Next Goal - thinking it through

[Jim Tinney]

My last cycle was intended to achieve a base level and return to competitive BJJ. I used practices and a program of swipes mixed with bodyweight exercises, with the intention of building up some strength endurance GPP. Although I ultimately lost both of my matches at the competition, I knew both of my competitors to be strong oponents who both went on to take second in the gi and no gi division - after dusting off my ego a bit, I would have to access the goal as achieved.

I took a week off, and have been running and using my clubbells in the interim. I am now beginning to plan a more long term program to further build up my base.

Part of this plan will have to take into consideration my agreement to help my wife train for her goal - which is to run a Marathon in June for a stroke prevention charity. This will be the first one for both of us. As she has a short stride and I plan to stick with her for the distance, I am hoping to use this opportunity to work on my endurance gait for the next five months - our goal is simply to finish.

That said, I will want to include continued JiuJitsu training - working to improve in that area as well.

In addition, as I found during the last program, one training session per day is more realistic for me than two a days.

Right now, my schedule will look something like

Monday - BJJ practice
Tuesday - Undetermined Run or Clubbells
Wednesday - BJJ practice
Thursday - Undetermined Run
Friday - Undetermined Run or Clubbells or Rest
Saturday - Undetermined Run or Clubbells
Sunday - Undetermined BJJ or Run or Clubbells or Rest

For clubbell workouts, thinking of using a swipe and mill combo.

Maybe 2 of each workout per week, and then ramp up the running as I go along?

Just thinking out loud at this point, as I am working on the plan.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Doug Szolek]

Jim, sounds like fun goals all around and I kinda know what you're getting into as I may be running a marathon later this year.

To start off,
To what size of clubbells do you have access?
For what kind of volume are you accostomed to using these ?
Do you have any preconditions or issues that are still healing from the competition or your MA training in general?

Answer me these and I'll be happy to offer my two cents about how you could optimally integrate your training to meet your goals.

In Faith,

[Jim Tinney]

Hi coach,

Thanks for the reply - just got back from a killer trip and was away from the computer - stayed at a house at the end of a long beach and was able to put in daily runs over the week - it was awesome - the view alone made the runs so easy, compared to running on the snow in Michigan.

I have access to two 15 pound cb's.

On my last cycle, I worked up my swipes to 8 sets of 12 in 8 minutes, and just worked on getting comfortable with the mill.

I've just been playing it by feel right now, but a plan is always a good thing. It certainly helped on the last cycle. Although, assuming I make it to two BJJ practices and get at least three good runs, I know overtraining will be lurking in the wings. Working with the cb's is fun though, so if I can squeeze them in, I'd like to.

No physical problems except for some occasionally dodgy knees which are feeling better all the time and survive rolling in class without a problem (knock on wood).

Jim

[Jim Tinney]

Up for when the coach has time

have continued to build up my runs - had a nice 7 mile run yesterday - starting to see some progress with the slow and steady build up on time and distance

unfortunately (or fortunately - depending on the viewpoint) I have been working overtime on some outside projects and haven't been making it to grappling practice the last couple of weeks.

I would be interested in hearing how you are planning to supplement your training for the demands of the marathon, as well. I know I shouldn't ignore strength training in this process, although I was originally thinking my grappling would provide enough of that --- but now that I am missing practice, and don't see myself making it back for at least another week or two - it would probably be wise to input some strength training --- for now I will attempt to add two light clubbell sessions per week and see how that goes.

Jim