sourpuss's training log

[sourpuss]

I think I'm going to take a long break after this tournament. If I come back at all...we'll see.

It's not the competing that's getting to me, it's the sparring. I'm the only girl in my club and I weigh 115 pounds and the only people I have to spar with are guys who are 155-165 pounds. None of them understand the concept of just working with me. They all go all out and try to take my head off. Even my coach. I've mentioned it to my coach a couple of times and it's like he can't not go all out. It's either hit me as hard as he can or just turtle up. So sparring with him is either I just hold my hand in front of my face and he batters me or he turtles up and I just punch his arms. Completely pointless.

The other two guys I spar with are skilled enough to throw combinations and make me work but have no idea how to not hit full force. They are also a little wild and since they are quite a bit taller than me, I'm constantly getting hit on the top of the head. I've been getting a lot of headaches and I've noticed a significant drop in my ability to concentrate and remember times and dates.

Unless someone my size magically joins the club and is ready to spar and work in the next two months, I'm afraid there's no real point to continue. Which sucks because I really want to box and be competitive.

[Youngblood]

I think I'm going to take a long break after this tournament. If I come back at all...we'll see.

It's not the competing that's getting to me, it's the sparring. I'm the only girl in my club and I weigh 115 pounds and the only people I have to spar with are guys who are 155-165 pounds. None of them understand the concept of just working with me. They all go all out and try to take my head off. Even my coach. I've mentioned it to my coach a couple of times and it's like he can't not go all out. It's either hit me as hard as he can or just turtle up. So sparring with him is either I just hold my hand in front of my face and he batters me or he turtles up and I just punch his arms. Completely pointless.

The other two guys I spar with are skilled enough to throw combinations and make me work but have no idea how to not hit full force. They are also a little wild and since they are quite a bit taller than me, I'm constantly getting hit on the top of the head. I've been getting a lot of headaches and I've noticed a significant drop in my ability to concentrate and remember times and dates.

Unless someone my size magically joins the club and is ready to spar and work in the next two months, I'm afraid there's no real point to continue. Which sucks because I really want to box and be competitive.

I'm reading your frustration and am sorry to hear it. With the gender difference in this sport, that alone is one thing....then having to deal with weight differences is another. Combined to add further frustration. Maybe try being more vocal regarding it to them? (maybe you already have)

I know you love the sport, sourpuss. So I'm not really sure what to say here. Try to stay positive for your upcoming tournament. Also though, do not underestimate damage that can be done by absorbing head punches. I did a bit of a write up in the 'Seeing The lights' thread for a reason. It is maybe 10 posts down from starting post, and has to do specifically with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). This is nothing to mess around with.

For now find a way to get positive. You're going to need it to compete if that is what you choose. Remember, you are competing against some of the best female boxers in your country and on the planet. That right there is reason to hold your head high, and to be proud. So when you step in the ring, remember that...and fight like you belong there. Because you do.

[sourpuss]

Thanks youngblood. I think a break will help and I'm trying to do more puzzles, although I don't know how I could fit many more in considering I'm a puzzle fanatic. I think I'm going to get one of those nintendo DS things. That might help.

Seems like when I do say something, they all freak out and just don't punch at all. Which is even less help than getting hit too hard. I'll talk to my coach again and see what we can do.

Trying to stay positive....

[wesrman]

If you like puzzles and that kind of stuff, you will like the DS. My buddy has one and he loves it.

[sourpuss]

My mom got one and I play it this weekend.

It said my brain was 75 years old.

[Sharla]

I think I'm going to take a long break after this tournament. If I come back at all...we'll see.

It's not the competing that's getting to me, it's the sparring. I'm the only girl in my club and I weigh 115 pounds and the only people I have to spar with are guys who are 155-165 pounds. None of them understand the concept of just working with me. They all go all out and try to take my head off. Even my coach. I've mentioned it to my coach a couple of times and it's like he can't not go all out. It's either hit me as hard as he can or just turtle up. So sparring with him is either I just hold my hand in front of my face and he batters me or he turtles up and I just punch his arms. Completely pointless.

The other two guys I spar with are skilled enough to throw combinations and make me work but have no idea how to not hit full force. They are also a little wild and since they are quite a bit taller than me, I'm constantly getting hit on the top of the head. I've been getting a lot of headaches and I've noticed a significant drop in my ability to concentrate and remember times and dates.

