CIC – The Return

Now I’m standing at the other side of Civilian Instructor Certification, and I don’t know where to start as I try to describe it. I can’t give you a play-by-play of each day, but I do have some milestones to share.

Day 1 – I met my classmates and the instructor. I was nervous but excited. We began by taking a moment to introduce ourselves to one another before jumping into physical activity. CIC involves a lot of review, but by the end of the day, we were sparring using whatever we knew (not just what we’d re-covered in class). We also did some pretty demanding circuit training. At the end of the day, I felt like I had a handle on what was expected of me, and the next nine days, while daunting, looked attainable.

Day 3 – I felt AWESOME at the end of the day. My body had acclimated to the demands I was putting on it. Waking up early, working out for eight hours, and crashing out at home was becoming the norm. Here are the chronicles of my bruises from Day 2 and Day 3.

Day 2 – inside and outside defense using the arms.

Day 3 – defense against kicks using the legs (with shin guards)

Day 4 – I cried. A lot. Some of it was adrenaline, some was frustration, and some of it was the good old fashioned shock of being punched in the face. Regardless, I got up on Day 5 and went back.

Day 4 – The Crying

Day 5 – The Triumphant Return

Day 7 – After class we all went out to eat together. I’d hung out with some of my classmates at lunchtime or during short breaks, but this was the first time we were all in one place outside of class. I listened to the conversation at the table go from being full of lulls to being full of jokes and laughing.

Day 8 or 9 – Our instructor acquired a drone and used it to film us fighting outside. Words don’t describe how badass it is to be filmed by a drone fighting outside of a warehouse.

Day 10 – Test Day. It was a grind. We tested levels P1-P4 (the P is for practitioner, if you’re playing the home game) and then did various fighting drills (3 on 1 with pads, eyes closed 1 on 1 reaction drills, ground work drills, 4 on 1 defending drills, and 1 on 1 light fighting). We ended with a fitness test (50 squats, 50 pushups, and 50 situps in any order). At one point I was so exhausted I was crying while fighting, and I didn’t even care. I remember fighting with my friend, and while we were hitting each other, we were also saying (through our mouth guards) “You got this. We’re almost there. You’re killing it.” I was the last one to finish the fitness test, and I got up to the sound of my friends cheering me on. I made it.

Day 10 – I passed!

I didn’t score high enough to earn my P4 rank, but I did score high enough to get a P3 rank. I already have my P3, so I didn’t get a new patch or certificate or anything, but it was gratifying to see that I was where I was supposed to be.

After it was all said and done, the instructor took me aside, asked me how I was doing, and told me that I’m on the right track. I have detailed feedback from my test, and I’ll use it to fix my mistakes as I continue my training.

I’m not sure what’s next. There is a CIC Part 2, but I don’t know that I can get the time off or the funds to go in June (plus I don’t think my body is ready). I want to progress, but I’m not sure how. In the meantime, I’m going to keep on keeping on – practicing, teaching, and working out.

It’s almost time. Here’s what I’ve been up to since my last update.

I hit the elliptical after work Friday (3/31). I went to fencing that night as well. We had a good time even though we had a little scare – at one point the gym staff asked that all patrons stay where we were since there was an incident outside. It sounds like some people had a beef at the outdoor basketball courts, and a firearm was involved. I’m glad we have a safe indoor space to practice.

That Saturday I went to work and played with kids.

On Sunday, since most of the people in my SCA group were at an event, I called practice off and went stand-up paddle boarding with Nik instead.I did end up in the water once – not on purpose! The wind was pretty strong, so paddling was a challenge. We had a great day.

Monday and Wednesday were Krav nights, as usual. Michael and I worked on getting Jacob ready for his P2 test, and we brushed up on P3 materials as well.

I usually hit the gym on Tuesdays, but I was exhausted and needed sleep more than I needed cardio, so I took it easy that day. Thursdays are usually rest days, so I had two last week.

On Friday I got back to the grind and went to the gym after work. Then I got home, had a little rest, and was walking out the door to go to fencing when anxiety hit me. I did NOT feel prepared for CIC. I sent my apologies to the fencers and stayed home packing and getting organized. I was more prepared than I thought, and Nik and I went to the store to pick up a few more supplies as well, so I feel much better about it now. I kind of feel silly for missing the fun at fencing, but it was worth it to have some peace of mind.

On Saturday I walked around the island before work, where I walked around some more when I wasn’t playing games.

Sunday morning was the moment of truth. I woke up bright and early to be at the gym in Gulf Breeze at 9:30. Eddie, Kita, Michael, Jacob, and I were all there to test. Everyone did really well, and I got over half my steps in before noon. Michael dropped an elbow on my back a little too hard at one point, so I’m getting a neat bruise back there, and Kita clipped my chin with a hammer fist, but I DIDN’T GET PUNCHED IN THE FACE. This is a first for me.

After that I went home and changed clothes for fencing. I took it easy-ish and kept enough gas in my metaphorical tank to fence everyone who brought gear. I was mostly in teaching mode, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t moving around a lot!

Tonight is my last Krav class before I leave for CIC. I’m debating going to the gym tomorrow after work (it’s only half an hour). I’d like to have more time to pack, and I’m already incredibly sore, so I would like to rest my muscles before I go murder them for a week, but I also kind of want to keep the hype train rolling over here. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow.

