I sparred with Jamil last night, and I had to keep remembering that he's a southpaw. I didn't use my left hand enough to tap down his incoming rights. Afterwards, Jamil told me that I got him good with shots to the stomach. He did stop me a few times by grabbing my arms.
Jamil expressed doubts about taking a fight at Seward next month. I hope that he changes his mind. He has wanted to get a fight for awhile at the Park District shows, and hasn't been able to get one.
It was quiet again last night, because the crowd was small. J didn't come in, and neither did the other women who signed up for the Fall session. Outside of Jamil, Jamelle and Danny were on hand. I'm beginning to believe that the adult boxing program does make some money. But participants often put down their money then show up on and off or not at all.
I was not feeling that well on Monday due to menopause. I try to work through them, especially in terms of exercise. However, the hormones were seriously out of whack, and nothing seemed to work. It started at work when as usual, one of two annoying people who regularly show up on Monday morning for the food pantry tried to throw their non-existent weight around. I often hear that person trying to enforce their opinions on the other food pantry patrons. That particular individual has rubbed me the wrong way for two years now. They act like that I should acknowledge them whenever I see them. But here's what they don't get: Heather, who was the church secretary before me, is a very nice person. She was also very tolerant of that particular person. I'm not that accommodating. I've snapped on that person once, and I pointedly ignore them every time I see them. Yet, they continue to say inane things in the hopes that I will validate their existance, which will never happen.
I told Pastor Roger that if he hears me snapping on that individual -- again -- it'll probably be mostly due to menopausal irritability. That person just missed being blasted by my tongue on Monday. Pastor told me that I should rely on God to help control my responses to people; that person as well as the other clueless wonder who shows up on Monday (whose crime is always trying to scam the pantry) is not my enemy, and so on. I'm guessing that the Pastor is not totally knowledgeable about menopause, and that a woman's anger/rage/irritability is very real and heightened during that time. I felt my fists forming into balls when confronted with that smart aleck individual who attends the food pantry. The only reason I didn't cut them down was that I kept reminding myself that I was at work as well as at church. But there's always a wrong day, a wrong hour, and a wrong second for some character to approach me, and I might not be able to hold back my hormones the next time.
The hormonal attack definately slowed me down in the gym on Monday, and I'm glad I didn't have an opportunity to spar that night. I doubt that it would have turned out that well. I do believe that boxing, because it's such a complete workout, helps keep a lid on some of my menopause symptoms. But it's still early in the game. I might have anywhere from a year to ten years to have to live with it.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Why Things Are The Way They Are
Last night, Alan told me that Mary asked him why the numbers of people in the adult boxing program were down. Over the past few weeks, there has been a noticeable drop off in people coming to the gym. It seems to be that way in the youth boxing program, too. I have my own theories.
1. Boxing vs. MMA
Since the rise of mixed martial arts began a few years ago, boxing has been derided as "the sport that old people like". MMA's fans are mostly younger, under the age of 35 years. They cite that MMA matches are quicker and more exciting than boxing matches. Indeed, boxing used to be on the same level as baseball, football, and basketball. Matches were shown regularly on network television back in the day. Now unless one has cable, one can't see boxing often, and even some of the cable outlets don't broadcast as many matches as they used to do. Also, there doesn't seem to be as much of the confusion and underhandedness in MMA that has characterized professional boxing for the past decade or so. When there are matches to be made in MMA, they are usually done. People are still going 'round and 'round about a Mayweather-Pacquiao match that now looks to be dead in the water, among other boxing matches that should be made, but haven't been. There are a lot of people who are frustrated with the state of boxing, and I can't blame them.
2. People Are Uneducated About Boxing
As I've noted on this blog many times, too many people walk up in a boxing gym all hyped up without having done their homework. Some think they know all there is to know about boxing since they've seen a few matches on HBO, Showtime and ESPN. Too many think their street fighting skills will translate to the ring easily. A lot of women in particular expect a boxing gym to operate like Women's Workout World or the East Bank Club, and are surprised to find that they don't work like that. The lack of knowledge leads many to drop out of the sport before they get into it well enough.
3. The Cost
I've wondered why boxing program fees vary across the Chicago Park District. It appears that Loyola Park has one of the highest fees among the Park District gyms (but I could be wrong). The average age of people who come into Loyola Park Boxing is around 25 years of age, and they are predominately male. From what I've observed, most of the young men that have come through are struggling to make it. They either are looking for jobs, working temporary gigs here and there or trying to stretch the short money they receive from the jobs they have. Some have responsibilities, such as their own young children to take care of, or older parents/guardians whom they are trying to help out. Quite a few are attending school, and that's another bill to deal with. Forty dollars every two months or so is a lot of money to someone who's already on a tight budget.
4. The Sparring Issue
If one plans to compete, sparring is essential. When Steve was the coach, we'd often go to other Park District gyms to get in extra sparring practice. The coaches and boxers from the other gyms would come up to Loyola Park in return. This would happen a lot around the time fights were on the horizon, like the Chicago Golden Gloves tournament, for example. That has not been the case since the gym re-opened under Alan's watch in late 2008. The rules have tightened, and Mary does not want anyone in the gym who hasn't paid to be there. I understand; it's a liability issue. I don't dig people just showing up looking for a freebie workout, either, especially where security in the gym is concerned. But a boxer and their coach is not going to pay a full term fee just to come to another field house occasionally to get some sparring in. There should be a reciprocal agreement among Park District boxing gyms in terms of sparring. The way to keep down conflicts and confusion is to always make sure that the field house manager is aware that a coach and their boxers know in advance that they are coming by to spar. Coaches shouldn't just make arrangements between themselves and leave the field house manager out of the loop. Boxers from one field house shouldn't just show up to another field house on their own. Their coach should be with them, so that both coaches can monitor the sparring that takes place. Word gets around that there is good sparring to be had, then that may prompt some to want to sign up for boxing.
5. The Audience Has Changed and Become Smaller
The last professional fight I went to, there were a lot of empty seats in the stadium. If you saw it on cable, the cameras made it look like the crowd was bigger than it actually was. Boxing, unfortunately, has become a niche sport over the past couple of decades. I noticed that the spectators were largely Hispanic, and much of the advertising was geared toward that ethnic group. Many Hispanics are still strong supporters of the sport, and there is a major Hispanic presence in boxing these days. However, whites and African-Americans don't seem to be as enthusiastic about boxing like they used to be.
1. Boxing vs. MMA
Since the rise of mixed martial arts began a few years ago, boxing has been derided as "the sport that old people like". MMA's fans are mostly younger, under the age of 35 years. They cite that MMA matches are quicker and more exciting than boxing matches. Indeed, boxing used to be on the same level as baseball, football, and basketball. Matches were shown regularly on network television back in the day. Now unless one has cable, one can't see boxing often, and even some of the cable outlets don't broadcast as many matches as they used to do. Also, there doesn't seem to be as much of the confusion and underhandedness in MMA that has characterized professional boxing for the past decade or so. When there are matches to be made in MMA, they are usually done. People are still going 'round and 'round about a Mayweather-Pacquiao match that now looks to be dead in the water, among other boxing matches that should be made, but haven't been. There are a lot of people who are frustrated with the state of boxing, and I can't blame them.
2. People Are Uneducated About Boxing
As I've noted on this blog many times, too many people walk up in a boxing gym all hyped up without having done their homework. Some think they know all there is to know about boxing since they've seen a few matches on HBO, Showtime and ESPN. Too many think their street fighting skills will translate to the ring easily. A lot of women in particular expect a boxing gym to operate like Women's Workout World or the East Bank Club, and are surprised to find that they don't work like that. The lack of knowledge leads many to drop out of the sport before they get into it well enough.
