Mental Training

My trainer, Sione, once told me that he could tell how I was going to perform in sparring the second I walked in the door.

Wow.

The power of that statement set me off on a journey to study, better understand and very deliberately engage my brain and emotions in every workout since.  Could I manipulate how I am feeling to achieve optimal performance?  What if I'm tired? stressed?  scared? Could I teach or trick myself into feeling confident and excited to perform?

I am constantly searching for ways to do this.  It entertains me.

Good workouts are meant to stress your body and your mind.  It's the only way to grow. Finding, creating, and using mental strategies to get you through a tough workout both increase your performance and enjoyment, as well as enhance your coping mechanisms and grit in and out of the gym.

Workouts have become more meaningful to me since I've made this connection and practice it.

We all naturally find ways to get ourselves through a workout without quitting.  We may pace ourselves, or go all out using grit.  We may break it up into segments, or get lost in the music. You probably have used all of these natural methods, as well as others, without paying much attention to your strategy.

In addition to those more common mental strategies, I have been searching for, and creating others that are more fun and interesting.  Undoubtedly I will dedicate many more blog posts to them because it fascinates me, but here are a couple examples.

Transfer of energy:  In fighting or sparring there is such intense energy and it is constantly flowing.  I try to create opportunities to "steal" some of my opponent's energy/confidence.  In boxing, a moment of weakness or doubt strengthens even the tired opponent.  It is real and you can feel it both ways.

Similarly used, if I am working out on the heavy bag with someone, or just working out next to them, and I see that they are tiring, I visualize taking their energy and it fuels me.

Now this may not sound like the nicest strategy, but it is effective in the right situation.

Lying:  If I tell myself I am good at something I absolutely perform better.  It doesn't even have to be true!  Every time I look at a workout, I will pick something in it and tell myself that I am really good at a specific movement and each time I do it I reinforce this - "Oh, here's that thing I'm really good at!  Yeah! I get to do that now!".  I then enjoy it more, which is probably why I perform better. Interestingly, if you lie to yourself enough you may find that your lie becomes true. 

Personal Truths:  It is when you notice something about yourself that you then commit to being a part of who you are.  I have decided on a few "personal truths" which I believe about myself and therefore I expect to live up to them.  They, in my head, define who I am as an athlete.

For example, one thing I have been mindful enough to notice is that I start off slower and get stronger as I go.  It is just how I naturally work in nearly every kind of workout, and because I know this about myself I am able to remain calm the first round even when I am slower or behind because I know that it takes me a round to gain confidence.  I know that as others come out strong and then get tired I will keep gaining momentum and catch up.  Knowing and believing this personal truth allows me to remain calm, which allows me to perform at my best.


My challenge to you is to start by paying attention to your mental talk during your workouts.  Are you being your best coach?  Are you positive?  Are you resilient?  Are you confident?  This is so important.  You are your most important coach and the thoughts you have will directly impact your performance and results.

Next, be mindful of your coping mechanisms.  Instead of just trying to get through, try different strategies.  Experiment.  Lie to yourself that you love burpees.  Create a personal truth that you are the strongest in the class.  Try different mental strategies for different types of workouts.  Come up with your own creative ways to remain calm and have fun while optimizing your performance.

Practicing mental strategies to cope with stress will help you in and out of the gym, and will change your workouts forever.

So walk into the gym with confidence (real or fake) and a plan!

And next time you see me in there you'll wonder what's going on in my crazy head and if I'm trying to steal your energy.  ;)

 - Coach Amy
fsuamy@gmail.com

1% Challenge

The 1% Challenge. 

At the beginning of each new year we are all conditioned to make resolutions because the start of a new year brings the exciting feeling of a new beginning.  Each January we feel compelled to come up with attractive sounding goals; however according to a news show I just watched on tv...only 8% of us actually are successful.  92% of us fail?  Why is that?

There are lots of reasons, and lots of articles about this.  Here's one I particularly like.  Like Timothy Pychyl, a professor of psychology at Carleton University in Canada, I believe it comes down to not being ready to commit to the goal.  If we make goals or changes just because it is a new year, then we have no authentic motivation to do the work necessary to achieve them. A change, especially a large or difficult one, must be ignited from within - not by a calendar.  If you are not ready to change, then it will not happen.

So this year, if you are feeling excited and energized to make a resolution, go for it and be part of the 8%!  However, if you are not ready to make a significant change in your life don't feel pressured to do so right now.  Don't set a goal you're not committed to, and then feel badly when you inevitably fail.  Wait until you are ready.  Until then, I offer you this perspective...

