Haversacks and Halternecks

When life gives you lemons....it's time to make lemonade. That is fitting because this blog is about the importance of play; something which seems to become more important the more "adult" we get. 

I have just got back from a long weekend on the Italian Coast with a great friend, which combined with a solitary Brecon Beacon camping/walking experience has completed my two week respite period; providing me with a whole assortment of different kinds of rest; physical, mental and emotional - all very much needed. 

At the moment I’m training full-time for both Bikini-Fitness competitions and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). I have been furiously competing over the last 6 months and am now preparing for a global trip on my own, to explore both sports - starting with Brazil in August. What makes my journey slightly unique is I am an athlete that doesn’t really fall into either sport. I co-exist in both competitive worlds. In reality, I co-exist in a multitude of worlds because I come from a multi-sport background  and part of my enjoyment of designing training comes from cherry picking parts I like from each sport and training method. Essentially however, I fit into neither and no world! I train slightly more "creatively" than I perhaps should, I compete in two very different sports and I do everything upside down and back to front, yet it works for me and when I deviate from this...it doesn't work. 

My success criteria is based around enjoyment of my training, with the outcome a secondary consideration. This has evolved over the years because a goal focused process makes me miserable and I was determined to find a better way.

The greatest challenge is staying true to yourself

There are daily physical and mental challenges that come with training full-time, but I have so far found the greatest challenge, staying true to my own unique way of training which does not fit conventional training for either sport. I’m much more easily swayed than I had thought and that comes from being a beginner again in BJJ. I find it very hard to stand my ground in something I know little about and it can often take me off course, away from me and my own particular journey and that is where taking a break has proved invaluable. 

Rest for me needs to involve a physical, mental and emotional element and all three are necessary to keep me aligned with my own particular values about training. Time away from both sports is vital and being with people that facilitate alignment with those values are also vital.

This last trip away with a great friend has really brought me home again because she reminds me and allows me to be me. It has made me appreciate more than anything the value of authenticity, true connection, friendship, laughter and to be able to have fun within physical activity. 

I’m not a fan of rules at the best of time; they mostly just baffle me but being able to play without rules and revel in this was such a joy. Climbing up high on cliff faces, jumping into the sea, kayaking, standing under a waterfall fully clothed and exploration with no watch, expectation or plan, were amongst the many things that helped restore my spirit. Sharing these experiences and watching someone I care about explore things in her own way and grow through her own pushing of boundaries, are amongst the things that really matter. To feel freedom and lightness of heart is what distinguishes living and existing and it is this I sometimes forget how to do in my daily routine.

When did becoming an adult get so serious - such hard work? But I think the solution is to factor more time for things that you really enjoy, that really make you laugh and that really matter whatever they are, because actually it is a false economy to think there is any other way.

Engaging in challenging activities; ones that make you grow can't always be fun - and the lifestyle that comes with it can't always be balanced. I am at peace with that, but readdressing the scales once in a while creates quality of life that is necessary for true success.