2025 Training Log Part 40

On the stereo today- Afghan Whigs

I took, or tried to take, last week off training completely. I injured my hip in the Euros and in general, I needed a break to heal and relax a bit.

What a terrible idea! I finished the week stiff and tight and sore. Never take time off!

Wednesday

I went to the sauna for about 30 minutes and had a light swim.

Jiu Jitsu- 8 rounds. I said “Ah I’ll hop in with the guys for a bit. Just go light.” But of course then I got stuck in and started to enjoy myself. I trained harder than I should have, and my hip didn’t thank me. but still, it’s hard to beat a few rounds.

Saturday

Competition Training- 20 minutes positionals, 6 full rounds.

Went again with the intention of not training, and ended up doing rounds. Loved it of course. It’s really nice to get back after a break.

Training Thoughts of the Week

It’s very hard to not train for me. I feel sluggish and stiff when I’m not on it. I think the key is to never stop. Remain active, stay on top of your recovery through gentle workouts, walks, or swims, rather than doing nothing at all.

Non-Training Thoughts of the Week

I spent last Thursday night in the Aviva in the company of my son and 50,000 others watching Ireland beat Portugal. It was incredible. I love it. I’ve been walking up to stadia on nights like last Thursday all of my life, and you get about 1 of those nights in a decade. We didn’t want to leave, and neither did anyone else. And then of course there was Sunday, watching from home. In the meantime though, I went to watch Ireland vs Australia in the rugby on Saturday. Talk about an opposite experience. We were sat among people just going for pints and food all night. Standing up and down to let people through constantly. No energy, no atmosphere. Just people mouldy drunk. I like rugby and I like watching, but give me a football crowd, warts and all.

Anyway, I’m back training as of this morning, so I’ll have more to write about in next week’s blog.

See you on the mat,

Barry