3. The Cost
I've wondered why boxing program fees vary across the Chicago Park District. It appears that Loyola Park has one of the highest fees among the Park District gyms (but I could be wrong). The average age of people who come into Loyola Park Boxing is around 25 years of age, and they are predominately male. From what I've observed, most of the young men that have come through are struggling to make it. They either are looking for jobs, working temporary gigs here and there or trying to stretch the short money they receive from the jobs they have. Some have responsibilities, such as their own young children to take care of, or older parents/guardians whom they are trying to help out. Quite a few are attending school, and that's another bill to deal with. Forty dollars every two months or so is a lot of money to someone who's already on a tight budget.
4. The Sparring Issue
If one plans to compete, sparring is essential. When Steve was the coach, we'd often go to other Park District gyms to get in extra sparring practice. The coaches and boxers from the other gyms would come up to Loyola Park in return. This would happen a lot around the time fights were on the horizon, like the Chicago Golden Gloves tournament, for example. That has not been the case since the gym re-opened under Alan's watch in late 2008. The rules have tightened, and Mary does not want anyone in the gym who hasn't paid to be there. I understand; it's a liability issue. I don't dig people just showing up looking for a freebie workout, either, especially where security in the gym is concerned. But a boxer and their coach is not going to pay a full term fee just to come to another field house occasionally to get some sparring in. There should be a reciprocal agreement among Park District boxing gyms in terms of sparring. The way to keep down conflicts and confusion is to always make sure that the field house manager is aware that a coach and their boxers know in advance that they are coming by to spar. Coaches shouldn't just make arrangements between themselves and leave the field house manager out of the loop. Boxers from one field house shouldn't just show up to another field house on their own. Their coach should be with them, so that both coaches can monitor the sparring that takes place. Word gets around that there is good sparring to be had, then that may prompt some to want to sign up for boxing.
5. The Audience Has Changed and Become Smaller
The last professional fight I went to, there were a lot of empty seats in the stadium. If you saw it on cable, the cameras made it look like the crowd was bigger than it actually was. Boxing, unfortunately, has become a niche sport over the past couple of decades. I noticed that the spectators were largely Hispanic, and much of the advertising was geared toward that ethnic group. Many Hispanics are still strong supporters of the sport, and there is a major Hispanic presence in boxing these days. However, whites and African-Americans don't seem to be as enthusiastic about boxing like they used to be.
The Possibility of Hurt
Ed B. came in Monday night and announced that he plans to go pro soon. I encouraged him to go for it. He's young, and he's hungry. Ed B. might as well do it now and see where it goes. I want to see both his and JJ's debut pro fights when they happen. Ed B. also goes to school with plans to be a social worker.
I talked to Yale yesterday about getting a fight in November at a boxing event that he's involved with. He's going to try and get in touch with Andrea, whom I fought in the Loyola Boxing show back in September, and see if she wants a rematch. Alan told me that I might need a license to participate in that. Uh-oh. I'll never have a problem updating my coach's license. Getting another boxing license with my health issues is another story. Oh well. Ed B. told me, "You should have been in the Olympics by now. For real!" "I have fantasies about going pro, but they're just that -- fantasies," I said.
I picked up the DVD copy I had made of the tape recording that Barry made of September's boxing show Sunday afternoon. The first fight was missing the first two rounds, and the tape cut off before the end of the last fight. Other than that, all the other bouts were on tape. What Professor and Willie told me about my match with Andrea was true: at the beginning of one round, I threw punches right after we touched gloves, and I didn't throw many left jabs. I'm not a natural southpaw, so I don't know why I was favoring my right cross.
J came in after being missing for a minute. Alan asked what happened, and she replied that she'd had headaches for days after the last time she sparred. Guess who she was sparring with? I swear that sometimes, I don't realize how hard I'm hitting. I was alarmed when I heard that news. "The doctors gave me Tylenol," J said. "Did they do any tests?" I asked. "No, but the headaches went away. I'm fine now," she said.
Yes, boxing can be a dangerous sport. The object of the game is orchestrate punches like a chess game in order to best your opponent. Sometimes, great damage is inflicted on both participants in the ring. I've had ribs bruised, lips busted, numerous bruises and have showed up to work glassy-eyed after getting a concussion. Things happen. But it is never my intention to hurt someone so badly that they can't function for awhile, or God forbid, they can't function period. I would probably have to sit down for a long time if I ever seriously hurt somebody. Yet in this sport, there's always the possibility of a hurt. You just have to try to avoid it if you can, and deal with it if it comes to that.
I talked to Yale yesterday about getting a fight in November at a boxing event that he's involved with. He's going to try and get in touch with Andrea, whom I fought in the Loyola Boxing show back in September, and see if she wants a rematch. Alan told me that I might need a license to participate in that. Uh-oh. I'll never have a problem updating my coach's license. Getting another boxing license with my health issues is another story. Oh well. Ed B. told me, "You should have been in the Olympics by now. For real!" "I have fantasies about going pro, but they're just that -- fantasies," I said.
I picked up the DVD copy I had made of the tape recording that Barry made of September's boxing show Sunday afternoon. The first fight was missing the first two rounds, and the tape cut off before the end of the last fight. Other than that, all the other bouts were on tape. What Professor and Willie told me about my match with Andrea was true: at the beginning of one round, I threw punches right after we touched gloves, and I didn't throw many left jabs. I'm not a natural southpaw, so I don't know why I was favoring my right cross.
J came in after being missing for a minute. Alan asked what happened, and she replied that she'd had headaches for days after the last time she sparred. Guess who she was sparring with? I swear that sometimes, I don't realize how hard I'm hitting. I was alarmed when I heard that news. "The doctors gave me Tylenol," J said. "Did they do any tests?" I asked. "No, but the headaches went away. I'm fine now," she said.
Yes, boxing can be a dangerous sport. The object of the game is orchestrate punches like a chess game in order to best your opponent. Sometimes, great damage is inflicted on both participants in the ring. I've had ribs bruised, lips busted, numerous bruises and have showed up to work glassy-eyed after getting a concussion. Things happen. But it is never my intention to hurt someone so badly that they can't function for awhile, or God forbid, they can't function period. I would probably have to sit down for a long time if I ever seriously hurt somebody. Yet in this sport, there's always the possibility of a hurt. You just have to try to avoid it if you can, and deal with it if it comes to that.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Another Fall Night In The Gym
It was very quiet in the gym, when I realized the radio wasn't on. I turned it on before Jamil and Ralphie sparred. Even with people in the gym, the place can seem very silent at times.
Ralphie had about seven rounds of sparring. He was in with Jamil about four times, and in the ring with me twice. Jamil is very good at throwing double jabs with his right hand (he's a southpaw), but Ralphie didn't get caught very often. He's very good at slipping and ducking.
Jamelle, Danny and Eric did not spar. Eric told me his wife's date to give birth to their son was yesterday, but no baby yet. They'll be seeing the doctor tomorrow to make a decision about whether to induce labor or not. Meanwhile, Heather and Johan, members of my church, finally had their baby daughter yesterday.
Yale stopped in with news of a boxing match to take place in November. He asked to make an event page for it on Facebook, and I did. Fres Oquendo and "King David" Estrada are scheduled to meet and greet fans at the event.
As I was packing up to go at the end of the evening, I thought to myself that even if I could not compete and/or do the workout anymore, I would still be involved in boxing for the rest of my life. I just enjoy the atmosphere and comraderie so much that I could not see myself not having it in my life. Where this is most apparent is if I've had a rough day or a so-so day before arriving at the gym. Boxing just seems to make things better.
Ralphie had about seven rounds of sparring. He was in with Jamil about four times, and in the ring with me twice. Jamil is very good at throwing double jabs with his right hand (he's a southpaw), but Ralphie didn't get caught very often. He's very good at slipping and ducking.