What if every day you tried to be just 1% better?  That's manageable, right?

That's exactly how Dave Brailsford turned around Great Britain's professional cycling team.  Brailsford set out to improve everything the team did by just 1%, believing that small changes would eventually make a big difference.  He proved this to be true.  By making small adjustments to the team's nutrition, training, tires, and even pillows...Brailsford lead the team to a Tour de France victory in 3 years, and then won it again the year after that, and have won 4 of the last 5.

The changes were not noticed immediately, or in the day to day; however over time the small changes, now habits, made a greater and greater impact on performance.

This concept really resonates with me.  I can try 1% harder in all areas of my life without experiencing much, or any, discomfort.

What would happen if I consistently...worked 1% harder in boxing class?  Hit the bag 1% harder or faster than I usually do?  Drank 1% more water?  Ate 1% more vegetables? Slept 1% more?  Was 1% kinder?  Read 1% more?  Meditated 1% more? The list could go on and on.  I can pick something specific to focus on, or keep 1% always in my mind and apply it everywhere.  It's up to me.

Of course, I always try to measure everything and it is hard to measure many things by 1%, right?  That's actually part of the beauty of this.  It's like a mental trick.  There's not a lot of pressure, and I'll probably end up giving more than 1%, especially to the areas that need it most.  The 1% is  about training my mind to constantly look for ways to improve, meanwhile creating healthier habits which will multiply in benefits as each year passes.

Think about it.  Will you join me in the 1% challenge?  I'll be asking you for 1% more in class.  :)

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2018.

See you in the gym!

- Coach Amy
www.lipstickonmygloves.blogspot.com

Do you workout or do you train?

Do you work out or do you train? 

Have you ever thought about this?  If not, then you are probably working out, like I was.

What's the difference?  

A "working out" mindset is a calorie burning, "just get it done", exercise to feel good, or to lose weight mentality.  You may show up to the gym every single day and do what's asked of you to check the box, but it may sometimes feel like a chore.  You may improve some, but not much.  Losing weight may be your only measurement of "success".

When you switch your perspective to "I'm in training" everything gets so exciting.

That hour in the gym is used much more effectively.  In training I purposefully practice various mental strategies in my workout that reduce stress and improve performance.  I'm working my body and my mind at the same time.  I use these same mental strategies in life outside the gym to guide me through stress or challenges.

In training my goal is to be better than I was yesterday.

How do I do this?  

• Change perspective.  The first step is to literally just say "I'm in training." Change the way you think about exercise.  

• Measure yourself in any way you can so you know if you're improving.  I keep a record of how much weight I lift, how many burpees I can do in a minute, how many pull-ups I can do...whatever I can measure I do.  Weight loss/gain, or how tired or sore you are is not a good measurement of success.  

• Challenge yourself and your numbers.  I lifted 100lbs last week but I'm not going to be satisfied with that.  Today I tried 105.  When I hit 105, like I did this morning, it is a really proud moment. In training mode you will improve and it is really exciting to know that you're better than you used to be.  

• Be present in each movement that you do.  I'm constantly asking myself how I can do something better.  How can I find more power in my punch?  In class I don't just go through the combinations.  I experiment.  I try sinking into my stance more, I consciously engage my hips, core and glutes into my punches.  I play with my breathing and posture.  I'm always looking for a way to move more efficiently.  

• Surround yourself with a coach or personal trainer who knows your goals.  They will teach you and push you.  Today after I hang squat cleaned 105, I smiled in celebration, then immediately tried 115. I had several failed attempts and asked a coach for help.  He video-recorded my lift in slow motion to show me my form and broke down what I need to do to become successful.  Now he and I will work on it until I have it.  Personal Training is a powerful training tool.  A trainer holds your goals as a measure of their own success.  They see what you can't see, make you do what you would not do on your own, and they believe in you when you aren't feeling confident.  

• Get uncomfortable.  Work on your weaknesses.  Only highlighting your strengths is exercising.  Working on your weaknesses is training.  Training is uncomfortable.  Embrace it. It's how you improve. Don't forget - weaknesses include nutrition and sleep habits.  When you're in training your mindset includes fueling and resting your body for optimal performance. 

