Project:Carlos Update
Posted under: Ok so I needed to update this blog and decided to updating it the most healthy way, an update to Project:Carlos. I’ve recently returned to running after a brief 2 week hiatus due to work and boy it was like starting over. I could even barely finish my 5k route and my shins hurt. (Meaning I’m running wrong!)
This weekend I decided to add to my running routine to help spice up my exercise. I decided to try boxing at the nearest elorde gym. I was a bit anxious as I thought that I wouldn’t enjoy since I didn’t exactly know what I was supposed to do. Thanks again Chris for lending me the wraps and Between Bites for the gloves. (Yes it is official, my hands are indeed girly!)
Chris was at my place at 530am for our morning run. He was a bit anxious too, since the furthest he’s gone was 3.5k on the treadmill. I said he wouldn’t even notice it. Aside from the chit-chat in between runs, I could hear myself huffing and puffing without even reaching the 3k mark. I lost all strength I thought. I should get back to running shape.
After we’ve made our way through the route, we then quickly hopped in his car and made our way to Elorde. I thought, great now for Chris’ comfort zone; and it was! He knew the people, and we got the trainer larry. There was an entire process before the actual workout began. This involved how to unravel the wraps, the actual wrapping of the hands, and finally stretching and limbering up. I got some black wraps and when I buy my own, I want either a white one, or orange or blue one.
We then started with the basic combos. I have a new respect for boxers. This shit was hard. The timing and movements involved were no laughing matter. I would consider myself an average or above-average coordinated kind-of-guy but that shit was downright confusing. Imagine, moving back and forth on the tips of your toes, while at the same time swaying your shoulders and hips at the same time. All this while thinking about which kind of punch to throw or whether you should turn and move. I enjoyed the mental aspect of it I tell you. I wasn’t even thinking about how tired I was. All I wanted to do what hit those mits!
They have a timer in the gym which goes off like a ring bell of 3 mins each to simulate a boxing round. After 2 rounds of mits, I decided to give my poor brain and knuckles a rest. I removed the gloves, drank an entire bottle of water, and made my way over to the speedball.
THE SPEEDBALL.
By far my favorite aspect of boxing. It seemed like a game. A game of wit, timing, coordination, stamina, strength, discipline, and so much more. I think among all the bags, I enjoyed this. Although I may not enjoy the heavy bag yet since I realized I don’t know how to punch. We spent an hour and 30 mins doing the regular exercises when Chris asked me if I wanted to abs. Always game for anything, I said yes. BIG MISTAKE.
Larry taught us the proper ab workout and it was painful. And when I say painful, I mean EPIC PAIN. I could only do 1 and I promised myself to do the rest when I come back.
Yes. I will be back next week. I will arm myself with a digicam and take pictures. This is a pictureless post I am sorry to inform you. I will definitely add this to my routine.
I deliberately did not include the best part which came at the end of the workout since I want you guys to try it. If you want to try the workout with me, just let me know! Its always fun bringing people along.
Again huge shoutout to Chris! Thanks dude. Honestly, I super enjoyed. I really love the mental aspect. Like I said, “kakaibang pagod!” (It was tiring in a different way!) I love how I didn’t notice how tired I was until I got home. And no it wasn’t the adrenaline. I felt my legs and arms turn into led.
Till next time, let’s get it on!