Jamelle, Danny and Eric did not spar. Eric told me his wife's date to give birth to their son was yesterday, but no baby yet. They'll be seeing the doctor tomorrow to make a decision about whether to induce labor or not. Meanwhile, Heather and Johan, members of my church, finally had their baby daughter yesterday.
Yale stopped in with news of a boxing match to take place in November. He asked to make an event page for it on Facebook, and I did. Fres Oquendo and "King David" Estrada are scheduled to meet and greet fans at the event.
As I was packing up to go at the end of the evening, I thought to myself that even if I could not compete and/or do the workout anymore, I would still be involved in boxing for the rest of my life. I just enjoy the atmosphere and comraderie so much that I could not see myself not having it in my life. Where this is most apparent is if I've had a rough day or a so-so day before arriving at the gym. Boxing just seems to make things better.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Smell of Varnish
Tonight was the second time I was greeted by the strong smell of varnish when I entered the field house. Maintenance laid it on heavy in the gym last week, and I had the fan on full blast to air it out. "They put a second coat on, and my eyes were watering," staff member Carolyn told me. I had the fan on again tonight, but it got too cold in the gym, and I had to turn it back off.
Only Jamelle, Danny, Mike L., Charlene, and Jamil were in the gym tonight. "Where is everybody?" Charlene asked. "It thins out when it gets cold outside. But in January, it'll get crowded because of people training for the Golden Gloves," Alan answered.
Charlene and I sparred, and Alan kept telling me to roll and come up with a hook. But Charlene has very long arms, and I had to figure out how to get past those first. I was able to get in a hook here and there, but I took more hits than I gave. I tried to focus on being an inside fighter, but once again, it was a challenge avoiding her arms. My chin was up too often, and I ate a lot of punches. Afterwards, I watched Jamelle and Jamil. Jamil got three rights in succession on Jamelle (Jamil is a southpaw), and he caught Jamelle more times in the face. Alan told Jamelle during a break, "If you catch him with a good punch, you could send him flying to outer space." Jamelle got a few in, but I don't think he hurt Jamil much. Jamelle's form was very good.
Only Jamelle, Danny, Mike L., Charlene, and Jamil were in the gym tonight. "Where is everybody?" Charlene asked. "It thins out when it gets cold outside. But in January, it'll get crowded because of people training for the Golden Gloves," Alan answered.
Charlene and I sparred, and Alan kept telling me to roll and come up with a hook. But Charlene has very long arms, and I had to figure out how to get past those first. I was able to get in a hook here and there, but I took more hits than I gave. I tried to focus on being an inside fighter, but once again, it was a challenge avoiding her arms. My chin was up too often, and I ate a lot of punches. Afterwards, I watched Jamelle and Jamil. Jamil got three rights in succession on Jamelle (Jamil is a southpaw), and he caught Jamelle more times in the face. Alan told Jamelle during a break, "If you catch him with a good punch, you could send him flying to outer space." Jamelle got a few in, but I don't think he hurt Jamil much. Jamelle's form was very good.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Taking It To The Canvas
There was a lot of sparring activity in the gym on Wednesday. A lot of guys on hand, and as usual, I found myself to be the only female on the premises. "You wanna spar today?" Alan asked. "Yeah, depending on who's available. Otherwise, don't worry about it," I told him. I ended up in the ring with Ralphie. I have a habit of smothering someone against the ropes and in corners. "If you smother him," Alan said from behind the ropes, "he can't throw any punches." In other words, I had to give the man some room to breathe. Ralphie grabbed my arms at one point to cut my punches.
Carlos returned to Energizer Bunny mode, as he was in with Jamil and Ralphie. I wish I hadn't left my camera at home. I could have gotten a good shot of Carlos' son Justin, watching his father spar with great interest. Professor sparred with Jamil, I think. I had my back turned while I worked on the bags.
Barry left a message last night to say he didn't see anyone from Loyola at Hamlin's boxing show. Maybe I should have gone, regardless of the fact that I didn't have a fight. I like Hamlin's boxing shows; there are a lot of good fighters at that field house. I was busy fussing with an extra credit assignment that I needed to turn in to my Business Law instructor. I took the video of Loyola's boxing show up to Evanston earlier yesterday to have it converted to DVD, but I forgot that the Wolf Camera location there is gone. I'll have to go elsewhere, either later today or over the weekend to get it done.
I had told Pastor Roger about the religious conversations that I have often with Alan. Pastor had suggested that I come to Sunday School on Missions Sunday later this month. There will be a teaching on how to talk to Jewish people about Jesus. My thing is this: most know that I'm a Christian. I do mention it from time to time, depending on the conversation. But I don't believe in beating people over the head with the Bible. It annoys me when other Christians come to me like that. If someone else is dead-set in their beliefs, then there is not much that I or anyone else can say to change their minds. At that point, it's best to respect their viewpoint and stop trying to do a military-style conversion.
Alan laughed as he was driving me home, "Your pastor thinks I'm trying to convert you." I had to laugh at that thought, too. "I find it interesting to know," I told him. I know some things about Judaism, but not a lot, and I suspect that a lot of Christians, unless they've spent time in theology school, don't know a lot about it either.
Carlos returned to Energizer Bunny mode, as he was in with Jamil and Ralphie. I wish I hadn't left my camera at home. I could have gotten a good shot of Carlos' son Justin, watching his father spar with great interest. Professor sparred with Jamil, I think. I had my back turned while I worked on the bags.
Barry left a message last night to say he didn't see anyone from Loyola at Hamlin's boxing show. Maybe I should have gone, regardless of the fact that I didn't have a fight. I like Hamlin's boxing shows; there are a lot of good fighters at that field house. I was busy fussing with an extra credit assignment that I needed to turn in to my Business Law instructor. I took the video of Loyola's boxing show up to Evanston earlier yesterday to have it converted to DVD, but I forgot that the Wolf Camera location there is gone. I'll have to go elsewhere, either later today or over the weekend to get it done.
I had told Pastor Roger about the religious conversations that I have often with Alan. Pastor had suggested that I come to Sunday School on Missions Sunday later this month. There will be a teaching on how to talk to Jewish people about Jesus. My thing is this: most know that I'm a Christian. I do mention it from time to time, depending on the conversation. But I don't believe in beating people over the head with the Bible. It annoys me when other Christians come to me like that. If someone else is dead-set in their beliefs, then there is not much that I or anyone else can say to change their minds. At that point, it's best to respect their viewpoint and stop trying to do a military-style conversion.
Alan laughed as he was driving me home, "Your pastor thinks I'm trying to convert you." I had to laugh at that thought, too. "I find it interesting to know," I told him. I know some things about Judaism, but not a lot, and I suspect that a lot of Christians, unless they've spent time in theology school, don't know a lot about it either.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Alan and the Little Boy
Deep voiced Mike came in last night with a five-year-old boy whom he introduced as his cousin. The boy put on some sparring gloves, and Alan attempted to show him how to keep his hands up and throw punches. The little boy was very shy. Several of us in the gym encouraged the little guy on.
I sparred with J (I had refered to her as Kyra, but I was incorrect), a very quiet young woman who started coming to the gym this fall. Alan gave his usual instruction to me to throw punches downstairs and then go upstairs. I did it a little too well, as I caught her in the ribs. We both had to stop to give her time to regroup and catch her breath. During both rounds, I got hooks in and dead-on punches to the face.
Later, Alan held the punch shield for me. Mike's little cousin watched us with interest. After Alan and I did a couple of rounds, the older man invited the little boy into the ring. They got into a mock boxing match, with Alan on his knees to give Mike's cousin more of an advantage. I was hanging over the ropes loudly saying to Mike's cousin: "Get him, get him! There you go! Body shots! Get him in the jaw! Hooks!" Alan pretended like he was being overwhelmed by the boy, and he fell out on the canvas. "Don't you feel strong?" Mike asked his cousin. "Yes!" the little boy said enthusiastically. "I'm going to get you," Alan pointed to the boy in jest. I couldn't help but think that Alan may have been remembering good times playing with his son like that when Matthew was small.
