Day 80: Learning to Balance Effort and Intention

Morning Routine and Mental Reset

Today is Monday day 80, the start of a new day filled with potential and opportunities. Even though my body was incredibly exhausted after a long weekend, I still woke up early out of habit and dedication. I remember the moment I opened my eyes; the weight of fatigue settled on me, making me feel heavy and drained, and I instinctively tried to go back to sleep for just a few more minutes. I managed to rest a little longer, savoring the warmth of my blankets, before fully waking up and committing to my day. Once I did get up, I followed my usual morning routine without fail. The invigorating cold shower I took helped reset my mind and wake me up properly, shaking off the remnants of sleep. After that refreshing experience, I spent some quality time working on my blog, organizing my thoughts in a way that felt therapeutic, and enjoying a slow and calm start to the day, which I always appreciate immensely.

Normally, Mondays are designated as rest days for me, which I usually look forward to, but this week was different. I knew I would be out of town for the next few days, which required me to adapt my schedule accordingly. Because of that, I made the deliberate decision to train today and fit in as much quality work as possible before my trip. The plan was to have a double session, starting with Jiu Jitsu first and boxing later on, which I was quite looking forward to, as I feel both disciplines contribute significantly to my growth.

Jiu Jitsu Session and Technical Growth

I arrived at the gym for Jiu Jitsu around 6 PM, feeling the cool evening air on my skin as I prepared mentally for the session ahead. The warm-up lasted about twenty-five minutes, and it felt well-paced and fluid. It included light movement to get the blood pumping, mobility work to enhance joint range, and preparation drills specifically for grappling. The atmosphere in the Jiu Jitsu class always feels different in the best possible way. Everyone there is incredibly respectful, supportive, and willing to help each other improve, creating a nurturing environment.

We started with drills that were focused on positional control rather than just seeking submissions. One of the very first techniques we practiced involved the Russian tie, and we spent time learning how to transition smoothly while staying balanced and centered. I initially partnered with a new student who was eager but somewhat nervous. I tried to guide him through the movements slowly and clearly to help him gain confidence. Later on, I switched partners and worked more deeply on closed guard transitions, which challenged me in entirely new ways.

The coach explained how to score points through control rather than just brute force, emphasizing the importance of technique in practice. We practiced moving fluidly from side control to knee on belly, and then into full mount, making sure we understood each position thoroughly. Afterward, we reversed roles so that each partner could experience both the attacking and defending perspectives. From there, we worked on half guard transitions, along with methods to avoid giving your back while trying to escape challenging positions. Each moment in class was a learning opportunity.

One of the most valuable moments came unexpectedly when I ended up partnering directly with the coach himself. He took the time to demonstrate a few subtle adjustments that I could implement, showing me how to escape a submission calmly instead of succumbing to panic. That alone made the entire session feel worth it. Jiu Jitsu continues to teach me invaluable lessons in patience, humility, and self-awareness. The session lasted about an hour and a half, and it absolutely flew by, filled with a myriad of techniques and discussions.

Boxing Session and Conditioning Push

After a short break that felt well-deserved, boxing started at 7:30 PM and ran until 9 PM. We began with rope skipping, a classic warm-up. I noticed real improvement in my coordination during this exercise. Instead of simply executing basic two-foot jumps, I was able to alternate legs and even copy a new rhythm I observed another boxer using, which made me feel good about my progress. The jump rope felt smoother and more controlled than before, and I could feel the rhythm building.

Shadowboxing followed, where I focused intently on combinations and footwork, trying to see how I could improve my technique. Watching others around me as they practiced helped me to adjust my timing and flow, providing a great learning experience. After that, we transitioned to heavy bag work. This segment was intense, to say the least. We pushed ourselves through three rounds of five minutes each, hitting the bag with full effort and intensity. After every round, we immediately dropped into conditioning drills that included squats, push-ups, and burpees. This cycle repeated three times, pushing everyone hard and testing our limits.

Once we finished the bag work, we partnered up again, this time focusing on practicing a combination that involved jabbing, covering the opponent’s vision briefly with the gloves, then efficiently throwing a cross. As the session progressed, we added in hooks and body shots before retreating, emphasizing the importance of fluidity in movement. These drills highlighted the necessity of control, precision, and timing, rather than relying solely on power, which is a crucial lesson in boxing.

Conversations, Motivation, and Running

After boxing, I had a chance to engage in a short yet inspiring conversation with a fellow boxer named Abdallah. He opened up about his weight cut and training progress, and I was genuinely impressed to hear that he dropped from over 85 kilograms to 74 in a remarkably short time. He encouraged me to consider competing in the future, sharing details about another tournament coming up in about six weeks. Hearing his journey and commitment made me reflect on my own potential and preparation timeline, what I want to achieve and how I can get there.

Even though I was physically exhausted after such an intense day, I made the decision to go for a run afterward to clear my mind and push myself further. I ran about 2 kilometers in roughly thirteen minutes, which was not easy at all, but I pushed through every step, maintaining focus and determination. Completing that run gave me a strong sense of accomplishment and another notch of success in my mental and physical health journey.

Recovery, Nutrition, and Reflection

Before training, I made sure to fuel my body properly, boosting my performance potential for the day. I took vitamin D3, K2, Omega 3, zinc, vitamin C, collagen, and L-citrulline, hoping to ensure my body's recovery and optimization. After finishing both sessions and the run, I treated myself to a protein-rich whey protein and creatine shake, knowing how vital recovery is in the realm of training.

On my way home, I made it a point to stop briefly for groceries, prioritizing whole foods that would nourish me. After that, I headed back for a refreshing cold shower and a healthy, solid meal. I was profoundly tired but also deeply satisfied with how my day unfolded. I know I still have a long way to go in my fitness journey, but days like this remind me that progress is built through consistency and effort, and not necessarily perfection. This is a process that I am learning to embrace.

I also made sure to remember to do my breathing exercises on the bus on the way to the gym. While it was not an ideal space for such practices, it was still better than skipping them entirely. I am continuously learning to improve little by little without expecting flawless execution every day, acknowledging that every small step is a step forward in its own right.

Day Eighty Lesson

Today clearly illustrated to me that discipline is fundamentally about showing up and committing to the training process, even when energy is low. Training on a designated rest day was not easy at all, but it was strategic and intentional. I learned that balance in life comes from listening closely to my body while still challenging my limits, pushing beyond the usual borders of comfort. Progress is happening, slowly but steadily, and I find joy in that journey.

Day 80 complete. The grind continues, and I am truly proud of the work done today. I am motivated to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

👉 What helps you decide when it's the right moment to train through fatigue and when it's better to rest? I would love to hear how you find that balance and approach your own training routines.