Time Spent - Practise Until It's Automatic

New Found Respect for Mike Tyson as a phenomenal athlete.  

"Spring training, then, is about planning and practicing until it's automatic.  That preparation is essential for success in any venture".
 - Harvey Mackay (Businessman)
This quote made me think of Tyson in these videos and how you could see all the training just become activated when he got in the ring.  I also experienced this in last years SYTYCD when I got into the choreograohy round and we rehearsed like crazy the sequence hundreds of times over and over without stopping so that when it came to do the routine it was automatic.  This is something that I will apply to next years routine because, as Jason said, after I lost my place in my own choreography, that shouldn't be happening to a dancer at my level, it should just be automatic so that is definately something to learn from.  

Surrey Sports Faaaark!!!!! (aka Surrey Sports Park)

Went for induction at the brand new Surrey Sports Park on Monday.

50 Metre Swimming Pool

Climbing Wall

New Runny Stuff!!!

Weights Area

Big Weights

*One* of the basketball courts!!!

Splashy sploshy pool!!!

Big Dance Studio #1

Big Dance Studio #2

Starbucks looking over the climbing wall AND basketball court - SICK!!!

Work/Sickness/Good Food Pics - Getting A Job!!!!

Evolution of the pointy lipped dinosaur.

I've been quite busy lately with a new job that has involved night shifts in a warehouse.  Getting a job quickly became my priority when I moved to England as all the things I wanted to do relied on having money - classes, rent, self development, eating etc :)  I applied for over 50 jobs in 2 months and this is the one that came through, working with a temp agency.

I've only been at it a week and i'm sure there's many things I still have to learn from the job, but at the moment I work at night (usually 10pm - 6:30am) and sleep during the day and there is no time to do anything else.

My body is sore when I wake up and my hands are all cut and dry.

[Edit:  Added this a few days after writing this post]

I've also been sick for about two weeks (gettin better though) and got dry lips with a pimple underneath from the cream i've been putting on them - so felt a bit cracky when I woke up today (see above) hehe!!

I love the work in that it's really physical and I can just throw myself in there with music blasting etc but i'm aware that I don't have time for dancing etc.  Anyway, i'll give it a bit more time and see what happens - it's good to have some work and to be getting some cash!

The warehouse where i'm working.  

I started looking into food a bit more seriously recently as my body was craving some of the good stuff.  I was very happy therefore when I came across 'A Very Busy Mind' - an awesome blog by Cassie about food, fitness and life in general, very funny and with pretty pictures!!  She's also been sick lately too and so it has been funny to read some of her musings on this haha.

In homage to her blog, I took my current limited food supply this evening to create this meal!

Eggs A La Green Avocado Sunrays with salt, pepper and paprika drizzled in olive oil!

Close Up!!!

And for historical purposes, this is what I could afford at the local store tonight!

Milk for coffee, an orange for medicine!!!

Cassie was also talking about finding work and, as I have recently/am going through this, I thought I would share the following:

I bought it the other day and started reading it - he seems like a nice man and there are plenty of persuasive videos on his book here!

Alrighty, until next time, be strong and power on!!! Peace and love, Robin :) xxx

Creating A Food Schedule

I Love Blueberries!!!

Longevity, energy, health and enjoyment - that'sa the fooda I wanna eatta!!!

In developing my eating/food schedule, I started by writing a list of the foods I liked eating, then curiosity lead me to explore foods which contribute to longevity, energy, health and taste good too!  I merged the two lists and then creativity took over as I began to realise the benefits of eating food with color, nutrients and texture!

My schedule follows the exercise and intensity levels of my week - by mid week, i'm ready for a big steak as i'm in the middle of a heavy training schedule and need my energy and force, Friday night however I might go out and don't want a big curry in my stomach etc.

Making a food schedule:

• Assists me in making sure I eat good food necessary for my training schedule and longevity.
• Saves me money as I am planning meals and not 'impulse buying' more expensive products.
• Eliminates some stress by having such an important element of my lifestyle planned - ie it's already thought out and I can ensure I have all the energy I need to think and act to my full potential.

I'm also going to get a nutritionist so that they can advise me on what things I should be eating to support my training and give me maximum health and energy!  (These oily things sounds good!)

Monday (Light n Healthy)

Haven't worked out as much over the weekend so not really that hungry or needing big protein hit, lighter meal which sets up good, healthy vibe for the week.  

Tuesday (Getting Stuck Into It)

Body's ready to get going and starts to know what it's in for - I need something with a bit more punch that's gonna give me the lift into the week that I need.

Wednesday (Getttin Funky)

Yep, we in it, ready for a big steak and some hard work, ready to get goin!

Thursday (Celebration)

Thursday is a bit of a celebration night as the middle of the week is over, i've probably done some of my harder workouts, and i'm ready to both absorb lots of good nutrients and protein but also have some relaxation and comfort and congratulate myself by enjoying a richer meal.

Friday (Partay!)

Similar to Monday's vibe, I want something light and healthy as later on in the night there may be other unexpected meals had!

Saturday (Tradition)

The Sunday Roast of meals, something a bit more dignified and detailed and heavier.  More time goes into this meal and I like to think of it as a meal that can be shared and that has had thought put into it.  It's the sacred, traditional dinner, with wine, table settings and serviettes a plenty!

Sunday (Safe)

The week is done and we are ready for another one.   Reasonable heaviness but not too heavy that I will be sluggish on Monday morning.  Healthy, light and fruity!

I'll be putting recipes and other cool food stuff on my food page, so stay tuned!

Happy, Healthy Eating To You!!! :) xxx

Longevity

I had a magnetic moment with a book in the local public library, my eyes locked on it and had instance focus - it was called 'The Parkour & Free Running Handbook'.  The first few pages got me in and focussed on the physical body, anatomy and discipline.  I borrowed the book and later was introduced to the concept of longevity in a physically active life.

"The physical aim of parkour is to be as functionally fit, strong and capable for as long as possible in life - to become the best version of yourself that you can - not to explode out of the blocks, have a few years energetic practise and then stop because of injury or overstraining of the body.  Parkour is an art of living, a way of approaching not only your environment, but also your life".

One of the earliest practitioners of parkour, David Belle, can be seen in the video below.



I found this information very valuable - it gave me a sense of calm and an approach to training that will remain strong but incorporate a longer term vision and more defined purpose.  It also influenced my search into foods that assist in longevity and reminded me of an article I read on the New York times website about a 'death defying house' where uneven floors and unconventional design and architecture promote dexterity, strength and attentiveness.

And then there is Bette Calman, the 83 year old lady still teaching and practising yoga!  Go Bette!!!