Eric came in after being out for a little while. He said that he may not be back in again for a couple of weeks. His wife is due to give birth to their second son any day now.
Looks like I won't have a fight at Hamlin this week. Bill told Alan that the three women fighters he has are already matched up. There are several more Chicago Park District boxing shows between now and early December; I may get another fight or two before Christmas.
I sparred with J (I had refered to her as Kyra, but I was incorrect), a very quiet young woman who started coming to the gym this fall. Alan gave his usual instruction to me to throw punches downstairs and then go upstairs. I did it a little too well, as I caught her in the ribs. We both had to stop to give her time to regroup and catch her breath. During both rounds, I got hooks in and dead-on punches to the face.
Later, Alan held the punch shield for me. Mike's little cousin watched us with interest. After Alan and I did a couple of rounds, the older man invited the little boy into the ring. They got into a mock boxing match, with Alan on his knees to give Mike's cousin more of an advantage. I was hanging over the ropes loudly saying to Mike's cousin: "Get him, get him! There you go! Body shots! Get him in the jaw! Hooks!" Alan pretended like he was being overwhelmed by the boy, and he fell out on the canvas. "Don't you feel strong?" Mike asked his cousin. "Yes!" the little boy said enthusiastically. "I'm going to get you," Alan pointed to the boy in jest. I couldn't help but think that Alan may have been remembering good times playing with his son like that when Matthew was small.
Eric came in after being out for a little while. He said that he may not be back in again for a couple of weeks. His wife is due to give birth to their second son any day now.
Looks like I won't have a fight at Hamlin this week. Bill told Alan that the three women fighters he has are already matched up. There are several more Chicago Park District boxing shows between now and early December; I may get another fight or two before Christmas.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
The Punch Before The Bell
Erica and I were sparring Wednesday night. She has a lot of power. It is hard to push her back once she gets started. We did a couple of rounds. She and I were both really tired at the end of round one, but Alan told us both to walk around the ring and breath. It helped, but it wasn't long into the second round where I began struggling with stamina again. At the end of the round, a second before the bell rang, Erica caught me right in the nose. I fell up against the ropes. She hugged me. "Are you okay?" Erica asked. "I'm fine. That was a good one!" I said, and it was true.
Jamelle (not Jamal as I had been spelling his name) sparred with Adam. Both of them were worn out at the end of their couple of rounds. Charlene and Erica sparred for one round before I got in the ring with Erica. Other than that, it was kind of quiet in the gym with everybody doing their own thing. Most of the new people were not in attendance.
I keep feeling my nose. It's been punched in more times than usual. Back in 2003, I had an operation to correct a deviated septum. If I keep dropping my hands, I'll be back to have it fixed again.
A search around the gym for the T-shirts that were not given out during the boxing show didn't turn them up. Barry was going to leave them somewhere for me, along with the videotape of the show so I could have it put on DVD. The plan also included giving shirts to Professor and Evangelina as they participated in the show. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places. I'll ask Barry again where the goods are.
Jamelle (not Jamal as I had been spelling his name) sparred with Adam. Both of them were worn out at the end of their couple of rounds. Charlene and Erica sparred for one round before I got in the ring with Erica. Other than that, it was kind of quiet in the gym with everybody doing their own thing. Most of the new people were not in attendance.
I keep feeling my nose. It's been punched in more times than usual. Back in 2003, I had an operation to correct a deviated septum. If I keep dropping my hands, I'll be back to have it fixed again.
A search around the gym for the T-shirts that were not given out during the boxing show didn't turn them up. Barry was going to leave them somewhere for me, along with the videotape of the show so I could have it put on DVD. The plan also included giving shirts to Professor and Evangelina as they participated in the show. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places. I'll ask Barry again where the goods are.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Three In The Ring
Carlos returned last night with his son Justin in tow. "You've gotten taller. Soon, I'm going to have to look up to you," I told the boy, who's now in first grade. "So am I," Carlos grinned. He worked a little bit in the ring with his cousin Erica. He was popping her -- lightly, however -- in her face and stomach. "You're not wearing headgear?" I asked her. "I'm okay," she said. She had told me previously that her and Carlos wrestled each other a lot when they were kids.
Earlier, Erica and I sparred. She hit me in the nose twice. The second nose hit came close to having me laid out on the canvas. I also took some hard body shots. Charlene and I sparred before that; she's 6 foot 1, a full foot taller than I. I practiced on deflecting jabs by patting by swatting hers down.
Adam, whom I sparred with last, was a surprise in regards to how hard he hits. I bobbed and weaved to avoid his right, only to catch it on the top of my head. Then he kept catching me with numerous body shots. I'm surprised I don't feel any of them today. But due to my delayed reaction to pain, tomorrow may be the day the pains show up.
Shanice was another new person in the gym last night. She and Charlene are about the same height. Those two would make good sparring partners based on their height alone.
Looks like the rematch between I and Andrea may be on. I am free to go to Hamlin Park's boxing show next week. Alan, however, wasn't sure about if anybody else was going to be able to go. Jamil didn't come in last night, and neither did Eric. I'm not sure if Professor wants a fight at Hamlin. Carlos just got back in the game, so it's a little too soon to talk about him getting a fight.
Earlier, Erica and I sparred. She hit me in the nose twice. The second nose hit came close to having me laid out on the canvas. I also took some hard body shots. Charlene and I sparred before that; she's 6 foot 1, a full foot taller than I. I practiced on deflecting jabs by patting by swatting hers down.
Adam, whom I sparred with last, was a surprise in regards to how hard he hits. I bobbed and weaved to avoid his right, only to catch it on the top of my head. Then he kept catching me with numerous body shots. I'm surprised I don't feel any of them today. But due to my delayed reaction to pain, tomorrow may be the day the pains show up.
Shanice was another new person in the gym last night. She and Charlene are about the same height. Those two would make good sparring partners based on their height alone.
Looks like the rematch between I and Andrea may be on. I am free to go to Hamlin Park's boxing show next week. Alan, however, wasn't sure about if anybody else was going to be able to go. Jamil didn't come in last night, and neither did Eric. I'm not sure if Professor wants a fight at Hamlin. Carlos just got back in the game, so it's a little too soon to talk about him getting a fight.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Giving A Knee
Now I am even more aware of being hit in my eyes. I sparred with David last night, and got popped in my left eye. On Monday night, Evangelina got me in my right eye. Perhaps I will need quad-focals (I already wear tri-focals) after it's all over with. Alan had told David "you can hit her" when I was in the ring, but when Erica got in with David next, Alan told him to take it easy. "Why did you tell him to take it easy on her, but to beat me?" I laughed. I also sparred with Jeannie, but very lightly. I let her get more hits on me than I did on her.
I need to call Barry because he has a DVD of all the fights that took place at the boxing show last Friday. I'll pay for a copy, if that's the case. I really need to look at my fight again. Cynthia, a staff member at Loyola Park, told me that I had given Andrea a knee during our fight. "You were fighting her like she had stolen your purse and you were doing MMA!" she laughed. "I gave her a knee?" I said, shocked. "I was hoping the referee didn't catch it," Cynthia continued. If that happened like that, I glad he didn't see it, either. That could have been either a point deduction or a disqualification. It was not intentional, believe me!
Ralphie had good news: his wife gave birth to a boy, whom they named Gabriel Rafael. "I'm Rafael, my dad is Rafael. . .I decided to give that to him as his middle name," Ralphie smiled. Mother and child are doing fine, as they say.
