Wednesday was a Record Breaking Day

I hate to say that I am finished training tomorrow (Fri). I decided to spend a week doing some sightseeing, or go to a beach for a week before I go to Canada. I am so broke after travelling for over two months. It'll be so hard to get used to not being here. I really have gotten used to working so hard, and training like a maniac. I'll be doing Muay Thai when I get back to Canada, no doubt about that. I've already been in contact with a gym who has group classes. I took some pics today, of the people that have had an impact on me while here at Fairtex. I've had the most amazing experience in the last three weeks, I'll never forget it.




This is me with Mac, who works in the weight room. I usually see him twice a day, and he is really motivating. He's also a great salsa dancer, as I've done aerobics in his class. I'll miss him. I worked so hard on Wednesday. Today (Thur), I was exhausted. I couldn't get up to train. I think I overdid it. I went to the weight room on Wed. night, and trained chest and back. I felt like a weight this morning.

I did a record breaking 5 rounds on Wednesday morning and afternoon. My trainer is so awesome. That is a pic of Roen (trainer), and I in the ring on Wednesday, about to start boxing.
Let's kick some ass!

Muay Thai Rocks!

I started off the week with a bang of doing five rounds, and today was a great motivator as well. My trainer was sick this morning, so I asked another trainer to train me. He was awesome! My trainer usually just does the basic techniques like knees, kicks, elbows, and punches. He works a lot on my fitness conditioning. This new trainer taught me new moves, like upper cut, elbow blocks, knee blocks, and a few other things. It was really intense, but I also liked it better. It seemed more interesting, and also hugely motivating. I caught on really fast, as I usually do with things like that.

I asked my new trainer if I could work out with him tomorrow. He said, 'sure,' so that is great news. To me the way I trained today, is real Muay Thai boxing. He pretended to hit me, (he did), and I had to learn how to defend myself. This is great self defence practice.

Today, I will go to the Big C, to get more yogurt, and water. I feel extremely strong this week, because it is my third week. I got a foot massage last night here at Fairtex, because my right foot really aches after I kick with it. I may have to get it X-rayed when I get back to Canada to see what the problem is with it.

I'll go to Khao San road this Friday night, and stay overnight there on Friday and Saturday. It is my birthday and I want to party all weekend (try and stay light on the booze though).

Five Rounds Baby!

Sad to see the weekend is over. I had the best time on Saturday night. I met up with a Thai friend, and a few other people for dinner, and dancing on Saturday night. I did some clothes shoppping on Khao San Road on Saturday, th en met up with Gift on Saturday evening. We had dinner at a British restaurant, and then met up with a few others that I met a few weeks ago at an Ajarn party. We ended up at an Irish bar, and danced the night away to a live band. It was really fun. I slept at Gift's house, and she ended up making me a nice lunch on Sunday.

It was great to get away for awhile from Fairtex. I thought I'd be shit, in the ring today, but I actually did Five rounds this morning. I was dead after the fourth, but pushed myself to do just one more round. It was nice to hear compliments from my friends on the weekend. I know that I have lost weight, and inches, but it feels good to hear it from others too. I am planning on staying two more weeks. I feel like I could really work hard in the next two weeks to see even more results.

This weekend is my birthday. I am planning on going out with the same Thai friend, this weekend. We will probably go to the same bar too. I am hoping to stay in a hotel on Friday night, so that my friend doesn't have to drink and drive. It'll be nice to do at least something for my birthday - especially in Thailand!

I hope to come back to Thailand next year. I said, that I want to visit Koh Chang in the future, hopefully with my Thai friend. I also hope to get my Padi open water, to be able to scuba dive, the next time I'm in Thailand.

2 Weeks and Counting

It is hard to believe that two weeks has passed. Today is Saturday, and I will rest this afternoon and tomorrow. I am currently in Bangkok meeting up with some friends. I did some major shopping on Khao San road. I bought the cutest little pair of Muay Thai boxing shorts in pink for my little niece. I will have to buy some pink ones too, so we will match.

