Archives for June, 2006

Today was the end of my one-month beginners’ class, and now I am ready to join the regular class. The regular class starts right after the beginners’ class ends, and, after a few minutes’ rest, I decided I wanted to do it, today. What was I thinking?! Of course it was “too much.” This time [...]

The Tuesday/Thursday class is in the evening, and it’s a good thing. I had plenty of time to decide whether to go to class tonight. I went, and it wasn’t bad at all. Well, it was hard, but that’s good. I got to find out that I could still get through a hard class. Have [...]

Last week I did five classes, and all was fine. But today wasn’t so fine. I want to say it was the hardest class yet, but I’ve said that too many times. It was really scary, though. I kept thinking, “maybe this is where I’m supposed to quit.” I wondered if I’d pass out. I [...]

My son wanted to do the Tuesday/Thursday class instead of M/W/F, so I drove him. Then, when I got there, I decided to do the class too. Nothing to report. Same “it was hard.” Same “I sweat a lot.” Same “I did it!” Can I do five days a week? I wonder! I’ve started taping [...]

This is starting to feel pretty routine. Wake up sore, do class, feel exhausted and exhilarated. I don’t seem to be heading for a flare. (Yay!) Fibromyalgia and CFS are still there, but things are better, overall. Plenty of naps seems to balance plenty of Karate.

Today started out well. I have been moving well, for instance, and doing basic household things, like picking something up off the floor, moving a box, etc. But now I’m sore. Not so worried about Karate. That seems to make me feel better, instead of worse. But I still wish my legs didn’t hurt so [...]

Slept poorly last night. Woke up stiff, sore, unhappy. I was saying “this is it. I’ve reached the limit. I can’t do the class today.” But then I remembered that I’d promised myself I’d go. If I am able to get into the car and transport myself to the Dojo, I will. Then, if I [...]

I’m back to taking long naps. Karate takes maybe six hours out of every day that I do it. That’s 18 hours a week. But it’s worth it. On my non-Karate days, I can now make dinner, stay awake longer, and play with my kids. I stand straighter, and who knows? I may get strong [...]

Sensei asked me whether I was sore between classes, and I realized that while I’ve had pain during class, and fatigue after, I haven’t experienced any “athletic” soreness. None of that good kind I used to get when I was healthy, after a good workout. I’m pushing hard, and I’m feeling it; I don’t know [...]

Didn’t know if I’d get through again today. But of course, I managed. Didn’t even have to sit down today. Took breaks standing up. And my posture has changed. I just noticed, all of a sudden, that I’m taller. And it doesn’t hurt to hold myself up.

I’ve decided I should go, no matter how I feel. Today, I was more scared than I have been before. The pain when I woke up was strong, and I wondered—again—if I wouldn’t be able to do it today. Of course, once we got there, I did it. I modified things to match my ability, [...]

I woke up again feeling stiff, as always, and I thought—again—that maybe I can’t do this. Then, when I got there, I did it. And again, when it was over and I had rested (a lot) and showered, I felt great. I felt exhilarated. If I’m going to hurt, I might as well hurt doing [...]

When I got up this morning, I didn’t think I could do it. But when I got there, I decided to try. I made it through a whole Karate class. When other people jumped, I stepped. When other people did ten punches, I did five. Sometimes, I just stopped moving. Still, it wasn’t as gentle—I [...]

I’m going to do it. Karate. I must be insane.