I need to call Barry because he has a DVD of all the fights that took place at the boxing show last Friday. I'll pay for a copy, if that's the case. I really need to look at my fight again. Cynthia, a staff member at Loyola Park, told me that I had given Andrea a knee during our fight. "You were fighting her like she had stolen your purse and you were doing MMA!" she laughed. "I gave her a knee?" I said, shocked. "I was hoping the referee didn't catch it," Cynthia continued. If that happened like that, I glad he didn't see it, either. That could have been either a point deduction or a disqualification. It was not intentional, believe me!
Ralphie had good news: his wife gave birth to a boy, whom they named Gabriel Rafael. "I'm Rafael, my dad is Rafael. . .I decided to give that to him as his middle name," Ralphie smiled. Mother and child are doing fine, as they say.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Walking In As A Champ
On the way to the gym, I ran into a neighbor, Ginny, who was out walking her dog. "You did what? I forbid you to fight," she said when I told her about my fight last Friday. She was so surprised that I had actually got into the ring. She asked me my age, and said, "That's about the same age my daughter is. You have to be careful!"
It occurred to me that I was the only one in the adult boxing program who won a match at last Friday's boxing show. Everyone who didn't see the match was congratulatory when they found out about the win. "The most beautiful part of your match was when you touched gloves with your opponent, and she thought she was just going to back up. Then you hit her right after you touched gloves," Professor said.
Earlier in the day, I showed as much of the fight as I could to Jena and her cute little boy, Nico (Nicholas). There were Internet problems at work. "Looks like you were pretty aggressive there," Jena said. I kept coming forward, but so did Andrea. After church service on Sunday, Ann took one of my hands and said, "I can't believe you hit people with these little hands. You're tough and feminine at the same time!" Pastor wondered if I knew what the scores were for my fight, but I didn't ask about them.
Alan asked me about doing a rematch at Hamlin in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I have to take a final in one of my Paralegal classes that night, so I can't do it then. But we'll probably go to Fuller, Seward and Brooks' boxing shows as they come up. I'll be happy to do a rematch.
I sparred twice, with both Evangelina and Erica. Erica got me hard in the chest and the stomach. "That must come from sparring with your cousin Carlos," I grinned. Alan commented, "This is the first time that only the girls sparred in the evening."
Charlene and Jeannie did some very, very light sparring. Alan stood in the ring with them, giving directions, as they wore no headgear or mouth pieces. Jeannie was flinching when Alan was showing her how to throw her jabs. Jeannie was putting her punches all the way out, but both Alan and I reminded Charlene to extend her punches.
I'm still sore from Friday, and now I'm sore from sparring tonight on top of that. I need to take Terry's (a woman at my church) advice and get a hold of some green rubbing alcohol to soak in. I know I'm going to be hurting a lot in ten and twenty years because of boxing. I can at least do something to ease some of the pain today.
It occurred to me that I was the only one in the adult boxing program who won a match at last Friday's boxing show. Everyone who didn't see the match was congratulatory when they found out about the win. "The most beautiful part of your match was when you touched gloves with your opponent, and she thought she was just going to back up. Then you hit her right after you touched gloves," Professor said.
Earlier in the day, I showed as much of the fight as I could to Jena and her cute little boy, Nico (Nicholas). There were Internet problems at work. "Looks like you were pretty aggressive there," Jena said. I kept coming forward, but so did Andrea. After church service on Sunday, Ann took one of my hands and said, "I can't believe you hit people with these little hands. You're tough and feminine at the same time!" Pastor wondered if I knew what the scores were for my fight, but I didn't ask about them.
Alan asked me about doing a rematch at Hamlin in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I have to take a final in one of my Paralegal classes that night, so I can't do it then. But we'll probably go to Fuller, Seward and Brooks' boxing shows as they come up. I'll be happy to do a rematch.
I sparred twice, with both Evangelina and Erica. Erica got me hard in the chest and the stomach. "That must come from sparring with your cousin Carlos," I grinned. Alan commented, "This is the first time that only the girls sparred in the evening."
Charlene and Jeannie did some very, very light sparring. Alan stood in the ring with them, giving directions, as they wore no headgear or mouth pieces. Jeannie was flinching when Alan was showing her how to throw her jabs. Jeannie was putting her punches all the way out, but both Alan and I reminded Charlene to extend her punches.
I'm still sore from Friday, and now I'm sore from sparring tonight on top of that. I need to take Terry's (a woman at my church) advice and get a hold of some green rubbing alcohol to soak in. I know I'm going to be hurting a lot in ten and twenty years because of boxing. I can at least do something to ease some of the pain today.
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Eighth Fight
Tonight was Loyola Park's Annual Boxing Show ("Boxing Explosion"). There were only about ten fights, and the crowd was small. The gym where Antonio trains was also having fights tonight, which may have accounted for the low attendance. My fight was the eighth of the night. Before leaving the house, I painted my nails red. I thought it would be fun to box with nail polish on.
Marquis' fight was first. He hung in there, but the other kid got more pops in on him, so the winning trophy went to him. Eric's fight was the third one, I believe. He won his bout, but I was so busy pacing out of nervousness that I didn't see much of that bout. Professor had a fight; he ended up on the canvas twice, and taking eight counts despite making a good effort.
Evangelina's fight was number four and she was up against Meg the fire fighter. I didn't get a chance to give Evangelina tips ahead of time, since I had fought Meg twice before. She did well against Meg the first round, but the second and third rounds belonged to Meg. I kept yelling to her, "body blows!" and Alan kept yelling, "Keep your punches straight!" Meg picked up another win. Below is a picture of Evangelina and I in the gym after the boxing show was over.
I met my opponent, Andrea, before our match. She was wearing a very cool "Fight Like A Girl" T-shirt. I have a shirt with the same saying, but hers has a rose on it instead of a boxing glove. We looked to be matched evenly. Alan said that we both were about the same weight. But when we got into the ring, and I was staring at her from my corner, she looked a lot more buff than pudgy little me. "I just may get my ass whipped," I thought. Alan rubbed my shoulder. "You know what to do. You've done this before," he said.
I kept throwing punches throughout the first round, but I didn't think I landed anything of importance. The nerves caught up with me when that round ended. The mouthpiece felt like it was choking me, and I thought I was going to be sick. Alan was giving me instructions, but all I heard was "body blows" and "Are you okay?" I was winded, but I went back out for the second round. Andrea cracked me in my head a few times, which was a hint to me to keep my hands up. "Come on, Hillari!" I kept hearing Alan yelling, while Cynthia, a staff member at the field house, was yelling, "Get her, Hillari, get her!" from the other side of the gym.
Alan gave me a look during the rest period between the second and third round. Later, he told me he was thinking of stopping the match. I had a feeling that was on his mind, which is why I kept insisting I was fine, when I was close to upchucking. I was determined to suck it up and make it through the third round. I kept coming forward, landing punches where I could manage. Andrea leaped in with several bombs of her own. Thankfully, the minute finally ended (the amateur matches are one minute per round), and I dragged myself into my corner. "That was a close fight," Alan grinned, but I thought, "Nah, I don't think so." After hugging my opponent and shaking the hand of Bill, her coach at Hamlin, I stepped to the middle of the ring, prepared to take another loss.
My mouth dropped open when my name was announced as the winner, and Kitchen, who had refereed the bout, raised my hand in victory. A few years ago, Anna, who used to attend my church told me, "You're not a fighter because you've never had any fights." Alan told me as he drove me home, "Hillari, you were a gym rat. Now you're a fighter." Willie had held pads for me to get me warmed up before the match. "You didn't throw many jabs, but you kept moving," he grinned. Several other people said I never let up on Andria, but I didn't feel I had been as aggressive as I should have been. It is so true that battle plans are forgotten once the bell rings.
But I got the win. Alan joked that I should bring my trophy to church service. After he pulled off after dropping me on corner up the street from my house, I said, "Praise God, praise Jesus, all day, forever!" I was still in shock that I actually won.