• Compete.  Sign up for a race, a fight, sparring, a challenge with a friend, a competition of any kind.  Having an upcoming competition helps to focus your training with a short term goal.  I also like competing because it is scary.  I want to practice performing under pressure.  This is part of my mental training.  I want to have the experience of being in stressful situations so that when life gets hard I am resilient.  Competing is a safe way to practice this important skill.  It also helps me measure myself against my peers.   Although my focus is internal (competing with only myself), it motivates me and often inspires me to see my peers perform.  

Why?  What am I training for?  

Life.

Recently I was doing a ropes course with my daughter for her 10th birthday and as I was one of the only adults participating it occurred to me...this is what I train for...to have the strength, confidence, agility and courage to have fun with my daughter today.

We never know what type of fun or dangerous situation we will find ourselves in, and having the mental and physical strength to meet the unknown is important.

Growing older yet stronger is the reason I train.

Are you in training?  Why?  Share in the comments!


 - Coach Amy
http://lipstickonmygloves.blogspot.com
fsuamy@gmail.com

The main event - from my couch

A few weeks ago, like most of the world, I watched the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight.  I watched it with my Husband, Dave, who, like most of the world, has never been in the ring, nor desires to.

We watched the same event, on the same couch, very differently.

He watched as a spectator.  The whole world was curious what would happen.  I watched excitedly and humbly as a student of the sport, and pridefully and empathetically as a fellow fighter.  He watched the whole picture.  I watched each combination, angle, and weave. Between rounds he took the time to grab a drink or go to the bathroom.  I was fascinated by the coaching in the corner and wanted to hear every word. I imagined what my trainer, Sione, would be saying.

It then occurred to me that most people watching the event have never trained for a fight. They couldn't understand the physical and emotional rollercoaster training is, the pressure of the night, the lights, the crowd - nevermind half the world watching!  There was so much context that they were missing!  To be fair...I'm quite sure they don't care, but to me it was like reading a quarter of a book. How could you fully appreciate it?

I enjoyed the pre-fight press conferences as much as the fight itself.  McGregor's personality is brilliant, his outer confidence unwavering.  You may have thought that he is entertaining or obnoxious - or even that he's just raising the purse of the fight.  Before I trained and fought it annoyed me when fighters were so over-the-top cocky. Now I know that if you don't wholeheartedly believe you are superhuman, you literally can't do this.  McGregor's press confidence made me believe in him - that he actually had a shot - simply because he seemed to steadfastly believe in himself. One ounce of doubt in yourself or your training and you are done before you start.  Fighting is as much, if not more, mental than physical.

Of course, if the physical goes, like it did in round 10, then the mental follows...and vice versa.  I used to wonder how such well conditioned and trained athletes got so tired that they actually stopped fighting to hug each other.  Now I know how three minutes can feel like 30. How self doubt can grow exponentially by the second and can destroy you.  I know that you need to train harder than the fight is going to be.  You need to do more rounds, with less rest, not only for your physical conditioning, but so that when you are tired you can remember that you have done more than this, and it will give you confidence to endure it.

Post fight McGregor posted this on social media about his camp:

"I feel with just a little change in certain areas of the prep, we could have built the engine for 12 full rounds under stress, and got the better result on the night.
Getting to 12 rounds alone in practice was always the challenge in this camp. We started slowly getting to the 12 and decreasing the stress in the rounds the closer it got to 12. I think for the time we had, 10 weeks in camp, it had to be done this way. If I began with a loaded 12 rounds under much stress I would have only hit a brick wall and lost progress as a result and potentially not made the fight. A little more time and we could have made the 12 cleanly, while under more stress, and made it thru the later rounds in the actual fight."

Do I need to mention that I also love the post fight analysis and camaraderie?  It might surprise people to know that once the fight is over you don't hate your opponent - no matter how much trash talk and head games happen before.  In fact, it's the opposite.  You don't respect anyone in the room more than them. This was evident even at this top level with both fighters.

Mayweather and McGregor put on a good show.  It is fun for everyone to watch a good fight, but boxing is hard.  Not everyone can do it.  Boxing is scary.  Not everyone can face fear. Boxing is humbling.  Not everyone has the resilience to continue.  Boxing is introspective.  Not everyone wants to be tested so hard they see what they're made of.  

But those of us who do are bonded through these things.  We are different than most of the viewers...we are fighters.

- Coach Amy

*Training for a fight is one of the most important things I've done in my life.  It taught me what I am capable of.  I had absolutely no idea of my personal potential before training. I thought I did, but I was limiting myself incredibly.   It gave me extreme highs and lows and taught me how to manage them both.  It gave me self confidence that I didn't even know I was lacking.  It gave me perspective. I measure everything in my life to - "no problem...at least I'm not being punched in the face right now".  :)   It got me in the best shape of my life.  It gave me belonging - in a community of fighters, and here at my gym home FA Boxing.  It has given me some of the best "fox hole" friends I have ever had.

