I cannot believe how quickly November has gone by and that I've been at this whole boxing thing for an entire month! I honestly already feel like this has been such an amazing experience for me and I have learned SO much already.
Over the course of the last month, I have been overwhelmed with the most amazing reactions from anyone and everyone from "I can't believe you're doing this" to "what if you break your nose?". I feel so blessed and happy that anyone is even reading my blog, let alone giving me their feedback and letting me know that I fully have their support and constant encouragement. It makes me feel AMAZING! Thanks everyone!
This past week has been another good one. I wasn't able to make the regular Tuesday night technical class so I went to the conditioning class on Monday night. I don't know if it was because it was a Monday, but this class seemed tougher than any other class thus far. I felt SO sick and nauseous almost the entire time- but I sucked it up. On Thursday I got to practice my defending a bit more and I felt MUCH more comfortable in everything I was doing. It's an encouraging thought that I am improving every time I walk into the gym but I know these next 6 months are going to be intense and a lot of hard work will be involved. I'm up for the challenge!
I can't wait to see what December has in store for me!
Side note: I ordered my FIRST and OWN pair of boxing gloves this past week and according to my tracking number with UPS, they will be arriving at my condo TOMORROW! Stay tuned for pictures in my next blog. I hope they're as pretty as they look in the pictures on the website :)
Sunday 30 November 2014
Sunday 23 November 2014
"I'm a fighter now! I don't cry!"- Week 3
Week three came with more learnings and a "near tears" experience. This has been a busy week moving things back and forth to my new condo and ramping up for a big move this weekend, but I was able to make it to the gym a couple of times and I'm glad I did!
On Tuesday, I got to get in the ring again and go one-on-one with the more advanced boxers. I was on offence as I haven't been cleared to officially fight by the doctor yet, so I am only allowed to punch people (gently) and they can't hit back without warning. It's always nice to get into the ring and see what an actual fight is going to feel like and put everything I've learned to the test. At one point, we got to throw our close punches (uppercuts and hooks) and our opponents were able to hit us back. The first time I got punched in the stomach (thanks, Al) I was stunned for .5 seconds and then realized I was ok!! (YAY!) I stayed for the conditioning class that followed the technical one and couldn't walk properly for the next few days. It was also difficult to wash my hair every morning this week because my shoulders were completely ruined!
Thursday came too soon after that intense workout, but luckily it was less conditioning and more focus on the 'basics of boxing'. Virgil had a group of us stay out of the ring and in front of the mirrors to go over defending in detail. With every move or punch we learn, I memorize everything that my teacher is saying. I also learned that this is NOT the best thing to do in boxing. Boxing is a sport that, once you're in the ring, an instruction manual as to what you're supposed to do in an exact circumstance would be impossible to write. I learned this the hard way when I could not understand why, when we were paired up to implement what we were just taught- no one was defending my punch the "proper" way. I immediately called Virgil over who tried to explain that boxing isn't exactly 'by the book' and when you're in the ring and a punch is coming your way, you aren't going to be thinking about which way you SHOULD turn and how your foot SHOULD be twisting.
This was frustrating to me and made me feel really anxious and worried that I was NEVER going to get it. I felt the tears coming (this is my natural reaction) but I held them back. I'm a fighter now! I don't cry! At least not yet....
This week has made me realize how physically and mentally demanding the sport of boxing is. I can't wait to dive into everything there is to learn about it and challenge myself in ways that I have never been challenged before!
Please support me in my journey: http://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/2015fighttoendcancer/paigecunningham
Thanks for reading!
On Tuesday, I got to get in the ring again and go one-on-one with the more advanced boxers. I was on offence as I haven't been cleared to officially fight by the doctor yet, so I am only allowed to punch people (gently) and they can't hit back without warning. It's always nice to get into the ring and see what an actual fight is going to feel like and put everything I've learned to the test. At one point, we got to throw our close punches (uppercuts and hooks) and our opponents were able to hit us back. The first time I got punched in the stomach (thanks, Al) I was stunned for .5 seconds and then realized I was ok!! (YAY!) I stayed for the conditioning class that followed the technical one and couldn't walk properly for the next few days. It was also difficult to wash my hair every morning this week because my shoulders were completely ruined!
Thursday came too soon after that intense workout, but luckily it was less conditioning and more focus on the 'basics of boxing'. Virgil had a group of us stay out of the ring and in front of the mirrors to go over defending in detail. With every move or punch we learn, I memorize everything that my teacher is saying. I also learned that this is NOT the best thing to do in boxing. Boxing is a sport that, once you're in the ring, an instruction manual as to what you're supposed to do in an exact circumstance would be impossible to write. I learned this the hard way when I could not understand why, when we were paired up to implement what we were just taught- no one was defending my punch the "proper" way. I immediately called Virgil over who tried to explain that boxing isn't exactly 'by the book' and when you're in the ring and a punch is coming your way, you aren't going to be thinking about which way you SHOULD turn and how your foot SHOULD be twisting.