Marquis' fight was first. He hung in there, but the other kid got more pops in on him, so the winning trophy went to him. Eric's fight was the third one, I believe. He won his bout, but I was so busy pacing out of nervousness that I didn't see much of that bout. Professor had a fight; he ended up on the canvas twice, and taking eight counts despite making a good effort.
Evangelina's fight was number four and she was up against Meg the fire fighter. I didn't get a chance to give Evangelina tips ahead of time, since I had fought Meg twice before. She did well against Meg the first round, but the second and third rounds belonged to Meg. I kept yelling to her, "body blows!" and Alan kept yelling, "Keep your punches straight!" Meg picked up another win. Below is a picture of Evangelina and I in the gym after the boxing show was over.
I met my opponent, Andrea, before our match. She was wearing a very cool "Fight Like A Girl" T-shirt. I have a shirt with the same saying, but hers has a rose on it instead of a boxing glove. We looked to be matched evenly. Alan said that we both were about the same weight. But when we got into the ring, and I was staring at her from my corner, she looked a lot more buff than pudgy little me. "I just may get my ass whipped," I thought. Alan rubbed my shoulder. "You know what to do. You've done this before," he said.
I kept throwing punches throughout the first round, but I didn't think I landed anything of importance. The nerves caught up with me when that round ended. The mouthpiece felt like it was choking me, and I thought I was going to be sick. Alan was giving me instructions, but all I heard was "body blows" and "Are you okay?" I was winded, but I went back out for the second round. Andrea cracked me in my head a few times, which was a hint to me to keep my hands up. "Come on, Hillari!" I kept hearing Alan yelling, while Cynthia, a staff member at the field house, was yelling, "Get her, Hillari, get her!" from the other side of the gym.
Alan gave me a look during the rest period between the second and third round. Later, he told me he was thinking of stopping the match. I had a feeling that was on his mind, which is why I kept insisting I was fine, when I was close to upchucking. I was determined to suck it up and make it through the third round. I kept coming forward, landing punches where I could manage. Andrea leaped in with several bombs of her own. Thankfully, the minute finally ended (the amateur matches are one minute per round), and I dragged myself into my corner. "That was a close fight," Alan grinned, but I thought, "Nah, I don't think so." After hugging my opponent and shaking the hand of Bill, her coach at Hamlin, I stepped to the middle of the ring, prepared to take another loss.
My mouth dropped open when my name was announced as the winner, and Kitchen, who had refereed the bout, raised my hand in victory. A few years ago, Anna, who used to attend my church told me, "You're not a fighter because you've never had any fights." Alan told me as he drove me home, "Hillari, you were a gym rat. Now you're a fighter." Willie had held pads for me to get me warmed up before the match. "You didn't throw many jabs, but you kept moving," he grinned. Several other people said I never let up on Andria, but I didn't feel I had been as aggressive as I should have been. It is so true that battle plans are forgotten once the bell rings.
But I got the win. Alan joked that I should bring my trophy to church service. After he pulled off after dropping me on corner up the street from my house, I said, "Praise God, praise Jesus, all day, forever!" I was still in shock that I actually won.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Cuffed In The Ear and Hit In The Eye
There was a good crowd at the gym tonight. Erica, Adam, Cole, Marvel, Fatima, Jamil, Jamal, Eric, Professor, Evangelina, Kyren (I'll get her name right, yet), plus new persons. They were David, Jennine, and a tall African-American woman with a delicate voice who's name escapes me at the moment.
Evangelina and I sparred after Professor and Jamil did. She got me square in my right eye. "Oh, no, no!" I thought. The room went hazy for a moment. It figures. I just got the all clear on that eye during a follow-up appointment with the eye doctor yesterday, then I get hit in that eye. Evangelina loves uppercuts, and I took a good solid one to my mid-section. Then she had me backed up in a corner, and I slipped and fell. Earlier, Alan said that she may end up fighting Meg, the woman I fought twice last year. After the sparring session, I told Evangelina, "You should use that punch to the gut if you end up facing Meg!" That hit nearly took me out.
Alan then took out the punch doughnut out and worked on punches with both Evangelina and I. During my second round on the doughnut, Alan caught me with my hands down. He reached out and cuffed my right ear. It stung, and I kept my hands up after that. During the last 30 seconds of that round, Alan kept yelling at me to keep throwing punches. I did, but it was not easy. I laid down on the canvas afterwards. "One, two, three. . ." Alan grinned, pretending to count me out. Cole gave me my glasses, which I had laid on the storage bin in the back. "This is so you can see while you rest," she laughed.
Later, I told Alan about the cuffing. He looked dismayed. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked. "No," I laughed, "but it reminded me of my dad hitting me like that when he got mad about something I had done or not done."
Evangelina and I sparred after Professor and Jamil did. She got me square in my right eye. "Oh, no, no!" I thought. The room went hazy for a moment. It figures. I just got the all clear on that eye during a follow-up appointment with the eye doctor yesterday, then I get hit in that eye. Evangelina loves uppercuts, and I took a good solid one to my mid-section. Then she had me backed up in a corner, and I slipped and fell. Earlier, Alan said that she may end up fighting Meg, the woman I fought twice last year. After the sparring session, I told Evangelina, "You should use that punch to the gut if you end up facing Meg!" That hit nearly took me out.
Alan then took out the punch doughnut out and worked on punches with both Evangelina and I. During my second round on the doughnut, Alan caught me with my hands down. He reached out and cuffed my right ear. It stung, and I kept my hands up after that. During the last 30 seconds of that round, Alan kept yelling at me to keep throwing punches. I did, but it was not easy. I laid down on the canvas afterwards. "One, two, three. . ." Alan grinned, pretending to count me out. Cole gave me my glasses, which I had laid on the storage bin in the back. "This is so you can see while you rest," she laughed.
Later, I told Alan about the cuffing. He looked dismayed. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked. "No," I laughed, "but it reminded me of my dad hitting me like that when he got mad about something I had done or not done."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Beginning of Fall
On the way to the gym, I was a little disappointed because the sun is not out as it used to be. It won't be long before the clocks have to be turned back then things will really get depressing in terms of the weather. But it's a new season at the gym, which means new blood in the place.
The new people are Cole, Marvell, Fatima, Kyran (don't quote me on the spelling) and Jamal. Alan was really impressed with Marvell's hands. "He has big, solid hands," Alan said. Alan joked with Cole trying out sparring, just after Evangelina and I got into the ring to spar. "On the first day?" I joked with Alan. "I think I'll go along with what she says," Cole smiled. Most of the people who were in the gym the last time returned, including long, tall Kevin, who hadn't been in for a few sessions. Carlos, his cousin Erica, and Adam were no-shows, however.
Throughout the two rounds that Evangelina and I sparred, I kept thinking to myself, "Keep your hands up!" Fortunately, I took few hits to the head, and more importantly, none to my eyes. But I did catch one in the kidneys and one in the gut. "You did get some good hits in, but you have to go more for the body," Alan told me later. It is so hard to be an inside fighter if you can't easily get around your opponent's arms. I'm hoping that whomever I'm matched up with on Friday has short arms.
Professor wants a fight this Friday, but he was thinking that maybe he might not be matched up if someone near his weight can't be found. He proposed to Jamil that they fight on Friday if neither of them gets a match. "Oh, no! I ain't ready for that kind of action yet, man," Jamil said, referring to how intense Professor fights. "That's not unusual for two people from the same field house to fight each other at a boxing show," I told Jamil. A few years ago, I witnessed two teenaged girls, who were both training at Garfield Park, participate in a match at Garfield's boxing show. On top of that, the girls were related to each other -- they were sisters.
I made an event page for my fight on Facebook, and invited people. Of course, most of the church folks indicated they don't want to go because they don't want to see me get hurt (or see me hurt someone else). My niece, Jalissa, may have moved to Chicago by then, so maybe she'd be able to go.
