2008 Lenten Challenge

[RickMatz]

Every year, I throw out the Lenten Challenge to my martial arts buddies. It has nothing to do with Christianity or religion. We are simply using this time as a convenient reminder to rededicate ourselves to our training. It’s kind of hard to miss either Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras, the last day before Lent, which is also Paczki Day!) or Easter Sunday (Bunnies, candy, colored eggs; that stuff). Several of us have been doing this for years now.

The challenge is this: from Ash Wednesday (Feb 6, the day before Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat (子年) ) until Easter (Mar 23, or Apr 27 by the Orthodox calendar), train every day, without fail, no excuses.

It's not as easy as it sounds; things come up. Some days, you might only be able to get a few minutes of training in; but the point is to do it everyday, no matter what.

It doesn't have to be martial arts training either. Whatever it is that you need to really rededicate yourself to: studying, practicing an instrument, walking, watching what you eat; anything - do it every day, without fail.

In the past on some forums, people have posted what they’ve done everyday. I think everyone who’s done that has become tired of writing , and the others get tired of reading it. How about you just post if you’ve had some breakthrough, or you’ve had to overcome some unusual circumstance to continue your training? Maybe just check in every once in a while to let everyone know you’re keeping at it, or to encourage everyone to keep at it.

For those of you who insist that you really do train everyday anyway, by all means continue and be supportive of the rest of us. For the rest of us who intend to train everyday, but sometimes come up short due to life’s propensity for unraveling even the best laid plans, here is an opportunity to put a stake in the ground and show your resolution.

As a gesture of solidarity with my Orthodox friends, I’m going to keep it up through their Easter celebration.

Won't you join me?

Best Regards

Rick
Http://CookDingsKitchen.blogspot.com

[Mr Punch]

Sounds good.

Not a big one for resolutions, but have made New Years' ones the past couple of years to increase my training... I usually start just before New Year to get some momentum... and then continue for a week or so after New Year!

Anyway, trying to get the gumption to use a bit of spare time at work for training every day. But limited in that I shouldn't get too sweaty since there aren't any showers, there7s no equipment, and I'm often in a suit... but I'll see what I can come up with. Even some footwork drills, and a couple of sneaky tabatas should be OK. Tabata push-ups don't get me too sweaty...

I'm still gonna keep going with my occasional blog... you may say nobody reads them but it's useful for me.

I'll keep it posted... and any 'breakthroughs' on here.

[RickMatz]

The challenge begins tomorrow!

[RickMatz]

Let's everyone get off to a good start!

[sanjuro_ronin]

I fast for "lent", during the day, only water and such, so I have to curtail my physical training accordingly.

[Mr Punch]

I fast for "lent", during the day, only water and such, so I have to curtail my physical training accordingly.

Why?




.

[Mr Punch]

I seem to be the only person interested in this but anyway: my goals for lent.

[RickMatz]

Mr. Punch,

That is impressive.

When I come home from work, if nothing else is pressing, I either lift weights for an hour, or walk on a treadmill carrying a pair of dumb bells for an hour.

Later on, I will spend 30 minutes or so doing the Wu style warm up/chi kung exercises, then another 30 minutes doing the long form.

I also usually get to a 3 hour class each week.

I've had plenty of takers on other forums. You're in good company.

Keep up the good work.

Best Regards,

Rick

[Becca]

Just noticed this. I guess I'll join in even though I've missed part. I haven't picked up any of my weapons since I stopped going to group class. I'll resolve to work on a section of a weapon form every day. This added to my usual Lenten habit of dropping all red meat and foul aught to be an interesting experience.

[RickMatz]

How's everyone doing with their training? Don't worry if you've fallen off the wagon. You can climb back on.

Ganbatte!

[RUFNTUFGIRL]

I just saw this! I am in. I haven't been making the time but now this will get me going. I hope I'm not to late to jump in.

[RickMatz]

It's never too late.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Why?




.

Why am I fasting or why will I curtail my physical activity?

[Mr Punch]

How's everyone doing with their training? Don't worry if you've fallen off the wagon. You can climb back on.

Ganbatte!

Thanks for the encouragement. Wee bit down at the moment as I've injured my shoudler again which put me out for two days. Couldn't really move without a lot of pain so couldn't do any lower body work to speak of either.

Going to try this afternoon to hit some single leg squats, some chi kung, and some stepping drills.

Why am I fasting or why will I curtail my physical activity?

Fasting...?

[RickMatz]

It's two weeks now. Is everyone still on board?

Ganbatte!