2025 Training Log Part 1

On the stereo today, a mish mash. The Pixies, New Order, Divine Comedy…

Oh The Divine Comedy! That reminds me. That’s Neil Hannon, who most famously to Irish people wrote the Father Ted theme, and My Lovely Horse from the Eurovision episode. Anyway, he wrote all the music for Wonka. That’s what I wanted to say. From Craggy Island to Hollywood. That’s great.

Anyway…

I get asked “Did you train over Christmas?”, because I think people think I’m one of those “health” people. I’m not. When it’s feast time, I feast. I did not choose the low fat options. I did not read “10 tips on avoiding weight gain this party season.” I felt no guilt as I reached for another glass of wine to go along with my cheese. My ears pricked up like a chihuahua when I heard the word “chocolates”. I was 92kgs on December 15th, I stood on the scales at 95.5kg 2 days ago. All of it fresh new bodyfat. I do not care.

A man’s strength can be measured by his appetites. Indeed, a man’s strength flows from his appetites.- Roper, Enter the Dragon

Well, that’s my excuse anyway.

I did train twice over the break, but not very hard and not with any aims. I pushed the reset button instead.

Friday

GPP Session in the Gym.

1. Single arm bench 5×8
2. Supported Row 5×5
3. A) Bodyweight Squat 5×20 B) Kettlebell RDL 5×10
4. Swiss ball plank 3x60s
5. Pec Deck 2xmax
6. Half Kneeling cable row 3×10
7. “Steering wheel” lying tri extension 3×20
8. Curls 3×10

Home and hosed without too much sweat.

Saturday

Rounds in the Gi.

“Wow”, I thought as I was in round 1, “My lungs are taking a few minutes to get into the swing of things here”.

“Ah”, I thought as I was in round 5, “I think I’m just a little out of shape after Christmas”.

I’ll be better tonight.

Training Thoughts of the Week

My goal for the first part of the year is to compete 3 times before May. I don’t get to do it too much but my schedule looks good so far. I’ll go for London in February, possibly Milan in April, and then Barcelona in May. If you enlist, you must soldier, so I’ll be registering for these on payday. Speaking of which, when’s payday? Ah Christ it’s not for weeks!

Non-Training Thoughts of the Week

Addendum to the above, it’s not cheap to fly around competing. I can appreciate that. But then I see the same people going to pricey festivals, or gigs, or spending their money elsewhere. Booze, meals, whatever. I just take the financial hit to do what I love while it’s still possible, and I don’t have anything else I love doing enough to spend money on it. I have different priorities.

Time is a wastin’

Okay I’ll see you on the mat.

Barry