The new people are Cole, Marvell, Fatima, Kyran (don't quote me on the spelling) and Jamal. Alan was really impressed with Marvell's hands. "He has big, solid hands," Alan said. Alan joked with Cole trying out sparring, just after Evangelina and I got into the ring to spar. "On the first day?" I joked with Alan. "I think I'll go along with what she says," Cole smiled. Most of the people who were in the gym the last time returned, including long, tall Kevin, who hadn't been in for a few sessions. Carlos, his cousin Erica, and Adam were no-shows, however.
Throughout the two rounds that Evangelina and I sparred, I kept thinking to myself, "Keep your hands up!" Fortunately, I took few hits to the head, and more importantly, none to my eyes. But I did catch one in the kidneys and one in the gut. "You did get some good hits in, but you have to go more for the body," Alan told me later. It is so hard to be an inside fighter if you can't easily get around your opponent's arms. I'm hoping that whomever I'm matched up with on Friday has short arms.
Professor wants a fight this Friday, but he was thinking that maybe he might not be matched up if someone near his weight can't be found. He proposed to Jamil that they fight on Friday if neither of them gets a match. "Oh, no! I ain't ready for that kind of action yet, man," Jamil said, referring to how intense Professor fights. "That's not unusual for two people from the same field house to fight each other at a boxing show," I told Jamil. A few years ago, I witnessed two teenaged girls, who were both training at Garfield Park, participate in a match at Garfield's boxing show. On top of that, the girls were related to each other -- they were sisters.
I made an event page for my fight on Facebook, and invited people. Of course, most of the church folks indicated they don't want to go because they don't want to see me get hurt (or see me hurt someone else). My niece, Jalissa, may have moved to Chicago by then, so maybe she'd be able to go.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Summer Cold Problem
Didn't go to the gym Wednesday night because of having caught a late summer cold. I was at home both Wednesday and Thursday, trying to rush the sickness away. I went to work this morning, so I feel somewhat better, but what a pain.
Another pain -- it appears that someone has walked with two radios at church, one of which I used whenever I worked out in the church's gym. I was coming down with the cold Tuesday, but I was going to do a workout. Then I noticed the radio I use was not in its usual spot. I had planned to transition back to working out at home with DVDs come next month due to time restraints brought on by my going to school. I also didn't want to drag my gear back and forth once the weather got cooler and the sun wasn't out as much. I guess I'm going to do that transition earlier than expected now.
Professor left a message on the Internet for me that he plans to fight in Loyola Park's boxing show next Friday. He asked me to let Alan know. I called Alan and left a message on his voice mail. Now there's just the matter of finding someone to match Professor up with.
Another pain -- it appears that someone has walked with two radios at church, one of which I used whenever I worked out in the church's gym. I was coming down with the cold Tuesday, but I was going to do a workout. Then I noticed the radio I use was not in its usual spot. I had planned to transition back to working out at home with DVDs come next month due to time restraints brought on by my going to school. I also didn't want to drag my gear back and forth once the weather got cooler and the sun wasn't out as much. I guess I'm going to do that transition earlier than expected now.
Professor left a message on the Internet for me that he plans to fight in Loyola Park's boxing show next Friday. He asked me to let Alan know. I called Alan and left a message on his voice mail. Now there's just the matter of finding someone to match Professor up with.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday's Workout Time
Alan and I were the only ones in the gym for almost an hour last night until Jamil came in. No one else showed up. Next week begins the fall session, so I guess they'll all come in then.
I had a good workout, and one of the toughest I've had in awhile. I told Alan that my right eye was good for the time being. He had me working with increasing intensity on the heavy bags, and on the punch doughnut, which he held for me. Later, Jamil and I did burn out (interval training) on the heavy bags. I was worn out and sore, but it was good for me.
Today, I will concentrate more on the cardio aspect. I have to make up for lost time, since I was wasn't sparring between eye doctor appointments. I have a follow-up eye appointment next week; here's hoping that turns out well.
Bill at Hamlin told Alan that he had a beginning fighter to match me up with for Loyola Park's boxing show next Friday. Jamil wants to fight, but Alan told him there may not be a match for him, depending on who's available. Anthony may fight, and Alan also put Evangelina's name down as a possibility. It's up in the air whether Barry will have many kids lined up for the boxing show, because so many of them have not been in the gym lately. There's not much time left to train.
I had a good workout, and one of the toughest I've had in awhile. I told Alan that my right eye was good for the time being. He had me working with increasing intensity on the heavy bags, and on the punch doughnut, which he held for me. Later, Jamil and I did burn out (interval training) on the heavy bags. I was worn out and sore, but it was good for me.
Today, I will concentrate more on the cardio aspect. I have to make up for lost time, since I was wasn't sparring between eye doctor appointments. I have a follow-up eye appointment next week; here's hoping that turns out well.
Bill at Hamlin told Alan that he had a beginning fighter to match me up with for Loyola Park's boxing show next Friday. Jamil wants to fight, but Alan told him there may not be a match for him, depending on who's available. Anthony may fight, and Alan also put Evangelina's name down as a possibility. It's up in the air whether Barry will have many kids lined up for the boxing show, because so many of them have not been in the gym lately. There's not much time left to train.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
A Cool, Quiet Night
Fall seems to be starting early, as temperatures in the day aren't as hot, and the nights qualify as jacket weather. I wore my Ringside sweatjacket to the gym last night, but I probably could have worn an even heavier jacket. At least the gym was not the sweatbox it usually is this time of year. I didn't even have to put the fan on.
Alan was not in the gym last night because of Rosh Hashanah. Ralphie was surprised to learn that Alan is Jewish. "Oh, I knew that Josh was, but I never knew that about Alan," he said. Josh, a rabbi, was also out that evening.
Carlos was outside with his cousin Erica and her friend Adam as I walked up to the field house. He's was out of the gym all summer due to his work schedule. "I'm gonna be back in next week," he told me. It was good to see him, and to hear that news.
Anthony and Eric made up the rest of the participants in the gym last night. No sparring took place because Alan was out. The radio was on, tuned to WGCI-FM, as usual. Anthony shook his head. "Is this what they call music nowadays?" he said. I had to agree with him. As I've mentioned here before, the only time I hear that particular radio station is when I'm at Loyola Park. I don't put it on at home or at work. I echo the thought of a button I see from time to time: "It's not that I'm so old, but today's music really sucks."
Even with the radio on, there was a quietness in the gym. The rest of the field house was as quiet as a tomb. Basketball season is over, so no kids or teens were filling the halls. Mary and most of her staff were in a meeting that ended awhile before the gym closed.
My workout was deliberately slow and measured, as I focused on really throwing punches correctly, in particular, uppercuts and hooks.
Alan was not in the gym last night because of Rosh Hashanah. Ralphie was surprised to learn that Alan is Jewish. "Oh, I knew that Josh was, but I never knew that about Alan," he said. Josh, a rabbi, was also out that evening.
Carlos was outside with his cousin Erica and her friend Adam as I walked up to the field house. He's was out of the gym all summer due to his work schedule. "I'm gonna be back in next week," he told me. It was good to see him, and to hear that news.
Anthony and Eric made up the rest of the participants in the gym last night. No sparring took place because Alan was out. The radio was on, tuned to WGCI-FM, as usual. Anthony shook his head. "Is this what they call music nowadays?" he said. I had to agree with him. As I've mentioned here before, the only time I hear that particular radio station is when I'm at Loyola Park. I don't put it on at home or at work. I echo the thought of a button I see from time to time: "It's not that I'm so old, but today's music really sucks."
Even with the radio on, there was a quietness in the gym. The rest of the field house was as quiet as a tomb. Basketball season is over, so no kids or teens were filling the halls. Mary and most of her staff were in a meeting that ended awhile before the gym closed.
