Krav Maga level 3! And some thoughts on the mommy body

Last Saturday was a huge day for me.  I succeeded in passing the level 2 test for Krav Maga.  

(Here's a crappy cell phone pic I took immediately afterward with my testing partner.  Lorraine is another mama to 5 kids...she is inspiring)

To recap: I started taking Krav Maga fitness classes at AKM last January.  My first class, I almost threw up and had to sit out the last 5 minutes.  But I went back, because I was hooked on the idea of getting into shape while learning self defense.

I attend Krav classes 1-3 times a week.  I tested out of Level 1 this summer and in August I began piggy-backing the classes. 1-2 of the nights I go, I hit the level 1 class, followed by level 2 for a two hour workout.   This means I am getting 3-5 hours of hard core exercise each week.  Fun exercise with benefits!

My level of endurance proved critical when testing out of level 2.  It is a very difficult and comprehensive test that takes 2 1/2 hours to complete.  This link from YouTube shows a snippet of what the test is like and you can see how it would be tiring. 

Now on to Level 3 classes beginning in the new year!  I'm so excited.  This process has been fun and rewarding.  

 

This blog post was inspiring for me.  I have children that are watching me intently, every single day.  The things I do, my habits and attitudes, the way I look at life...all influence their future behavior and habits.  

My goal is not to be the skinniest Mom around.  For me, that is an unattainable goal, or at least one that would consume me.  My goal is not to erase every mark motherhood and childbearing has made on my body (let me tell you, there are MANY of those).  

My goal is to use my body to the best of my ability.  To enjoy fitness and eating healthy, but not to make those things an idol.  I am learning to accept my body as it is even as I work to be a stronger woman.

This year I was hoping to lose 30 pounds.  I lost 23.  Since I'm at a plateau, my goal for 2014 is 10 more with 5 more in 2015.  This is realistic for me I think, but how I look is not the most important thing.  If I forever stay the same weight I am right now, I am ok with that. 

I want my kids to see their 36 year old Mama working through the pain of muscle soreness and aching knees to be able to go hard on the mat for 3 hours.  I want them to see me choosing to eat foods that fuel my body well, but also being willing to splurge and be excited about the pure fun of eating and cooking. 

I love that my kids are confident I will be able to take care of them and defend them during an attack should it ever come our way (heaven forbid).  They've seen my passion and focus and I pray that will pay off in the future for them as they find things they love to do.  Sometimes those things are hard, but in the end, they are worth the struggle.

Krav Maga Level 1

Saturday afternoon I took my Krav Maga level 1 test.  To say it was intense would be an understatement. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done personally.  We were so tired within 45 minutes that every movement was a struggle to perform.  The test lasted 2 1/2 hours.  PAINFUL.

I only have a couple of photos from the test.  This one, I'm getting out of a choke hold.  They really could have chosen a cooler time to take a picture, but it's what I have.  A couple of seconds later and my partner that's on top was on her back with me on top of her using combative punches to disable her (in theory only, since we have to do this move about 20 more times).
 

I'm sparring here and it's toward the end of the class.  If we weren't sparring, we were doing endless jumping jacks.  I pretty much wanted to die at this point.

This is the face of a very happy and very empowered woman after learning I passed.  With decent scores too.  I'm so proud of myself.  6 months ago, there is no way I could have endured something like this.  In fact, I almost threw up at my first class and had to sit out the final push to the end.

 There was no choice this time.  I didn't know if I would make it, but I did.  I have some bruises, torn up elbows, a couple of broken blood vessels and sore muscles, but otherwise am unscathed.  
 

My biggest hope is that I can remember some of these moves if I'm ever attacked, so that they will say "I picked the wrong lady"  ♥

If you're interested in finding a Krav Maga class in your area, check out this website.

Linking to:
 Sundae Scoop Party @ I Heart Nap Time
 

Busy Self-focused Weekend

We finally have some gorgeous weather around here.  It was over 70 degrees today and we're loving it.  The mosquitoes are out nearly full force, but I almost don't mind them...I'm just so thankful for warm and sunny weather.

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This weekend is a busy one for me and I'm trying not to feel too selfish.  I rarely take this much time for myself in one fell swoop, so it's quite a treat.

I am attending a fabulous 2 day class to qualify for a concealed carry permit.  Alaska is a "Constitutional Carry" State, so you can legally carry concealed without a permit of any kind if you're over 21 (unless you're a felon or criminal of some sort).  I just really wanted the extra training.  I may or may not actually pay to get the permit itself, but the class is too good to pass up.  Two of my girl-friends are doing it with me and it's so much fun.  We spent 7 hours focused on classroom instruction today and tomorrow will be 7 hours with some good range time.  The class is taught by our Fairbanks local legend Joe Nava. 

Joe is an 83 year old gun veteran with a huge wealth of knowledge that is awesome to behold.  The classes are held at his home, which does not have a bathroom.  I got to experience my first true outhouse today.  Not sure that it's something I love, but the blue foam seat is rather comfy - LOL.  Gotta love Alaska.

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Next Saturday, I have a 3 hour qualification test to pass the Level 1 Krav Maga test.  This week I'm focusing on increasing my athletic endurance so that I can keep up with the pace the instructors set...I hear it's pretty painful, but I will succeed.

I've already ordered the mouth guard and groin guard that I will need for Level 2 Krav.  I will need to get some head gear, gloves and shin guards as the classes get a lot more physical than Level 1 has been.  I can't wait!

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I hope you're all having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Dave has been Mr. Mom for the first part of our weekend, but on Monday, we'll all spend the day together relaxing or maybe going and doing something fun.  I still haven't planned the Monday menu, but I'm thinking broccoli salad and steaks...or maybe mushroom burgers.