Day 74: Learning to Adapt and Refine

A Delayed Morning and a Calm Start

Today was Tuesday, and just like the day before, we were informed late at night that due to heavy rain, work would start at 8.30 instead of 6.30. I was glad for the extra rest, as it allowed me to feel more refreshed and ready for the day ahead. I woke up on time, took a cold shower, which helped me wake up fully, and had a good breakfast filled with an assortment of fruit. My calves were hurting from yesterday’s running, a consequence of pushing myself too hard, and my chest was sore from all the push-ups over the past two days. On the way to school, I did my breathing exercises as usual, focusing on staying calm and relaxed despite the lingering aches.

I brought my rope and sportswear with me, knowing I wanted to stay active and make the most of my day. There were no students, so the day felt lighter and less stressful overall. We simply had to go to school and be present, engaging in our usual routines without the added chaos of students bustling around.

Morning Rope Training and Small Wins

When I arrived at school, I enjoyed the quiet environment and decided to train. I jumped rope for around thirty minutes, and it was very intense. I was no longer just doing basic skipping; I worked on crossing my legs, changing rhythm, and adding new movements to keep it interesting and challenging.

For the first time, I even managed to jump rope backwards, a skill I had been practicing for a while, and I could not believe it when I finally did it. It was not fast or perfect, but I managed to keep going, and that felt like real progress. I was so focused on training that I did not even notice my colleagues leaving early. I left after them, and since it was still early, the day felt open and relaxed, a perfect time to gather my thoughts.

Rest and Preparation for the Evening

When I got home, I focused on nutrition and then took a long nap of about three hours. When I woke up, I realized I was barely on time to get ready for the gym. I rushed, ate quickly, knowing I still had to pack my gear, and headed out. I arrived about fifteen minutes late, but luckily the Muay Thai students had not started yet because of their upcoming tournament, which allowed me the opportunity to warm up properly.

There were only about ten of us in the training session, which made the atmosphere more focused and intense, allowing us to really connect with our movements and techniques.

Wrestling and MMA Session

We started with heavy conditioning, which was quite demanding. There was a lot of running, rolling, sprawls, knee slides, crab walks, hand walking, and various acrobatic movements that pushed our limits. After that, we spent a long time stretching every part of the body, including arms, legs, knees, back, neck, and wrists. This first part alone lasted about an hour, ensuring we were properly warmed up and ready to engage in the more technical aspects of the training.

The session was first led by students, which helped build camaraderie and teamwork, then the coach took over to guide us through the more advanced techniques. We moved into shadow boxing and shadow wrestling, keeping the pace steady and adjusting to the rhythm of our movements. After about an hour, we were given some much-needed time to drink water and gear up, everything except for the head guard which we would need later.

The technical part focused on short, practical combinations specifically designed to enhance our skills. I partnered with someone who had just come from boxing and was already fatigued, so we could not work together much. I ended up doing many repetitions on my own, focusing on perfecting my form and execution.

We worked on combinations like jab jab cross hook followed by a single leg and then a double leg, emphasizing speed and precision. Another sequence was jab cross, a right feint, a left high kick, then switching sides to keep the flow continuous. We practiced various counters, entry techniques, and transitions to the ground. One sequence focused on avoiding a jab while countering with a cross hook, entering for a single leg, switching to a double leg, and controlling on the floor using proper knee and arm placement.

The final combinations involved jab jab cross hook, two knees, then entering for a double leg, countering a sprawl, and transitioning to back control with effective leg sweeps. We finished the session with repeated high kicks on both sides, testing our endurance and flexibility. I loved this session as it was focused on control, effective takedowns, and realistic techniques relevant to actual fighting scenarios. The movements were practical, easy to follow, and exactly what I need right now to enhance my skills.

Ending the Day

Toward the end, I switched partners since mine left early due to fatigue. My calves were very sore from yesterday’s run and the morning rope session, but I pushed through the discomfort, knowing it was part of the training process. After training, I drank my protein and creatine shake, went home, took a cold shower to soothe my muscles, had a quick snack to replenish my energy, and went to sleep feeling satisfied with my accomplishments.

Day Seventy Four Lesson

Progress is not always about intensity. Sometimes it is about patience, repetition, and refining the basics even when the body feels sore and tired. It’s essential to recognize that every small step forward counts and contributes to our long-term goals.

Day 74 complete. The grind continues, and with each passing day, I feel more equipped to handle whatever challenges come my way.

👉 What part of your training do you enjoy refining the most when your body feels sore but your mind is still focused?