Last night, I had the best Thai Kickboxing workout I’ve had in awhile. What was so different about last night’s workout than any other? I trained with Sam (not his real name). Sam, of course, is one of the guys. I normally partner with Deb or Sue or Dee. Us girls are a little slower, more deliberate, less intense. Don’t get me wrong, we get a good workout, but we’re not out to kill ourselves doing it. When I partner with one of the guys for 45 minutes, my whole mindset changes.
Bring. It. On.
Brutal, intense, powerful, focused. There’s no time for chit-chat. I punched harder, I kicked harder, I moved faster. Sam was impressed with the intensity of my left hook. After a double bob-and-weave, Sam said my left hook came up fast and with power. I’m not sure if he was saying that to make me feel good about myself, but I kept at it.
Holding the focus pads for Sam, I have to be on my game and then some. He’s got a lightning fast jab, cross, hook combo. Power? I knew I’d see a few bruises in the morning.
In between sets, Master Tashi made us do down ups, push ups, sit ups, mountain climbers, lunges and squats. It didn’t matter what Tashi had us do…my game was on. I was in the zone and it didn’t matter that I thought even my earrings were sweating.
Hot and muggy inside the dojo, I had that slightly nauseous feeling coupled with that starry light headedness. After working the focus pads to the point of upper body muscle fatigue, it was time to work with the shield and my lower body. Push kicks, Thai kicks, knees. With each kick I felt mighty powerful. Even Sam commented that my left Thai kick had “pepper” in it.
We finished class with three minutes of butt busters. Master Tashi isn’t happy unless his class is completely drained. Honestly, I think I left parts of my body in the dojo last night. I left the dojo with my hand-wraps still on and knowing that I just might wake up with sore hair. The Professor (formerly referred to as “Shihan”) and Kevin Kearns would be proud of me, though!
The Professor talks about training with people above your rank and people below your rank. This allows you to be both the teacher and the student. Training with someone who is biologically and physically constructed to be stronger, faster, more powerful than me is another way for me to step up my level of intensity.
In my quest to be a kick ass black belt in Thai Kickboxing, this lesson of stepping up to the next level flows into every aspect of my life. I want to be and do my best.
Today, I am stepping up the intensity to push my writing from the blog to publication. I’m taking part in my first ever Mastermind Group and I’m attending the Dare To Be Phenomenal networking meeting for women who Dare to Be Phenomenal.
What are you doing today to step you life up a notch or two?
What are you saying “Bring. It. On.” to?
What areas of your life are languishing in the status quo because stepping up means stepping outside your comfort zone?
Oh my God, I’m tired just reading this post! I might put off kicking some serious ass until tomorrow… Today I may just take it easy.
In all honesty, I loved the energy of this post. It makes me want to get out there and grab this bull of a world by its horns. First, though, I need some tea.
Megan…for real…I think my hair is sore! Last night was so awesome…but I have body parts that would rather be in bed right now!
Good for you, Peggy!!! Way to really push yourself and take your game up another notch! Your questions at the end are brilliant…I ask myself a lot if I am doing enough to chase my dreams…it’s always that extra push that makes all the difference!
Jodi,
It *is* that extra push. It’s doing the one more thing even though you may be mentally and physically exhausted. It’s about not giving up 5 minutes before the miracle!
Now the trick for me today is to see if I can walk up the flight of stairs to the conference room I’m supposed to be in!
So many people play it safe. You and I both no that when you step outside your comfort zone you step into your greatness! You can never become all that you want to become if you just play it safe! Good for you Peggy taking it up a notch and stepping even more into your greatness.
Maureen
“The DARE Coach”
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