This was frustrating to me and made me feel really anxious and worried that I was NEVER going to get it. I felt the tears coming (this is my natural reaction) but I held them back. I'm a fighter now! I don't cry! At least not yet....
This week has made me realize how physically and mentally demanding the sport of boxing is. I can't wait to dive into everything there is to learn about it and challenge myself in ways that I have never been challenged before!
Please support me in my journey: http://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/2015fighttoendcancer/paigecunningham
Thanks for reading!
Sunday 16 November 2014
"this fight to end cancer is real"- Week 2
Week two was filled with some sad and shocking cancer related news. An old friend, someone that I have so many amazing memories of and with, is fighting cancer that has spread throughout her body. My mum called to give me this news on Friday morning and though I knew this lady had cancer, I couldn't help but feel shocked and so thrown off on my way to work that morning and for the rest of the day. This individual is someone I looked up to as a child and in my early soccer years. She was a huge influence on my childhood (I hope she knows that) and the thought of her fighting against this terrible disease makes me feel both sad and angry! How does cancer choose who it is going to affect? It's just not fair. I know how strong of a person this woman is and I am 100% confident in her ability and will to fight this!
When I got home from work that evening, I then received some more shocking news that a new friend of mine had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He reached out to me initially that day to let me know that he read my blog and was asking me about my training schedule... When I asked him how things were with him- I was completely blindsided with this news. However, his positivity and strength really struck a chord with me and put everything into perspective. THIS is why I am fighting. I am so grateful for both of these individuals in my life and they made me realize even more-so than ever that this fight to end cancer is real. We need to work together and get this under control because I don't know how much more of it anyone can take!
I am fighting for my friends and I am fighting for anyone that has ever been or will ever be affected by this HORRENDOUS illness.
My week of actual boxing was a good one! I trained two nights this week at Kingsway Boxing and I learned a lot. I think I have most of the punches in order but I was starting to get concerned about how to defend against a punch. Anytime we are told to shadow box and add the defence in, I immediately feel awkward because I have no idea what I am supposed to do. I know it seems fairly sensible to simply duck out of the way of something coming flying at your face, but there is much more to it and when my busy brain gets thinking, I just get more and more confused!
On Tuesday evening, Jennifer focused on defending using two more terms that I had never heard before. Most people in the class are veterans to the boxing world so they knew exactly what they were doing when they heard the words "parry" and "trap" - while I stood there like a deer in headlights having no clue what Jenn was talking about!
I got a quick lesson and was thrown into it with my new favourite partner, Betty Ann! Betty Ann was one of the first ladies I met at Kingsway Boxing and is the sweetest woman! Even though we're not allowed to talk to each other as we practice our skills, Betty Ann sometimes whispers some tricks to me and lets me know different ways I can improve my technique. This is MUCH appreciated (especially because it kills me to have to be quiet for 3 minutes at a time). She's great to work with and once I felt comfortable with the simple flicks of my wrists to defend straight punches, it actually started to feel natural as we threw gentle punches at each other. I even kept my eyes staring directly at Betty Ann's neck area (lesson from last week), this allows you to peripherally watch your opponent's shoulders and anticipate what punch they are going to throw next.
On Thursday, Virgil gave us a lesson on how to step on your opponent's foot...hehe just kidding. This was actually what we were doing but it was an exercise to work on our footwork and understand how to cut off your opponent in the ring. I was paired up with my new friend Steven and I found myself getting really competitive in a 'child playing tag' kind of way. We did this over and over and over again in 3 minute rounds with crunches in between. Virgil was torturing us and wouldn't let us get water EVEN when I asked very politely. I survived though. The ball of my foot however, has a lovely blister on it from constantly being on my toes.
Both nights were tough workouts and I feel my confidence and skills are always improving!
It is still surreal to me that I am doing this and actually stepping into the ring. I can feel the love and support from all of my family, friends and colleagues and I feel so blessed that I was given this opportunity.
If you can and if you would like, I have included the link to my personal fundraising page where I will be collecting donations for cancer research. Every nickel, dime and quarter counts!
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
http://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=9717&mid=9&pid=2005385
Talk to you next week!
When I got home from work that evening, I then received some more shocking news that a new friend of mine had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He reached out to me initially that day to let me know that he read my blog and was asking me about my training schedule... When I asked him how things were with him- I was completely blindsided with this news. However, his positivity and strength really struck a chord with me and put everything into perspective. THIS is why I am fighting. I am so grateful for both of these individuals in my life and they made me realize even more-so than ever that this fight to end cancer is real. We need to work together and get this under control because I don't know how much more of it anyone can take!
