travels.  Being true to self, trusting my judgement, and being confident that I have made the right decision are a few hurdles that I am happy to have gracefully jumped over instead.

Next stop…..Penang, Malaysia. And since I’m working on being more patient I’ve opted to take the bus 😐  Sweet baby Jesus…take the wheel!!!!