Catalyst, Kung Fu, Dodgeball

Yesterday we decided to save legs day until our last session with Mike. According to Pete, who is a friend of Mike, Mike loves working out legs. He stated that one time, a new client was showing up to train with Mike and he told Pete: "God I hope this person picks legs today." That of course got Carlos and I laughing but fearing legs day even more so. Of all my weightlifting exploits, legs have always got the short end of the deal, the neglect. Aside from running, I don't do much with them. Before L.A. Fitness, the last time I did squats was almost a year to date and I damn near pulled a hamstring.

So we figured, since Mike got cool with us, we'd do legs on our last session as a type of farewell. A final hardcore ass kicking. We worked triceps and back. Jesus Christ. Took three Catalyst (horse) pills thiat time and didn't feel the difference, but just in case, saved the Spark. When I got home I got ready to go to Kung Fu class, a class that I've been in and out of for the last nine years. I hit it strong back in 01, 02,' and 03' but then crapped out. Dodgeball somewhat replaced it. Sometimes I just plain couldn't afford it and other times I just didn't really think about it. Martial arts has had a tremendous impact on my life so in the recess of my mind I always figured I'd go back. I'll get that black belt/sash someday.

Well I did; got back into Kung Fu that is. But not before having a Spark drink. It was like a video game generated continue or extra life. Driving over there, I felt the excited pool of energy ready to keep up with the veterans. We got to stretching and then conditioning and instantly, I felt the cardio effects but I wasn't getting tired. I wanted more. An hour session went by almost too quickly and I was beyond ready for my Dodgeball match. I wanted to keep doing something active.

After Kung Fu I felt like I was on a high, the good kind. The kind where you know you can accomplish anything and already have accomplished a lot. The kind you get after running three miles. After a long hike, after winning a hard fought sports game. The kind that makes me think alcohol is so beneath me. I could feel my body turning into an efficient machine on the way to the Y. I could feel the gears burning, fueling my muscles and getting them primed and ready for the next challenge.

My team lost as unfortunately I cannot do everything but I got some good practice time in. Had a few hard throws bounce off my opponents and felt like that reserve of fuel was abundant. For me, games only count when they are against Phoenix teams or for some kind of prize. The YMCA League, which is running rather well, is just for funzies and practice.

Went to bed later that night and slept like a baby.

This morning I was more afraid of sleeping in through the appointment with Mike so I was sure to wake up. Took three Catalyst pills and had one Spark drink and was ready for the worst. 45 minutes later (almost blacking out) I felt like a newborn fawn, shot straight out of the mother doe's womb.

Mike sent us off well alright. Chugged some Muscle Recovery hoping like hell that I wouldn't be sore tomorrow. Tomorrow morning will be the true test, will I be able to walk and run and not feel like my legs are clamped in a vice? Since we've started taking Muscle Recovery, I haven't been getting sore. Before Muscle Recovery, I'd be sore in whatever area we worked on for more than two or three days. I was in a constant state of PAIN.

In fact since I've been on Muscle Recovery, I haven't been sore at all.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

And thanks Mike for your time and effort to get me (and Carlos) to this point. Its been a short four weeks but I feel damn amazing and am starting to notice some results. Can't wait to see what two months of this gets me.

See you in August.