If you have ever even considered for one second that you'd like to be a fighter, FA Boxing has an exciting announcement just for you.  Maybe I'll see you in the ring soon!  


**Written for and published on www.faboxing.com**

Extraordinary People

I admire extraordinary people.  I strive to be extraordinary. I intentionally surround myself with it, and seek out opportunities to achieve it.  

My personal definition of an extraordinary person is simply someone who faces fear.    

A person who sees or creates an opportunity that scares them, and yet still goes for it, whatever "it" may be - big or small.  I don't care what it is, or if they win or lose.  I just admire them for daring greatly.   

These extraordinary people are obviously military and first responders, but they are also the shy student who runs for student body president, the grandmother who earns her black belt, the single mother who goes back to school, entrepreneurs, good samaritans - anyone who is faced with two paths and they choose the one that shatters complacency and is uncomfortable.  

I have learned that only when you do this do you feel fully alive.

I don't like the term "fearless". Fear is real and alive in all of us. I'm completely fascinated by it.  Over the past 4 years I have been studying it in my life and it is now one of my favorite emotions because fear separates the extraordinary from the ordinary.  

It is the secret to living greatly, but so many people are scared to unlock it.  

If they only knew what was on the other side...

This post is dedicated to my brother.  

Lessons from my 1st CF Open

**Published on https://morningchalkup.com 4/25/17**

Lessons from my 1st CrossFit Open

"You signing up for the Open with me?"
Me: "No.  I'm not making The Games.  Why would I give them $20?"

A week later my husband convinced me to sign up for the Open in order to compete in the internal gym competition.  He also convinced our 14 year old son to do it.

It was my first CrossFit Open.  I've been doing CrossFit only about a year and I didn't consider myself a "CrossFitter".  I don't look like a sterotypical "CrossFitter".  I don't lift heavy weights. I am a boxer.

17.1 - 

Friday 5:30am - there was a new energy in the gym.  I had never felt it before.

Okay, I thought.  Burpees and box jumps are 2 of my favorite exercises and I even like dumbbell snatches.  This will be fun and maybe I can even RX it.  I don't RX anything that involves weights.

Then I picked up a 35lb dumbbell and didn't even try to snatch it. I put it back down.  A woman from class, Amy, sees me and tells me that I can do 35, but I decide that I can't.  I scale the workout.  20lb snatches are too light and I am able to fly through it.  It felt good, but I was disappointed that I couldn't do 35lbs.

On Monday morning I see Amy again.  She tells me that I am strong enough to do it RX and for a second I believe her.  I do 17.1 again.

With my husband judging and Amy and her husband cheering for me I painfully and loudly get through each rep and officially RX 17.1!

I hadn't known Amy very well and it felt really great to have her encouragement.  I learned that I should not automatically scale everything. RX can be within my reach.

17.2 - 

With my newfound RX confidence I went for it again.

I need to do more weighted walking lunges.  My butt hurt for days!

I am motivated to learn muscle-ups before next year's Open.

I loved this workout because I got to watch my husband and son compete together in our box's Friday Night Throwdown.

Damn You 17.3 - 

I was humbled by the weights of the squat snatches so I had no choice here but to scale it.

I got a few rounds in and unfortunately the last few snatches I squeezed in were VERY ugly and I hurt my right shoulder pretty badly.

17.3 taught me that I am not invincible.  If I lose my form the reps are not worth an injury.

17.4 - 

I had to scale this one as well due to the weight of the deadlift.  This made me mad and motivated to work on my deadlift for next year because I actually love handstand pushups and I didn't get to do them in the scaled version.

As I judged my son I challenged him to beat my score and he did!  I've never been so proud to be beaten.  It has been really fun doing the Open with him.  It has given us a new connection.

17.5 - 

I had really been hoping to end the Open with an RX performance, but I don't have double-unders yet.  Another goal to add to the list.

So why did I give them my $20?  

To make new friends.  Amy C. now holds a special place in my heart for believing in me like she did.

To strengthen connections.  It enriched my relationships with my teenage son and husband. Doing this together we coached each other where we struggled and celebrated our successes.  It gave us a lot to talk about.

To have fun.  We had an internal box competition - morning classes vs. evening classes. Friendly trash talk is always fun.

