Thursday, October 12, 2006

Path of most resistance

(Actually currently Dimanche 15 Octobre 2006, 1230)

As a child, I read these books called "Choose Your Own Adventure". While it was obvious most of the time as to which action to choose, sometimes it was not.

And even though my personal journey is far from complete, I am choosing an action that may seem illogical, and ill-advised. It may also seem impulsive, but it is not.

I am not running from anyone or anything. I am choosing to try something that people only daydream about. There are absolutely no guarantees I will succeed, and there will definitely be good times and bad times even if I do. But at the end, I can look at myself in the mirror and know that I didn't do the easy way.

Choose your own adventure, indeed.

Legio Patria Nostra.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Exquisitely sublime...

There were times at Kaewsamrit Muay Thai when I asked myself why I was placing myself in such pain and discomfort. Why as a "tourist" and not a professional fighter, hell...not even a gifted amateur, I was training like I was getting ready for a fight.

Because it was worth every stinking, sweating, aching moment. There's something that just transcends physical discomfort, and makes the whole experience sublime. I have experienced it in swimming and cycling, but never as a boxer. To try to put it into words seems to cheapen the experience...so I'll leave it at that.

My friends and family...do try to challenge yourself, and not just physically, in every way and at every opportunity.

Arete.

I am off to France on Emirates Airline this Friday at 0230. Next update will be whenever I can figure out the French keyboard.


Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Muay Thai "mini-camp" in Bangkok

So I decided to check myself into a Muay Thai camp. It's like a mental asylum, except with more sweat. 0600-0900 training in the morning, followed by breakfast/lunch, then another session in the afternoon from 1500-1800. I don't even know about this point if I'll be able to last the 6 days of training that I've committed to.

IF I can handle the stress load, I think I'll get myself to a pretty good fitness level. Not to mention just have the opportunity to just train and not worry about anything else, which I've always enjoyed. Probably have some new bruises. Definitely some new friends. And most definitely an appreciation for a new and higher level of PAIN.