Yesterday, I felt sick all day. I had a sore stomach, and only trained in the morning. I went and did weights last night though. I've been doing weights for a week and a half now. I train arms, and shoulders one day, and back and chest on the following day. I am feeling stronger in the ring by the day. My trainer said, that I have improved so much. I tried all my clothes on last night that I had custom made in Vietnam. I laughed because I'm thinking once I get back to Canada, I'll have to get them taken in.

I've moved into a single room at Fairtex, which is so nice to have the privacy. My room is directly across from the pool, so I've been majorly working on my tan. The weather is good for tanning. I've decided that I will stay for four weeks instead of three. I think another two weeks will do me wonders. Two more weeks then back to Canada to see the family. I am soo excited to see them after almost a year and a half being away from them.

This morning I did three rounds of four minutes in the ring. I also have been doing a half an hour on the bicycle in the morning before training, and a half an hour in the afternoon on the bicycle. In total I am doing an hour of cardio plus the boxing which adds up to another half an hour. Today, I didn't wrap my hands, and I hurt my knuckles on my right hand. I hope it heals quickly.

I'm glad to be out of Fairtex for a day and a half. There is soo much male testosterone it isn't funny. I seemed to get hit on by one guy in particular, but it is kind of creepy. Today he asked if I wanted to go in the room with him and his friend. He said he was joking, but I don't know about that. He also has said a few other things. It is such a small space at Fairtex, so it is hard to avoid him, or anyone else for that matter. I usually tell him to be nice, or to go to hell, which seems to work for awhile.

Day 9 - Still Alive...barely.

It is hard to believe that it is Day 9. I feel exhausted today, and have a sore foot. When I got in an accident in Vietnam, the motorcycle landed on my foot, and my foot has been tender ever since. Since I started kicking with it, I have been in pain. Today moreso than other days. I'll have to rest this afternoon.

Last night was awesome! I went to see a real Muay Thai boxing fight at Lumphini Stadium in Bangkok. We had front row seats. I took tons of pictures. Although, I don't like violence, I still somewhat enjoyed watching the same moves and techniques that I am learning. I liked how close to the fifth round, everyone was cheering, and the live band plays the music louder and more intense. I also liked the beginning before they fight, when they parade around the ring, with their get up on, and for some reason they all wear bright pink boxing gloves - even the men. I laughed about that, thinking only in Thailand would you see that!

I feel tired today though. I went to bed later than usual last night, but it was worth it. I also went shopping yesterday at Central City. It is a huge shopping mall. I bought a lot of shirts, and enjoyed trying clothes on for once. I actually am starting to notice a difference in my shape. I also have a great tan. I keep thinking that a few more weeks of this will do me good. I feel dead today for some reason. I did do an intense training session this morning. I did thirty minutes on the bike, and four rounds in the boxing ring. The heat is also a killer. It is soo friggin hot out, I find it draining.

Yesterday, I picked up my new Fairtex shorts, that I had custom designed for moi. It has the Fairtex logo on them, plus I got the writing of Muay Thai in Thai on the front, with my name in red and white trim (Canadian colors of course). I also bought a pair of red boxing gloves.

I can't post too much now, as It is time for me to go and work out. Unfortunately, I can't get my laptop up and running here, so I haven't been able to get pictures on here. I hope this weekend I can get to a wireless cafe, and post the pics from last night.

Day 6 - Sunday Rest Day

Today is a rest day. No training today. It felt funny being able to sleep in. I slept till around 8am, which is two hours more than I am used to. I slept like a baby last night, I was so dead tired.

Today I went to get some yogurt, fruit, boiled peanuts, water chestnuts, and water from the 'Big C.' Then I spent most of the afternoon lying by the pool, and swimming. My friend arrived last evening, and we had a lot to chat about, considering she just came from Vietnam. Today, I watched her do some boxing in the ring. She kicks really well, but she has also done some training previously in Melbourne, Australia where she is from.

I'm hoping that it isn't too difficult to get to sleep tonight, or get up at 6am tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to another week of this training. I really notice a difference already. I've lost some weight, and inches. I'll weigh myself tomorrow.

Yesterday, I started doing weights, and hope to keep this up in the upcoming weeks. I miss doing weights, as I used to workout a lot in the past. I became lazy being in Korea for a year. I'm now hoping to continue doing this Muay Thai boxing wherever I go. I've heard that it is such a world-wide sport now.