To build community.  Our box held a couple of Friday Night Throwdowns where members did the Open workout in heats and everyone was invited to come watch, hangout, eat, drink and cheer.

To be a part of something bigger.  After each workout I texted both of my sisters-in-law to see how they did.  My son found out one of his teachers was doing it, as well as my husband's co-workers - and they talked about the workout each week.

To measure up.  It is interesting to see where you stand in your age group - in your box, in your region, and in the world.

To be inspired.  Seeing the elite athletes' scores, watching them workout and move on to Regionals and The Games is inspiring.  Seeing athletes from our own box move on to the next level is motivating.

To learn.  I will no longer compromise form for reps.

To grow.  Sometimes it takes a competition or an audience to push you to do something you have never done before, or didn't know you were capable of doing.

To fail.  I now have new goals and a plan to achieve them.  I will be better next year.

...and I'll be happy to pay $20 for all of this again.



 - UPDATE:  The power of CrossFit is that I was better the next year.  I was able to Rx all of the Open WODs (not necessarily well) and 35lb snatches are no big deal anymore.  Everytime I do them now I think of my very first Open and Amy and smile.  Oh, and I'm starting to think that I might be a "CrossFitter" now.  :) 

The gifts of H4H

When you are selected to fight for Haymakers for Hope you can't anticipate the gifts it will bring, how it will change your life, or when it will stop.

My training alone was gift enough.  I had never done anything so mentally or physically challenging. The process left me with a profound confidence that can never be taken from me.

Later in life when some others slow down, I have a new passion.  Sparring, learning, and improving make me feel alive and happy every day.

My trainer and the women I trained with are now family to me.  "Foxhole friends" who I love and trust.  I feel very lucky to have them in my life.

Outside the ring, I was offered a job at my gym, and a position on the advisory board of Haymakers for Hope. Previously I had been home with the kids for 12 years so these changes were very exciting.

After my fight, other women followed.  One by one I became their sparring partner, mentor, and friend.  I was able to help guide them down their own paths to profound confidence and it is such a blessing to me to go through it again and again with each woman.

All of these gifts have changed me, and I am so thankful for each of them.  I didn't think there could be more, but now there is.

My brother has joined the Haymakers family!

Mike McGonagle is fighting on May 18, 2017 at The House of Blues in Boston.

Michael is my baby brother.  I've always tried to take care of him, but as he grew up he's been someone that I admire very much.  He's done a lot of courageous things.  I am honored that he would want to do something that I have done.

I'm so excited to share this experience with him.  I love that he will have the same bond with my trainer, and shares my friends.  I love that I get to see him every day and see my niece and nephew more.  I love doing drills with him, watching him spar and improve. I love that he knows what I went through.  I love that I can help him.  I love that we will have this extra special connection forever.

I'm excited to see the gifts that H4H will bless him with.

Please help me support him.  Donate! Come watch him!

Why I fight

I step through the ropes every time I have the opportunity.

And every time I am scared.  

I do it to practice facing fear.  I practice being uncomfortable and surviving.  I practice protecting myself.  I practice fighting back, mentally and physically.  I practice digging deep to find more fight when I don't think I have any left. I practice getting up when I have been beaten.

We don't know when something incredibly difficult is going to happen to us emotionally or physically, so I am purposefully strengthening my body and fighting spirit so I will be ready.

Each time I face this fear and physical challenge and overcome it I become stronger.  It gives me the confidence that I can count on myself.  This is why I fight.

Hey, do you feel like doing Haymakers for Hope with me?

 “HEY, DO YOU FEEL LIKE DOING HAYMAKERS FOR HOPE WITH ME?”

by Amy Fielding

Written for www.haymakersforhope.org

December 2015

“It's a commitment for both people to do this if you are married or in a relationship. When your spouse comes home and says, 'I think I'd like to do Haymakers for Hope', I think that the statement should probably be translated to  '"Hey, do you feel like doing Haymakers for Hope with me?" because your spouse is in it as well.” - Chris Fitzpatrick

When Margie Kelley signed up for Belles of the Brawl 2013, she and her husband, Chris Fitzpatrick (Rock-n-Rumble 2015), saw the experience as a challenge for the entire family.  They have two children. Margie knew she couldn’t succeed without their support.  The supporting spouse is an integral part of the fighter’s team, and it is no easy job.  Chris committed, and held down the fort, which allowed Margie to focus on her training and her personal fight against cancer.

