Fuuuuuuuuuuck

I went to the doctor today and confirmed that my hand is broken. Boxer's break, ring-finger knuckle, right hand. I'll be splinted for two weeks, which is much better than being casted for six weeks like the last time I broke a knuckle. Workouts will be adapted, progress will continue.

The only constant is change.

The last few days have been difficult mentally, emotionally, and physically. I jammed my right hand ring finger knuckle rough housing with my dog, Bomber, and am having difficulty making a fist, lifting or turning things with my right hand. Ice, elevation, stretching and compression haven't helped in four days and I am considering going to a doctor to check for a hairline fracture. I decided to leave Velocity for a gym closer to home, which I will write about at greater length later. The cost of time and fuel to get up to Carmel and back twice a week was become prohibitive and I could no longer commit to being there as much as I needed to be. I also did something stupid that endangered my relationship. The details aren't pertinent but I was in danger of losing my fiancee so I took a day off work to take a road trip with her and try to make things right or at least lay some groundwork so that I don't fuck up again in the future. Weeks like this multiply the appreciation I have for all athletes who have to balance their families and personal health and happiness with a training routine that can be disruptive if not downright destructive.

Throwbacks Boxing & MMA

Here's a look at my Throwbacks workouts with trainers Pat McPherson and Adam Wilder. McPherson's fields of expertise include wrestling, jiu jitsu, and telling me I am capable of doing more work than I want to do. Wilder is a Muay Thai instructor who enjoys kneeing me in the ribs while giddily shouting some Thai word. Photos by Amanda Mauer.

Let's get sweat going.

"Make him lick his own nipples."

Right hand.

Left kick.

Mat time.

This is not good.

This is bad.

I reversed, got a good base in McPherson's guard and...shit.

I don't feel like I got my money's worth unless I get to finish with 100 crunches.

Chris Frayer, Keith Palmer and I listen as McPherson stresses the importance of having a really big mustache in MMA.

Stuff.

A little overloaded. Tomorrow I will post monthly update photos that we took as well as updates on my diet, training, conditioning, and overall health. "Things are gonna change, I can feel it."

No Soda Death March

Here's an interesting essay by acclaimed playwright David Mamet on MMA. If you aren't familiar with Mamet, google the phrase "coffee is for closers."

I am more than halfway through my fourth day with zero soda. Yesterday felt like a death march but I am catching a second wind today. Slept through my alarm, and thus, my Velocity workout. I don't know if it is a seasonal change or what but for the last couple of days it has felt like I am pouring water into a bottomless bucket - no amount of sleep makes me feel rested and energized.

Diet 8 a.m. Kashi with milk and strawberries. 11 a.m. Turkey sammich, carrots, chips, water. 1 p.m. Lean Cuisine garlic beef and brocolli and a can of lemonade. Low fat, low calorie, low flavor! 5 p.m. Banana and water.