Unless someone my size magically joins the club and is ready to spar and work in the next two months, I'm afraid there's no real point to continue. Which sucks because I really want to box and be competitive.

Size is the biggest pain in the arse! I have even seen it with small guys sparring bigger guys - the tempo is still there - us midgets can still put the pressure on but the automatic response is not always as controlled as it should be!

Other times it's just not sparring at all and pretty demeaning. I dont' want to 'spar' someone who just holds up their hands and tells me to hit them! I HATE being tapped on the top of the head - it's so not something that happens in a normal bout and so just saying something like "oh you little bittle cutie short shit come in the ring to play with us big boys"!

Have you thought about looking at different clubs with more small people. I know that at our size that probably means sparring juniors but some of them can be pretty tricky and fun to spar.

I have a crap memory but have never wanted to think it's from the boxing. The idea of permanent brain injury (because your brain cells don't grow back) has scared me too much to entertain the thought. I have always been a ditz though. I was always absent minded and often criticized for being a 'day dreamer' as a kid so i like to think that a good proportion of adult ditziness is more inherant in our nature than brought about by boxing.

[donnydarkoIRL]

I think I'm going to take a long break after this tournament. If I come back at all...we'll see.

It's not the competing that's getting to me, it's the sparring. I'm the only girl in my club and I weigh 115 pounds and the only people I have to spar with are guys who are 155-165 pounds. None of them understand the concept of just working with me. They all go all out and try to take my head off. Even my coach. I've mentioned it to my coach a couple of times and it's like he can't not go all out. It's either hit me as hard as he can or just turtle up. So sparring with him is either I just hold my hand in front of my face and he batters me or he turtles up and I just punch his arms. Completely pointless.

The other two guys I spar with are skilled enough to throw combinations and make me work but have no idea how to not hit full force. They are also a little wild and since they are quite a bit taller than me, I'm constantly getting hit on the top of the head. I've been getting a lot of headaches and I've noticed a significant drop in my ability to concentrate and remember times and dates.

Unless someone my size magically joins the club and is ready to spar and work in the next two months, I'm afraid there's no real point to continue. Which sucks because I really want to box and be competitive.

For real?!
I can understand the concept of partners wanting to hurt you, I get it all the time, but I don't know any guy that would try and hurt a girl.

Subsequently, I don't think any proper coach would advocate regular all out sparring, its just not educational and takes more than it gives.

Sorry to hear about you're entire predicament, is that the only club near you?

[quote=Sharla;569559
Size is the biggest pain in the arse! I have even seen it with small guys sparring bigger guys - the tempo is still there - us midgets can still put the pressure on but the automatic response is not always as controlled as it should be!

Other times it's just not sparring at all and pretty demeaning. I dont' want to 'spar' someone who just holds up their hands and tells me to hit them! I HATE being tapped on the top of the head - it's so not something that happens in a normal bout and so just saying something like "oh you little bittle cutie short shit come in the ring to play with us big boys"!

Have you thought about looking at different clubs with more small people. I know that at our size that probably means sparring juniors but some of them can be pretty tricky and fun to spar.

I have a crap memory but have never wanted to think it's from the boxing. The idea of permanent brain injury (because your brain cells don't grow back) has scared me too much to entertain the thought. I have always been a ditz though. I was always absent minded and often criticized for being a 'day dreamer' as a kid so i like to think that a good proportion of adult ditziness is more inherant in our nature than brought about by boxing.[/quote]
You training hard for when we spar?
WAR

[Sharla]

You training hard for when we spar?
WAR

Bring it on Donny!

Right now I'm gymless but doing plenty of cardio work so at least I'll be able to run away if need be -

Also my bro - despite being ill the psycho - wants me to do stick fighting with him when i go up to visit.

Apparently the plan is to just put on a lot of protective gear and then bash the shit out of each other.

Plus there's a boxing gym near him so I'll see if I can go visit it sometime.

[donnydarkoIRL]

You training hard for when we spar?
WAR

Bring it on Donny!

Right now I'm gymless but doing plenty of cardio work so at least I'll be able to run away if need be -

Also my bro - despite being ill the psycho - wants me to do stick fighting with him when i go up to visit.

