Day 75: Finding Rhythm Through Fatigue

A Return to Early Mornings

Day 75 started with a return to the regular work schedule. I woke up around 5.20, a bit groggy but determined, and went straight into a cold shower to reset my body and mind. The invigorating chill of the water snapped me into full awareness, and after a refreshing breakfast, I felt energized. I headed to school and on the way, I did my breathing exercises, easing myself into the day, preparing mentally for whatever challenges awaited me ahead. It's amazing how a simple routine can set the tone for the entire day.

Only half of the students returned today since the others had finished their program. My own students were not present, and I had already completed my exams, so the day was quite light. I only had a short supervision duty toward the end, which allowed for a comfortable pace, and we finished after about four hours. Despite the easy workload, I felt exhausted since I had stayed up very late the night before and only managed a few hours of rest. It can be challenging to maintain energy levels without enough sleep, but I tried to stay focused and productive.

Midday Recovery and Reset

When I got home, I realized how tired I really was. I ate lightly and went straight to sleep, seeking that blissful escape. The nap lasted about three hours, and it helped me recover some much-needed energy. I woke feeling a bit disoriented but refreshed, ready to embrace the rest of the day. I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, mentally preparing for training, and getting myself back into rhythm. It’s crucial to recharge after a long day, especially when physical exertion is on the horizon.

I realized later that I had forgotten completely about my jiu jitsu session. It nagged at my mind as I thought about what could have been, and I could have made it on time if I had remembered, but it slipped my mind, a lapse I definitely need to fix moving forward. Instead of dwelling on the missed opportunity, I opted to head to boxing. I arrived a bit late but was determined to make the most of my time there, knowing that every moment counts in training.

Evening Boxing and Lessons Learned

At the gym, I warmed up with rope skipping and shadowboxing, feeling the adrenaline pulse in my veins. My palms were sore from previous sessions, but I pushed through, driven by the need to improve. I partnered with a much bigger and stronger fighter who relied heavily on power but lacked speed. We worked on jab and cross combinations, blending in hooks and longer sequences before moving into some light sparring, which is always a treat and a challenge.

He tried to turn the sparring into something intense, but I stayed calm, focused on movement. I adeptly avoided punches by stepping back or shifting to the side rather than slipping, which is a skill I still need to improve. The coach reminded me constantly to move my lead leg with my jab, stay light on my feet, and prioritize footwork, these fundamentals are the backbone of effective boxing, and my focus on them is critical to my progress.

Despite the size difference, speed and timing worked in my favor throughout our sparring match. I waited patiently, blocked strategically, countered adequately, and conserved energy effectively. Over time, he slowed down, while I managed to stay composed and steady, a testament to the training and conditioning I had implemented into my regimen. It's a remarkable feeling to realize you can adapt and use your strengths to your advantage.

After sparring, most people had left the gym, but I decided to stay and finish an ab workout on my own. It’s important to put in the extra effort, especially when training is about consistent improvement. I then went for a short run of about twenty minutes, covering roughly three kilometers, just to keep my conditioning consistent. Every bit of training counts, and I am learning to maximize my time at the gym.

I finished the day with a refreshing cold shower, a solid meal packed with nutrition, and proper rest to recuperate. I had taken whey protein & creatine after training, which is part of my routine, and everything felt aligned again by the time I went to sleep, knowing that each day brings new lessons and opportunities for growth.

Day Seventy Five Lesson

Not every day is about perfect execution. Some days are about awareness, reflection, and learning from experiences. Today reminded me that speed, footwork, and discipline matter more than brute strength alone. Fatigue reveals habits, weaknesses, and areas that need refinement. As long as I am learning and adjusting with every session, I can truly say progress is happening, and that is the most important takeaway for me.

Day 75 complete, but the journey does not end here. The grind continues, with every challenge met with determination and resilience.

👉 What technical detail are you currently focusing on improving, even when you feel tired or distracted? It’s essential to stay focused on our goals, no matter the circumstances.