I am fighting for my friends and I am fighting for anyone that has ever been or will ever be affected by this HORRENDOUS illness.
My week of actual boxing was a good one! I trained two nights this week at Kingsway Boxing and I learned a lot. I think I have most of the punches in order but I was starting to get concerned about how to defend against a punch. Anytime we are told to shadow box and add the defence in, I immediately feel awkward because I have no idea what I am supposed to do. I know it seems fairly sensible to simply duck out of the way of something coming flying at your face, but there is much more to it and when my busy brain gets thinking, I just get more and more confused!
On Tuesday evening, Jennifer focused on defending using two more terms that I had never heard before. Most people in the class are veterans to the boxing world so they knew exactly what they were doing when they heard the words "parry" and "trap" - while I stood there like a deer in headlights having no clue what Jenn was talking about!
I got a quick lesson and was thrown into it with my new favourite partner, Betty Ann! Betty Ann was one of the first ladies I met at Kingsway Boxing and is the sweetest woman! Even though we're not allowed to talk to each other as we practice our skills, Betty Ann sometimes whispers some tricks to me and lets me know different ways I can improve my technique. This is MUCH appreciated (especially because it kills me to have to be quiet for 3 minutes at a time). She's great to work with and once I felt comfortable with the simple flicks of my wrists to defend straight punches, it actually started to feel natural as we threw gentle punches at each other. I even kept my eyes staring directly at Betty Ann's neck area (lesson from last week), this allows you to peripherally watch your opponent's shoulders and anticipate what punch they are going to throw next.
On Thursday, Virgil gave us a lesson on how to step on your opponent's foot...hehe just kidding. This was actually what we were doing but it was an exercise to work on our footwork and understand how to cut off your opponent in the ring. I was paired up with my new friend Steven and I found myself getting really competitive in a 'child playing tag' kind of way. We did this over and over and over again in 3 minute rounds with crunches in between. Virgil was torturing us and wouldn't let us get water EVEN when I asked very politely. I survived though. The ball of my foot however, has a lovely blister on it from constantly being on my toes.
Both nights were tough workouts and I feel my confidence and skills are always improving!
It is still surreal to me that I am doing this and actually stepping into the ring. I can feel the love and support from all of my family, friends and colleagues and I feel so blessed that I was given this opportunity.
If you can and if you would like, I have included the link to my personal fundraising page where I will be collecting donations for cancer research. Every nickel, dime and quarter counts!
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
http://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=9717&mid=9&pid=2005385
Talk to you next week!
Sunday 9 November 2014
The Beginning- Week 1
It all started in May 2014 when my colleague Kelly, invited me as a guest to one of her events, Fight to End Cancer. As Special Events Coordinators at The Princess Margaret, we are invited, volunteer and partake in many events that are run by our third party organizers. Kel assured me that this one was different- the dresses, the suits, the energy and most importantly, the fights. We wouldn't be attending just any gala, we would be watching multiple boxing matches at a gorgeous venue, wearing pretty dresses and eating a delicious meal. I was intrigued.
On the night of the event, we showed up at The Old Mill in Toronto looking our very best, (at least we thought so) and mingled with past fighters, the 2014 fight team (looking glamorous in their gowns and tuxes), committee members, volunteers, family and friends. Kelly introduced me to everyone she knew and we eventually found our seats. Videos began to play on the large screens and the fighters were introduced one by one to the audience. They shared their stories and explained exactly why they were doing what they were doing. The fighters came out at different times and competed in their 'bouts' (I just learned this word a few days ago, definition from Merriam Webster dictionary: a wrestling or boxing contest) and I became so wrapped up in the atmosphere. We were screaming and cheering on the fighters and Kelly and I were even placing "friendly" bets to win coffee. I think I won almost every time! ;)
I found myself sitting at my table thinking, " I want to fight!" - and that was the start of it all...
Fast forward to November 2014 and here I am, embarking on an almost 7 month journey as a lucky member of the 2015 fight team. On May 30, 2015, I will be in that boxing ring, surrounded by family and friends, facing my opponent. This thought both TERRIFIES and EXCITES me.
The training has begun (I am one week in) and I can actually already tell that I am improving (obviously not a lot, but I'm trying not to overthink things). I came into day one having no clue what I was doing - other than the occasional body combat class at a nearby Goodlife, throwing a punch was completely foreign to me and after four (long) classes, I feel like I'm a pro (just kidding Jenn and Virgil, I know I have a lot of work to do)!