Haymakers for Hope, whose mission is to KO cancer by literally fighting for a cure, produces amateur boxing events, currently in Boston and New York City.   Fighters like Margie fundraise and have helped Haymakers for Hope (H4H) to raise over $4.3 million to fund important research.

Then the tables turned.  Chris asked Margie to do Haymakers with him!  

“When Chris started training, we got in the groove of our swapped roles fairly quickly. It was great to be able to talk about training in a new way because now we both knew what it was like to be pushed so hard. I think I was able to help him to know what to expect, and he also got to experience and appreciate all that I'd accomplished in training camp. I was also just so excited for him, knowing how amazing the experience was going to be for him.”

They were able to appreciate both roles, and what they had done for each other.  Margie says “the H4H experience was definitely a new way to connect and celebrate each other's accomplishments”.  

Her advice for other couples entering the ring?  

“Try and remember what it was like for you, either as the fighter or support staff, because in the next event, that's gonna be the other person's job!”

Two other power couples have strengthened, and maybe tested, their vows by sharing the Haymakers experience.  

Katie “Braveheart” Sullivan fought in the original Belles of the Brawl in 2013 with Margie.  Her husband, Dan, and their four children spent the long summer supporting Katie in her training.  Soon after Katie’s bout, Dan decided that he also wanted to do Haymakers.  “The energy that I felt during the event, the new friends that she met from the gym- becoming great friends because of the journey that they endured - were big reasons for me to do this. I’ve always cherished my college athletic years as an amazing bond of teamwork - friends trying to get better, and I craved this sense of the “locker room” feel that I had in my 20’s. I could also see the huge sense of accomplishment that she felt.  I knew that I wanted to share that with her for the rest of our lives, and it wouldn’t come from doing a marathon or a Tough Mudder event.  It  had to be a difficult journey that would help me grow.”  

Dan went on to fight in Rock -n- Rumble 2014.  The Sullivans were in training for a year and raised over $42,000!

Reflecting on their fight year they now wonder how they managed since these days it seems to be a challenge just to find the time for a workout.  They look back on that special year very positively.  The teamwork and emotional discussions are what Dan remembers most. “I was opening up to her like I’ve never done before.  I remember one day just being so tired and sore- that I was hoping to come down with a cold so I didn’t have to spar that night, and she talked me through it.”  

Having a spouse who has been through what you’re experiencing is very helpful and bonding.  Knowing that they “get it” is sometimes all that you need.  Katie says that although they had nearly identical emotions throughout the journey they coped very differently.  “Dan didn’t cry!”.  

Seeing your spouse work so hard for something and then reach their goal brings forth an overwhelming amount of pride.  Watch Dan’s video and you’ll not only hear Katie cheering the loudest, but you’ll actually see her jump up onto the ring in excitement!  

As for life after H4H, Katie says that their experiences have definitely brought them closer. They have a new bond of both being part of the Haymakers family.  There is an additional layer of respect for each other and shared perspective.  “We’ve always known we were a great team. Going through this experience, after 20 years together, provided us some great insight. We embarked on the boxing journey for individual reasons but now know that we will support each other no matter what comes our way.”  

They say that the kids survived, and are definitely more independent because of their busy year in training!   Their biggest hope is that they’ve set an example for their children that you can achieve difficult goals, and that it’s important to surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.   

Katie and Dan now enjoy watching boxing together.  It is something new for them to do that reminds them of their cherished shared experience.  You can still find them in the gym sharing a bag, or sparring a new Haymaker every once in a while.     

Their advice to other couples considering entering the ring?  

“To have this experience in your household, one that you will always share, is both rare and totally awesome. You quickly get back to normal life after the adrenaline rush of fight night wears off but you know you will always have each other’s back, and it gives you a special family grit to get through all the challenges that you will inevitably face in your future. You choose to do something painful and difficult for four months but in the end, you get a gift that would be impossible to create any other way. Our advice: go for it!”

Victoria and Bill Kane also fought in back to back events (Belles 2014 and Rock-n-Rumble 2015).  As for their family of four being in training for a year Victoria says that the first half (her training) was easier.  (I personally take offense to that as I was her sparring partner. ;)  “Bill was really supportive. Still, as more months went by, it meant a lot of time at the gym for the kids, and a lot of single parenting as one of us seemed to be at gym most nights or weekends.”

Bill decided he wanted to do it not long after Victoria's fight.  “We talked about the commitment and the impact to the family, then decided to go for it. The fact that you raise money for a cause that is close to home (cancer research) added to my desire to give it a try.”