Last night, Heather and I, watched the movie, 'Juno' that ended up being really good and funny. It was nice to just sit and watch a movie. A few of the guys joined us later, and we had a few laughs.

Day 5 - The Weekend

I had the hardest time getting up this morning. It feels weird working out on a Saturday. I did half hour on the stationary bike at 630am this morning, then three rounds of 3 minute boxing with one minute rest between sets. After training, I did sit-ups, and swam some laps in the pool. I feel dead today. I'm hoping it gets easier and not harder as time goes on.

Tomorrow is a rest day. Yay! My body so desperately needs it. My trainer told me that I'm losing weight, and I feel it already. I was watching the Fairtex dvd last night, that they give out to people who are thinking of coming here. Fairtex has a long history. I was also reading that Jack Osbourne - son of Ozzy Osbourne, trained here for three weeks, and lost like 20 pounds. He also did a week detox beforehand to lose some weight before coming here. After three weeks he fought and knocked out a thai boxer in three rounds (some say it was staged).

My friend that told me about this place arrives today. It'll be nice to see her. I'm thinking of going to get a tan by the pool in a few minutes..ah this life is sweet. A lot of people from this camp go out on Saturday night, and then they come back on Sunday night some hungover. I definitely don't want to drink while I'm here. Although, I may check out Central City Mall - Bang-Na on Sunday with Heather.

Day 3 & 4 - No Hold's Barred

It is hard to believe that I am on my fourth day of training already. My trainer is working me to my limits, and beyond. That is what he is trained to do, and I like it. I am tired, but feeling really good. It is amazing how strong that I am getting so fast.

Yesterday afternoon, I went for four rounds for the first time. This morning the same. One of the girls that is training here is a personal trainer in Hong Kong. She asked me yesterday if I was a strong-willed person. I said definitely. My mind set is to 'just do it,' and give it all I got. I feel a bit tired in the mornings, and getting up is tough, yet once I start doing cardio for half an hour, I feel energized and pumped up. This morning I did a half an hour on the stationary bicycle. Then twenty minutes later, I was in the ring giving it all I got.

I started doing weights for the arms yesterday, and I've been doing tons of stretching which is needed because I don't want to cramp up, or get sore muscles the next day.

I've met some really cool people here. There is a guy I met that lives in Winnipeg, and I had some laughs with the three Croatians that are here. Funny guys they are. I also got my pic with two of them, with no shirts on.

I've been swimming everyday, and doing lots of abs, and mat and ball work for the core muscles of the back, and abs.

I felt a little hungry last night, as I only had a protein shake for lunch, but I had a yogurt and an apple to help satisfy that craving. My roomate said that she lost ten pounds in ten days. That is amazing! That is one pound a day! How motivating to hear that.

My friend that originally told me about this place is coming this Saturday. She is staying till Monday. It will be good to see her, and hopefully I can tell her more about my experience here.

It feels strange getting up so early and going to bed around 9 or 10pm. I am used to sleeping in, and going to bed so late. This is definitely a change for me. I hope to stick to this routine once I get back to Canada.

Yesterday, I met a Thai boxer who is very famous here in Bangkok. She used to be a male, and had a sex change not to long ago. She is really good. I've seen her fight, and she trains here.

Day 2 - Kickstart The Day

I am happy to say that I made it past the first day. Yesterday's boxing was even more intense the the morning session. I was quite tired last night, but felt good overall. I fell asleep around 9pm, and was up at 6am this morning.

I was a bit sore, but not as much as I thought. It may hit me tomorrow moreso, as this morning's training was brutal. My trainer made me do so many knee's up, and kicks that I'm dreading not being able to walk tomorrow. I've made friends with my roomate, who is in the same boat as I am. She motivates me to get up in the morning, and we urge each other on.

It is really interesting walking around, and watching some of the boxing. There is about ten young kids who train here, and they are so strong, and energetic. I wish I had their energy.

The food here is very basic. I am on a strict diet. We eat rice, chicken, and vegetables at 9am, and then almost the same at 5pm. There is no lunch, but if we want, we can order some food in the restaurant area. They also have some protein shakes, and snacks (some not so healthy).