Jennifer and Virgil have been the two amazing souls who have been teaching all the newbies the ins and outs of boxing. From the moment I stepped into the gym, I felt like I was part of something so much bigger than just a group of people boxing together- I feel like this is my new family and after every workout, I'm excited to come back for the next. I am sure I may not feel this way after every day at the gym as I have been warned that I will experience the best of the best days and the worst of the worst, but i'm sending positive vibes out to the Universe that I don't have any or too many bad days (wishful thinking).
Week One went better than I could have imagined. I purchased a mouth guard and wraps for my wrists that I think make anyone look tough, learned the boxing basics and I even got into the ring and punched people. I was nicely tapping people because I didn't want to hurt anyone and once I got the go ahead from Jennifer that I could actually punch them, I had the best time! (see photos below captured by Jennifer) I might have been a little too happy.
Things I need to remember:
1. Don't look your opponent in the eye OR where you are going to hit them (they will catch on)
2. Don't talk to your opponent (this is hard for me)
3. Always protect your face with your other hand when you are punching, otherwise you will just get punched on the side that is unprotected AND hold your hand in the proper spot or Virgil will come by you and aggressively hit your own hand into your face.
4. If you're right handed, your right hand should be by your face like you're talking on the phone (got that one covered) and your left hand should be slightly in front of your face like you're looking through a telescope (never done that before)
5. Your boxing stance is VERY important because if you are ever off balance when you're punching, then you're out of luck and definitely going to get punched and you'll probably fall.
That's all I can really think of for now and I am sure as my boxing techniques and language become more advanced, so will my blog posts.
I can't wait to see what next week brings! Stay tuned for week 2 updates in my FIGHT TO END CANCER.
On the night of the event, we showed up at The Old Mill in Toronto looking our very best, (at least we thought so) and mingled with past fighters, the 2014 fight team (looking glamorous in their gowns and tuxes), committee members, volunteers, family and friends. Kelly introduced me to everyone she knew and we eventually found our seats. Videos began to play on the large screens and the fighters were introduced one by one to the audience. They shared their stories and explained exactly why they were doing what they were doing. The fighters came out at different times and competed in their 'bouts' (I just learned this word a few days ago, definition from Merriam Webster dictionary: a wrestling or boxing contest) and I became so wrapped up in the atmosphere. We were screaming and cheering on the fighters and Kelly and I were even placing "friendly" bets to win coffee. I think I won almost every time! ;)
I found myself sitting at my table thinking, " I want to fight!" - and that was the start of it all...
Fast forward to November 2014 and here I am, embarking on an almost 7 month journey as a lucky member of the 2015 fight team. On May 30, 2015, I will be in that boxing ring, surrounded by family and friends, facing my opponent. This thought both TERRIFIES and EXCITES me.
The training has begun (I am one week in) and I can actually already tell that I am improving (obviously not a lot, but I'm trying not to overthink things). I came into day one having no clue what I was doing - other than the occasional body combat class at a nearby Goodlife, throwing a punch was completely foreign to me and after four (long) classes, I feel like I'm a pro (just kidding Jenn and Virgil, I know I have a lot of work to do)!
Jennifer and Virgil have been the two amazing souls who have been teaching all the newbies the ins and outs of boxing. From the moment I stepped into the gym, I felt like I was part of something so much bigger than just a group of people boxing together- I feel like this is my new family and after every workout, I'm excited to come back for the next. I am sure I may not feel this way after every day at the gym as I have been warned that I will experience the best of the best days and the worst of the worst, but i'm sending positive vibes out to the Universe that I don't have any or too many bad days (wishful thinking).
Week One went better than I could have imagined. I purchased a mouth guard and wraps for my wrists that I think make anyone look tough, learned the boxing basics and I even got into the ring and punched people. I was nicely tapping people because I didn't want to hurt anyone and once I got the go ahead from Jennifer that I could actually punch them, I had the best time! (see photos below captured by Jennifer) I might have been a little too happy.
Things I need to remember:
1. Don't look your opponent in the eye OR where you are going to hit them (they will catch on)
2. Don't talk to your opponent (this is hard for me)
3. Always protect your face with your other hand when you are punching, otherwise you will just get punched on the side that is unprotected AND hold your hand in the proper spot or Virgil will come by you and aggressively hit your own hand into your face.
4. If you're right handed, your right hand should be by your face like you're talking on the phone (got that one covered) and your left hand should be slightly in front of your face like you're looking through a telescope (never done that before)
5. Your boxing stance is VERY important because if you are ever off balance when you're punching, then you're out of luck and definitely going to get punched and you'll probably fall.
That's all I can really think of for now and I am sure as my boxing techniques and language become more advanced, so will my blog posts.
I can't wait to see what next week brings! Stay tuned for week 2 updates in my FIGHT TO END CANCER.
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