'Ring that Bell'- Week 10

'Ring that Bell' is what I read on the cake as I walked into the chemo clinic this week. I was there to celebrate the final chemo treatment for a woman I had just met the week before... I arrived just in time to see the final countdown of the medication drip taking it's last drop and clapping and celebrating with a family so full of hope. I took a few deep breaths and held back my tears and really took everything in...

For the past three years, working for The Princess Margaret - I have walked around the cancer centre countless times but never actually stepped foot inside the chemo clinic. I can't really say I pictured it looking any specific way but it looked like I thought it would. I sat across from this amazing woman and watched as the nurse detached her from the machines and set her 'free' from the tubes and wires. I got chills and wanted to burst into tears of happiness when I saw the smile on her face as she hugged her arm that had just received the medication. We waited for her doctor to arrive to share in the bell ringing moment. She sprung out of her chair, and marched over with determination to the large bell in the hallway (this bell is rang when you have completed your final chemo treatment). It was something I will never forget! I was so grateful to have been invited to be part of such a special moment and I can't even begin to explain all of the other emotions that flooded through me as I left this woman and her support system. She is SO strong.

I've been thinking about this all week and took this experience with me to the gym every night. I thought about my fight when I was with her and I thought about her when I was training to fight. 

This week in training, footwork seems to have been the theme. We worked on moving our feet on offence and defence and quick footwork to step into a few punches and then get the heck out of there before your opponent has a chance to hit back. Let me tell you, this stuff is hard! 

Picture by Al Quintero

Picture by Al Quintero

In our almost 2 hour class, Jenn took us through drills, using the rope ladder on the ground and looking in the mirror to mimic and help us visualize stepping into your opponent, throwing a few punches and getting out with a jab. We lined up and went over this again and again. I felt great! "This is easy", "I've got this." Fast forward an hour when I have Jane (FTEC 2014 fighter) standing in front of me. Jenn tells us to use what we JUST learned and step into our opponent and throw the punches and get out... My mind goes blank and I have NO idea what I am doing. I try and try and think I'm doing okay until Jenn comes over and completely shuts me down. Perfect. 

Jenn has a tough love approach and I both love and hate it. I hate it because it puts those negative thoughts I talked about last week back in my head but I love it because I know she is only being this tough because she knows I can do this... because I can do this, obvs (short form for obviously)! I just need to continue to tell myself that I cannot be perfect, in the sport of boxing or ever. I need to remember that there won't be time on fight night to make sure that every technique and foot positioning is just right. All I can do is remember everything I have been taught and know that whatever comes my way, I will have the knowledge to react to it in a close to perfect way. :)

When May 30th rolls around, I know that I will have every bit of confidence to step into that ring and box, for real. Physically and mentally, I will be ready for them to 'ring that bell'.

Stay tuned for next week! :)

Picture by Al Quintero

Picture by Al Quintero

Picture by Al Quintero

Picture by Al Quintero