Apparently the plan is to just put on a lot of protective gear and then bash the shit out of each other.

Plus there's a boxing gym near him so I'll see if I can go visit it sometime.

Running is my trick, so it may be reduced to a staring competiton from opposing sides of the ring LoL

STICK FIGHTING!

That reminds me so much of when I was a young id! Oh that sounds like so much fun!
(DonnyFact; In training Israel Vsquez has his trainer beat his naked body with a 24 inch long piece of wood in order to harden his body and mentally prepare himself for punishment. Manny Pacquaio has since adopted the tactic.)
Wow, I'd love a stick fight!

I'm sure you'll retain a lot of your sharpness, simply because you train so regularly and keep yourself fit.

[Sharla]

You training hard for when we spar?
WAR

Bring it on Donny!

Right now I'm gymless but doing plenty of cardio work so at least I'll be able to run away if need be -

Also my bro - despite being ill the psycho - wants me to do stick fighting with him when i go up to visit.

Apparently the plan is to just put on a lot of protective gear and then bash the shit out of each other.

Plus there's a boxing gym near him so I'll see if I can go visit it sometime.

Running is my trick, so it may be reduced to a staring competiton from opposing sides of the ring LoL

STICK FIGHTING!

That reminds me so much of when I was a young id! Oh that sounds like so much fun!
(DonnyFact; In training Israel Vsquez has his trainer beat his naked body with a 24 inch long piece of wood in order to harden his body and mentally prepare himself for punishment. Manny Pacquaio has since adopted the tactic.)
Wow, I'd love a stick fight!

I'm sure you'll retain a lot of your sharpness, simply because you train so regularly and keep yourself fit.

Well the Donny fact is scary - wood would splinter too - imagine how evil that would be on naked flesh! Ouch!

I did ask my bro if I have to carve my own stick from a tree and defend myself with a twig in the meantime but apparently the sticks and protective equipment have been prearranged.

I think stick fighting my 6 foot 4 bro with his long arms will keep me pretty sharp!

To be honest though sometimes my best training happens when I come back from a break. I seem to be able to get more out of myself when i'm mentally and physically fresh.

I should add that if it comes down to a staring competition i think i'll win!

Perhaps you'll feel better about your training after a bit of a break too Sourpuss.

[donnydarkoIRL]

Bring it on Donny!

Right now I'm gymless but doing plenty of cardio work so at least I'll be able to run away if need be -

Also my bro - despite being ill the psycho - wants me to do stick fighting with him when i go up to visit.

Apparently the plan is to just put on a lot of protective gear and then bash the shit out of each other.

Plus there's a boxing gym near him so I'll see if I can go visit it sometime.

Running is my trick, so it may be reduced to a staring competiton from opposing sides of the ring LoL

STICK FIGHTING!

That reminds me so much of when I was a young id! Oh that sounds like so much fun!
(DonnyFact; In training Israel Vsquez has his trainer beat his naked body with a 24 inch long piece of wood in order to harden his body and mentally prepare himself for punishment. Manny Pacquaio has since adopted the tactic.)
Wow, I'd love a stick fight!

I'm sure you'll retain a lot of your sharpness, simply because you train so regularly and keep yourself fit.

Well the Donny fact is scary - wood would splinter too - imagine how evil that would be on naked flesh! Ouch!

I did ask my bro if I have to carve my own stick from a tree and defend myself with a twig in the meantime but apparently the sticks and protective equipment have been prearranged.

I think stick fighting my 6 foot 4 bro with his long arms will keep me pretty sharp!

To be honest though sometimes my best training happens when I come back from a break. I seem to be able to get more out of myself when i'm mentally and physically fresh.

I should add that if it comes down to a staring competition i think i'll win!

Perhaps you'll feel better about your training after a bit of a break too Sourpuss.

Vasquez trains scarily hard - and one of the reasons I admire him so much is because he smiles through it all, even his caning!

I too would favour you in a straight staring competition, so thats why I'll adopt certain surprise tactics - such as mumbling Anti-Aussie racial slurs and throwing my boxing boot at you.

You raised an excellent point there Sharla!

Sourpuss, have you ever tried any sports psychology?
It can do wonders for getting back your hunger and your drive.