This afternoon my plan is to do forty minutes on the stationary bike, weights for the arms, and more sit-ups. Then the boxing begins at 2:30pm. Yesterday, I slept for an hour from 12-1pm. It was a 'power nap' indeed.

I met more of the guys who train here. One farang guy must be popular as someone with a videocamera was filming him yesterday. It was funny because I was in the same ring with him doing my training. I should get his name.

Last night they asked if anyone wanted to go to see a fight at Lumphini. I didn't go, but I want to go next Tuesday. I've never seen a real muay thai fight. I'm not too keen on it, because I don't like violence, but I will go just to see the technique.

I'll be heading to the pool in a bit, and then will try to get a 'power nap' before the afternoon training begins. Fun stuff. I really like the way I feel in the ring. Although, sweaty and tired, I feel powerful, and getting stronger by the day.

Day 1 - Arrival thoughts

I've just spent the last few months travelling in Cambodia and Vietnam. I was up for a different type of challenge for the body and mind. I decided to go to a Muay Thai boxing training camp for at least three weeks.

I took a taxi from Khao San road area, where I've been staying for the past five days. I thought we were lost as the taxi drove a far distance, using the map I had given him from the Muay Thai training camp, that I was going to train at for at least three weeks. After over an hour ride, we pulled up to the Fairtex training camp. I was relieved that we had made it, although my head was full of mixed thoughts about what I was getting myself into.

Originally I heard about this camp from a friend I had met in Vietnam. She is coming here to train for a few days in the upcoming weeks. I thought it could be an interesting way to get into shape fast, and to learn some kick ass techniques. I have only ever watched muay thai a few times on tv. I have a bit of past training in Taekwondo, which I hoped would help me understand some of the terms of jab, punch, roundhouse kick..etc.

When I arrived I was shown around the camp. They have three boxing rings, a lot of punching bags, a nice pool, a gym, and a fitness room. It was nice to know that they also have a massage area which I know I'll be needing soon. I settled into my room where I met my new roomate. Dana is from England, and explained to me that she is here for a month also, and is writing a piece on her experience for a British magazine. Dana has already been here for a week, so I was happy to hear how her experience has been thus far. "Intense to say the least", she said with enthusiasm. I was excited for the next morning when I'd have to get up at 6am to start working out, and meet my trainer.

Not long after I arrived I was told by my roomate that there was a 'Big C' store, that was nearby, where I could purchase some snacks and food if I wanted. I actually needed to buy some trainers, as my trainers were left behind at one of the hotels (not on purpose either). I was tired, but I took a taxi, and bought some runners, some apples, water, yogurt, and snuck in a few chocolate covered almonds. Old habits die hard. I made it back in one piece, although I thought for sure with the rain, and slick roads, that my psycho-speed runner taxi driver, would get us killed.

Before I went to bed, I went into the pool which is lit up at night. It was so peaceful as most people weren't around. I did laps for a good half hour. I was looking forward to meeting more people, as I heard that the majority were men. There is only three women at this camp, and one is leaving this Saturday. I figured it would be nice eye candy, and also motivating to see guys and girls in major shape.

Most of the guys here are professional boxers who come here to train. Everyone has their own goals. I didn't sleep so well as it was soo hot, and being in a fan room didn't help matters much. I started hearing roosters crowing at 5am this morning, which kept me awake. I pulled myself out of bed at 615am, and it was very tough, but I kept thinking of my goals, and what I want to accomplish here. I'm hoping to lose some weight, and tone up this flabby body.

My early morning started with a fast walk on the treadmill for half an hour, then at 7am, I was introduced to my trainer. I got in the ring, and did what he asked. Jab, punch, and kick was mostly what I did. I did this for three rounds of 6 minutes each. My trainer then asked me to do three sets of 5 minutes at the punching bag. Afterwards, I went back on the treadmill, and used the epileptical trainer for about forty minutes total. I also did some situps, and stretching.

The way the program works here, is that we get up at 6am, start working out at 630am, till whenever, but breakfast is at 9am. After breakfast we have a break till 2pm, when we do the whole training thing again for a few hours,until we are finished for the day. I feel very tired right now, and I bet I'll be sore tomorrow. The pool is calling my name right now. I hope I can sleep better tonight, and I'll keep ya posted on the progress. Pictures to follow.