Back to back fundraising was not a problem for the Kanes.  They raised over $9,000 each!

Having paved the way, Victoria feels that she was better able to support Bill because she understood his inability to focus on anything other than training.  She knew the routine and understood all the emotions that came with the good nights and bad.  

They both agree that it was a powerful experience for their entire family.  “The kids witnessed their parents pushing themselves to the limits, committing themselves to something they believe in and getting bloodied up.  Strangely, I think it was a really positive experience for them and the kids both workout at the gym from time to time.”  

Their advice to other couples considering fighting?  

“Do it together if you can and support each other.  This is a difficult challenge and it helps to have your significant other in your corner. You'll be better equipped to deal with the day to day. One after the other makes this a really long journey but it's well worth it if you can make it work.”  

Interestingly, so far in H4H couples history, it has been the woman who fights first.  Victoria jokes: “Bill knew I was the tougher one when we started this journey and that still holds true. :)”  

Boston sign-ups are currently underway for Rock-n-Rumble 2016.  Will any spouses be asking “Hey, do you feel like doing Haymakers for Hope with me?”.    

***Amy “JP” Fielding is a mom of four who fought in Belles of the Brawl 2013.  She discovered a love of writing while blogging her training experience at http://lipstickonmygloves.blogspot.com/.  She is now a proud coach at FA Boxing and advisory board member for Haymakers for Hope.  .  

Food Fight

 

Food is a daily fight for me.  What to eat?  How much?  When?  I'm up a pound, I'm down a pound. I would say that I've always eaten healthy, but looking back that is definitely not true. My Husband signed up for a 30 day paleo nutrition challenge and he asked me to join him. I cringed when I heard the word paleo. It never made sense to me.  I guess because I spent the last 4 years of my life as a vegetarian trying to be a vegan.  Although I do eat meat now (I started during my boxing training), I fundamentally still believe it is wrong.  I've just sold out because it is hard to feed my kids with celiac disease and lactose intolerance a strict vegetarian diet...and because meat is delicious.  My food philosophy is that if God made it then it is good for me.  I don't think God created animals for us to kill them. Maybe I'm wrong.  I don't know.  It just seems wrong when there is so much other great food to eat...which leads me to beans.  God gave us beans. They are a source of protein and are delicious so why are they forbidden on the paleo diet?  And corn?  And rice?  Why can't you eat them? They sound healthy to me.  The bean thing seriously annoyed me.  I decided to get over my bizarre issues and do it with him to learn how it would affect my body, and see what everyone was talking about.

So here goes 30 days without dairy, grains, sugar, gluten, caffeine, soy, legumes, alcohol, and most importantly...diet coke!  I got up to 3/day and I'm quitting cold turkey.  

Day 1:  (Starting weight 132.0 after a weekend of binging) We did a very good job of shopping and preparing food last night so it made it easy, plus I was excited for a new challenge.  I ate a lot (more than usual) and felt fine until 6:00 when I absolutely crashed.  It took all my energy just to stay awake until the kids went to bed.  I was useless. The only time I really wanted a diet coke was in the afternoon when I woke up from napping with John.

Day 2:  (129.2) - I lost 3 lbs in one day after eating all that food?  Probably not.  My body is probably just regulating itself from my weekend binge, but it was enough motivation to keep going because I woke up lethargic and grumpy!!!!!  Didn't want to work out but I made myself do what I could.  I actually tripped and fell doing side shuffles.  Pretty sloppy.  Useless at 6pm once again.  Absolutely useless.  I ate SO MUCH food today trying to stay awake.  It's crazy.

Day 3:  (129.6) - Woke up feeling more energetic today.  Not 100% in my workout but just glad I went. I'm eating like a linebacker.  I can't believe how much food I'm eating.

Day 4:  (129.1) - Skipped gym today to do errands.  I ate a lot less today.  I'm not as tired or hungry (and didn't work out).

Day 5:  (127.9) - Wow!  I guess eating less made a big difference.  Down another 1lb+.  Had to skip the gym again today to do things.  I didn't eat much but did eat a big meal really late.  I felt really guilty about that and wondered how it would affect the scale.

Day 6:  (128.7) - Not working out and that big late meal showed on the scale but it's temporary.  I did a double boxing session today and stuck to my diet even at a birthday party.  Funny.  I wasn't even tempted by the cake.  I have no cravings.  The sugar must be out of my system.  I am satisfied and feel really good.  I am so confused and shocked that I don't miss my diet coke and don't have headaches from lack of caffeine.