My workout was deliberately slow and measured, as I focused on really throwing punches correctly, in particular, uppercuts and hooks.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Sniffle and Sneeze
No boxing tonight due to Labor Day. I could have gone down to the church's gym and got in a workout, but choose to spend time with Glynn and Margaret's cat, Esther. The problem is, cat dander and kitty litter aggravates my allergies. Oh, I can take over-the-counter medicine, but it takes awhile to kick in. I've gone through a lot of tissues today.
It seems that I should be sniffling and sneezing all the time at Loyola Gym. The place does have a dry, musty smell, and there is dust. But I guess I've been going there for so long that I'm mostly immune to it.
I have half a mind not to work out at the church's gym tomorrow, but if I don't, then there's just Wednesday. I doubt that I would have another chance to get in an extra workout this week. It's too close to Loyola Park's boxing show on the 24th for me to slack off. A friend at church, Jena, was amazed to find out that I have no idea who I will fight on that night. "Usually, people don't know until they get to the fight," I told her. There's also the possibility of not having a match made at all. I've been in that situation too many times before, which is why I was so thrilled to finally have the two fights I did late last year.
It seems that I should be sniffling and sneezing all the time at Loyola Gym. The place does have a dry, musty smell, and there is dust. But I guess I've been going there for so long that I'm mostly immune to it.
I have half a mind not to work out at the church's gym tomorrow, but if I don't, then there's just Wednesday. I doubt that I would have another chance to get in an extra workout this week. It's too close to Loyola Park's boxing show on the 24th for me to slack off. A friend at church, Jena, was amazed to find out that I have no idea who I will fight on that night. "Usually, people don't know until they get to the fight," I told her. There's also the possibility of not having a match made at all. I've been in that situation too many times before, which is why I was so thrilled to finally have the two fights I did late last year.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Seeing To Box
Wednesday was another night of limited sparring action, as only Anthony and Jamil got into the ring. Randy begged off sparring, stating that he wasn't keeping his hands up enough, and wanted to work on doing that.
I suspected that a lot of the people who were in the gym during the summer session assumed that the gym wouldn't be open during the break period. That's probably why the number of people have been so light lately. Some of them will return later this month when the Fall session starts and be surprised that they could have come in during the break.
Carlos's cousin returned to the gym along with a friend, a very good looking guy named Adam. They signed up for fall, but I told them they could get a workout in that night. The only thing they wouldn't be allowed to do was sparring. Carlos's cousin said that Carlos would be returning to the gym soon. His work schedule has kept him out lately.
Josh showed up ten minutes before closing time wanting to work on pads. We worked with the punch doughnut instead. "Ten minutes is better than nothing," he stated, but the time frame doesn't allow for much of a workout either.
I had another eye exam yesterday, a more comprehensive one, at the Illinois Eye Institute. The floaters in both eyes are something I'll have to live with. They are more of the result of aging than injury. The doctor, a very bubbly woman, said that she saw nothing in my right eye that looked serious. Both her and the student doctor, Tracy, suggested something that Alan has told me time and time again: to keep my hands up and not take so many knocks to the head. They told they were glad that I had come in to check out the white flashes (which have stopped) in my right eye. If anything else seems out of place, they told me to call them.
It appears that I'm good to go for having a match on September 24th. I left a voice mail on Alan's cell to let him know. Time to intensify the workouts that I've been doing in and out of Loyola Gym. Not easy to do with all the reading and homework I have to do for school (plus other obligations), but I want to be as ready as I can. Especially if I'm going to be fighting someone from Hamlin Park again.
I suspected that a lot of the people who were in the gym during the summer session assumed that the gym wouldn't be open during the break period. That's probably why the number of people have been so light lately. Some of them will return later this month when the Fall session starts and be surprised that they could have come in during the break.
Carlos's cousin returned to the gym along with a friend, a very good looking guy named Adam. They signed up for fall, but I told them they could get a workout in that night. The only thing they wouldn't be allowed to do was sparring. Carlos's cousin said that Carlos would be returning to the gym soon. His work schedule has kept him out lately.
Josh showed up ten minutes before closing time wanting to work on pads. We worked with the punch doughnut instead. "Ten minutes is better than nothing," he stated, but the time frame doesn't allow for much of a workout either.
I had another eye exam yesterday, a more comprehensive one, at the Illinois Eye Institute. The floaters in both eyes are something I'll have to live with. They are more of the result of aging than injury. The doctor, a very bubbly woman, said that she saw nothing in my right eye that looked serious. Both her and the student doctor, Tracy, suggested something that Alan has told me time and time again: to keep my hands up and not take so many knocks to the head. They told they were glad that I had come in to check out the white flashes (which have stopped) in my right eye. If anything else seems out of place, they told me to call them.
It appears that I'm good to go for having a match on September 24th. I left a voice mail on Alan's cell to let him know. Time to intensify the workouts that I've been doing in and out of Loyola Gym. Not easy to do with all the reading and homework I have to do for school (plus other obligations), but I want to be as ready as I can. Especially if I'm going to be fighting someone from Hamlin Park again.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Randy and Anthony
The only sparring that took place Monday night was between Randy and Anthony. Mike L. wants to wait until next week to spar. I still can't spar because of my right eye, and Danny, to my knowledge, has only sparred once, and that was when Steve was still the coach.
Alan continually admonished Randy. "Keep your hands up! Hands up! See, that's why you got hit! You've got to keep your hands up!" he barked. Randy and Anthony went around a couple of times.
Once again, we had to go through the door in the basketball gym that leads to the boxing gym. Alan went around to the main boxing door gym to get it open once the rest of us was inside. A tall, light-skinned African-American basketball player roamed into the area, asking questions about the program before going back to the game. Anthony commented after the basketball gym door was closed, "We should leave that door open to get a breeze." It was crazy hot in the boxing gym, as usual. "The problem is, when that door is open, the basketball players roam in," I told him. Some are cool like the aforementioned b-ball player, but there have been some incidents where other basketball players were just obnoxious. "I wouldn't care if they roamed in and out all the time. We'd have more air. You gotta look at the big picture, Hillari!" Anthony laughed.
Alan was telling me that when Carolyn, one of the field house staff persons, opened the door leading to the basketball gym to let us in, she wrinkled her nose. Carolyn commented on the smell of the gym. "I never notice it. She probably got a good whiff because of the smell of the sparring gloves," Alan said. The gloves are on a table nearest to that particular door. "It's rare that I notice the smell anymore. Once in awhile I do, and I go, 'Whoa!', but I've been in here so long that it doesn't bother me," I told him.
Alan continually admonished Randy. "Keep your hands up! Hands up! See, that's why you got hit! You've got to keep your hands up!" he barked. Randy and Anthony went around a couple of times.
Once again, we had to go through the door in the basketball gym that leads to the boxing gym. Alan went around to the main boxing door gym to get it open once the rest of us was inside. A tall, light-skinned African-American basketball player roamed into the area, asking questions about the program before going back to the game. Anthony commented after the basketball gym door was closed, "We should leave that door open to get a breeze." It was crazy hot in the boxing gym, as usual. "The problem is, when that door is open, the basketball players roam in," I told him. Some are cool like the aforementioned b-ball player, but there have been some incidents where other basketball players were just obnoxious. "I wouldn't care if they roamed in and out all the time. We'd have more air. You gotta look at the big picture, Hillari!" Anthony laughed.
Alan was telling me that when Carolyn, one of the field house staff persons, opened the door leading to the basketball gym to let us in, she wrinkled her nose. Carolyn commented on the smell of the gym. "I never notice it. She probably got a good whiff because of the smell of the sparring gloves," Alan said. The gloves are on a table nearest to that particular door. "It's rare that I notice the smell anymore. Once in awhile I do, and I go, 'Whoa!', but I've been in here so long that it doesn't bother me," I told him.
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