Hello, Dear Readers.
There must be something wrong with me, because I just officially signed up for the green prajioud test. My friend Wayne, who’s in fantastic shape and one of the strongest people I know, said this test was the toughest thing he’s ever done. Only two people from my club have passed it, both men. My kru, Kelly Westerlund, dropped it as a requirement to fight because it was daunting to so many people.
If that isn’t bad enough, let me just say: the test begins with 120 laps in 37 minutes. And it’s a three hour test!
Anyone sane would run screaming from this challenge, and instead I begged Kelly for an opportunity to take it.
Now it’s official–my kru will give me a pre-test on the week of August 5th. If I do well, I’m enrolled in the fall fight camp and my training will continue. If I don’t, I’ll have one more month to prepare.
A lot of the test involves sparring (this isn’t indicated on the link from KWest, but I think of this test as being somewhat akin to being jumped in by a gang. You’re paired with multiple partners who try to beat the hell out of you. At least, that’s my understanding.) It’s been a long time since I’ve sparred seriously, and we don’t do a lot of it at KWest, so halfway through my training program, I’ll be sent to another club to spar on Sundays. I’m apprehensive about getting back into it. I’ve always been nervous about returning to sparring once I’ve been away from it. It takes a while to get comfortable again. (If one ever gets comfortable with being kicked in the head.)
My kru has definitely got my number. Once my training starts in earnest on the week of February 14th, my pre-test will move back two days for every single class I miss. Hah! Instant motivation. He’s a smart guy, that Kelly. And it’s a good thing, because remember that aggressive training program I was supposed to start last week? Um…I made it to one class on Monday and the two on Friday. Period. Obviously, I need a little help here.
So, you tell me, Dear Readers…am I crazy, or is there a method to my madness? Any training tips?
Dang. I’m overweight with a back injury which limits my exercise options. I struggled to do two laps around the dog park yesterday. I totally admire you!!
Hi Margo,
Thanks for your kind comment and welcome to my blog! First of all, I think it’s awesome that you’re still exercising even though you’re injured. My lower spine was once fractured in two places, and I used to have a lot of pain–couldn’t even sit or stand for more than twenty minutes without being in agony. It was actually taking up kickboxing that made the pain manageable, as it built up the muscle around the fractures.
I admire you for not letting an injury stop you. You will get there, and until then, know I’m cheering you on!
Margo – I’m in agreement with Holli, it is great that you are still walking and keeping at it. Injuries or illnesses can set us back and keep us back if we let them.
Holli – you are going to do great, your kru knows you and understands the motivation you need. I just got my heavy bag and new gloves so I’ll be working out too. I have a friend who is helping me determine which routines will work best for not only my temperament but also my physical abilities. Should be interesting, especially since my little guy has gloves and is joining in. Courage to you for getting back into sparring, that would be very hard. Plan on a special reward for each mini goal you set on your way to reaching your final goal…we are cheering for you!
Hi Holli,
Congrats on setting a date for your test. For myself it was the hardest thing I have ever done. You have to be physically ready but maybe more impotently mentally ready. You have to be able to push harder, faster and longer than you ever have before, even when your body is telling you to stop, you have to be able to ignore it and push through it.
I suggest for your training to do ALOT of running, do both long distance with a slow pace as well as sprint training. You will need both types of cardio for this test. Come to the gym as much as you can, as well as weight training.
Train yourself to absolute exhaustion, and when you think you can’t go any further but somehow you still keep on going, that’s the exact place you need to be. Try to find a partner that will push you to that point and not let you rest or feel sorry for you.
With your test being so far away, make sure you find wats to keep you motivated to train. Keep pushing yourself through the entire time. I saw what Kru’s plans are if you miss a day, that seems like a great idea.
Where will you be sparring at on Sundays?
If there is anything I can do to help just let me know. I am looking forward to seeing you train hard, improve and acing that test!
Good luck.
bethfred.com
@ MM – I didn’t know you were into boxing! That’s great–it’s a fantastic, fun, interesting workout, as well as being a very effective one. That’s wonderful that you have a friend to help you and set your routines. Friends can be a great tool to keep us on track.
@ Wayne – thanks so much for posting about your own experience with the test. I really appreciate it. I value your advice, and will certainly follow it. If you want to send me a list of good partners who will push me, please feel free. 🙂 I’m still finding my way around Level 2.
Once I’m ready, Kelly will be sending me to WAMMA to spar. I think that’s where you go as well?
As for helping, feel free to kick my butt any time. I’m sure I’ll whine to you as well at some point. Thanks for being such a good friend. 🙂
Thanks, Beth! Welcome to the blog.