Day 7:  (127.5) - I went out with friends last night and cheated with a few glasses of wine, but when surrounded by pizza and all sorts of great food, I was not tempted.  I stuck to my antipasto red peppers and pepperoni and then some very late night beef jerkey on the way home. haha!  Today I also cheated with some home-made gluten free pancakes...it's a family tradition I'm not going to give up.  We went to the movies today and I was well prepared with a bag of salt free mixed nuts, carrots and guacamole with a seltza water.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself and didn't miss my twizzlers and 200 oz diet coke!  Who am I?!?  I'm sure I'm just on a high of feeling so great and I won't be this good forever, but for now, I'm doing great.

Day 8:  (128.2) -

Day 9:  (127.4) - I had a great workout yesterday, and ate well.  I had large meals and one snack.  I love the fact that I am not counting or even thinking about calories.  I eat whatever I want whenever I want as long as it is in the rules.  The rules seem very restrictive, but because I'm not counting calories it feels very liberating.  This is probably the perfect weight for my body.  I feel amazing.  If I could just maintain this I'd be very happy.

...and that is where I stopped journaling daily because I went on a complete bender!  I think I got cocky that I hit my goal weight, add in some social events with alcohol, my son's birthday, etc... and I stopped eating paleo for 8 days.  I remember texting my friend to tell her that I had french bread and M&Ms for dinner one night!  My weight quickly returned to my starting point and I felt disgusting.

I was disappointed in myself but I got it together and finished strong ending the challenge, feeling great, at 128.

I'm thankful that I took the paleo challenge.  It was enlightening to learn how my body responds to different foods by eliminating them and reintroducing them, paying close attention to how I felt.  I don't like counting calories.  Who does?  On paleo I can't emphasize enough how much I can eat.  I never count a calorie.  I eat til I am full and eat whenever I feel I need it.  I have never eaten this much in my life, but yet I drop weight or am able to maintain when I am disciplined. My body processes natural food easier and faster I guess.

I have decided not to label the way I eat anymore because sometimes my needs change.  I make my choices as clean as possible, with cheat days here and there, and I have found peace with that.  Now I have a restart button, a plan that I know works.

It's empowering to know that if I gain a few pounds I know how to get it off quickly by returning to clean eating and exercise.  I used to panic.  Now, I remain calm and just get back to the basics, confident that I'll be back to normal in a few days.  (I recently gained 7 lbs on a 5 day vacation, only to lose it all within 4 days.)

Interestingly, it is not all about the numbers though.  I've had 2 recent experiences that have taught me this. First, a very fit woman, taller than me, shared that she admired my figure. She only weighed 119lbs but I was leaner.  Second, I learned that a good friend whose figure I really admire sometimes outweighs me by 5-6 lbs.  I never would have guessed this.  I would have estimated that I outweighed her by nearly 10.  So I've learned to not freak about the scale. I pay attention to how I feel and how my clothes fit as much as I do the scale.

I have learned so much from my food successes and failures.  I encourage everyone to go on a food challenge.  Everyone's body is different so only you can discover what's best for you.  

Know this though...Sugar is the enemy.  I believe this is true for all of us.  It is in everything! The tiniest amount left me wanting more. It was a Kind bar with only 4g of sugar that started my bender.  Serioulsy, I got one taste and I felt like a crack addict manicly searching the house for more.  When I consumed zero added sugar I dropped weight, looked less "puffy", had amazing energy, felt like a million bucks, and had no cravings for junk food...even at birthday parties and the movies.  Honest to God, no cravings for junk (if you know me you know how huge this is). It definitely takes a mental adjustment but once you get into the groove it really isn't hard to avoid it. Just eat real food, and you'll feel so much better.  My energy level without it is unbelievable.  Go HERE to learn more and take the 10 day sugar free challenge. 

In order to be successful at sugar-free,  paleo or clean eating...whatever your goal is...you should BE PREPARED.  On Sundays during the challenge we would cook our meat for the week as well as chop our vegetables so everything was grab and go.  We'd always have nuts and other good snacks on hand everywhere we went. If we didn't do this we would inevitably get hungry and make a bad choice, which often leads to more bad choices (French bread and M&Ms for dinner?!?!?!).  As I type this I am eating a slice of pizza because I didn't cook my chicken last night and I'm too hungry to wait for it.  Ugh.

It is a constant fight, but I will not give up.

Here's a good article.