No promises on updates while I’m on the road.

I’ve been too busy to blog. Let’s look back on the past week and a half.

Last week was Spring Break. I spent Monday morning at the beach, where I resumed my walks to the pier and back. That night was Krav practice with Eddie. He couldn’t stay late to work with me, but it was good to have him there for practice since he sees nuances that I don’t.

On Tuesday I went to the gym with Nik. We lifted (arms) and did cardio.

Wednesday was another beach day (with a walk). Michael was back at practice that night, so after teaching, we had some time to work on P3 and higher skills.

Thursday was another gym day with Nik. We had chest and shoulder day and then did cardio (I think – I’m getting my days mixed up, but I know I went twice last week). That night I went to a fun and challenging Beach Body class with Eddie and Kita. That was definitely a full body workout!

On Friday I tagged along to the beach partially to enjoy my vacation and partially because I needed to fill out paperwork for my new job. I did a lot of walking that day.

Saturday was my first day at my new old job. I’m a pirate again, so I get to spend a couple hours on the weekend doing stage combat and playing games with kids. I have second shift, so I still get to hang out at the beach and go for my long walks in the mornings.

On Sunday I helped at a Krav seminar Eddie and Kita were running on my side of town. Then I picked up Nik and headed to the park, but we didnt fence. We planned to get some cardio in, but the gym was closed, so we took a Poke-walk instead.

This week I was back to the grind at work, so my routine is back to normal.
Monday: Krav
Tuesday: cardio
Wednesday: Krav

I’m gearing up to do the P3 test with Michael in a couple weeks. I’ve already passed, but I’ve been asked to do it again. I didn’t ask why. I’m happy to have the practice and confident that I know the material.

I’m getting a little overwhelmed at work. It’s been a struggle to work out when I’ve been unmotivated, but I know those are the days that I really need to get up and move.

I’ve been too busy to blog. Let’s look back on the past week and a half.

On Tuesday I went to the gym with Nik. We lifted (arms) and did cardio.

Wednesday was another beach day (with a walk). Michael was back at practice that night. He downloaded a workout from Sound Cloud: a professional fighter called out combinations for us to do on the heavy bags. We did 3- minute sets for about half an hour.

Thursday was another gym day with Nik. We had chest and shoulder day, but I think I skipped cardio (I’m getting my days mixed up, but I don’t have any aerobic activity logged in my Fit Bit that day). That night I went to a fun and challenging Beach Body class with Eddie and Kita. That was definitely a full body workout! I have no idea why the Fit Bit wouldn’t log it.

On Friday I tagged along to the beach partially to enjoy my vacation and partially because I needed to fill out paperwork for my new job. I did a lot of walking that day.

This week I was back to the grind at work, so my routine is back to normal.
Monday: Krav
Tuesday: cardio
Wednesday: Krav

I’m getting a little overwhelmed at work. It’s been a struggle to work out when I’ve been unmotivated, but I know those are the days that I really need to get up and move.

Today after work I spent 30 minutes on the elliptical (even though I really just wanted to relax). I’m glad that’s what i did though since I didn’t have much chance to do Krav tonight. Instead, I re-watched the P3 video. I figure doing cardio and reviewing the techniques is a good approach.

Monday night when I was getting ready for Krav, I felt really warm and looked flushed. I took my temperature and saw that I had a fever. I called Kita, told her what was up, and we agreed I should rest, so I settled in on the couch with my cat, some water, and a couple ibuprofen. I did some homework and took a nap. Apparently that did the trick because I was back at work the next day. It stinks that I missed a practice night, but I guess my body needed it.

Tuesday was wild. After working a normal day, I enjoyed yoga class. Then I went to my night class, and from there I went straight to Krav for my P3 test. I felt pretty good walking into it.

I felt FREAKING AWESOME walking out of it. I had to correct some things here and there, and I always have room for improvement (plus I got punched in the face – I don’t like this new tradition), but I think I passed. We get our results tonight. I’ll let you know when I remember to update.

If I don’t update, it’s because I’m frantically getting ready for Magna Faire this weekend. Nik and I are taking some of our fencing students up to Birmingham with us. They are so stoked – I hope it’s contagious.

Let’s see where we stand…

I managed to get in a week of Krav (Monday and Wednesday). Then we took a week off for Thanksgiving.

I tried to fence in the interim. I went to practice Friday but didn’t fight. I realized on the drive over that I really didn’t want to go. I was in a negative head space and was worried about injuring myself or someone else since frustrated fencing is generally unsafe fencing.

I slept through practice on Monday because I felt completely lousy. I had some kind of dry head cold that messed with me all week but didn’t keep me down too hard. We cancelled yoga on Tuesday because it was the day before Thanksgiving Break at work. I went to practice on Wednesday, fenced a few rounds, and geared down. I kept getting overheated and felt like I was moving through JELL-O. Friday practice was cancelled. I stayed home Sunday and graded papers while Nik ran practice.

As far as fencing is concerned, I’m in one hell of a slump. I have an event this weekend, and I don’t really want to go, but I need to go.

Tonight is my last night of review until my P3 test. We were going to test tonight, but some dates got mixed up. The test is tomorrow. Wish me luck, folks.

I have use of my shoulder, but I’m still not 100%. I can test safely, and I can fence a little bit, but it still hurts to put pressure on it when it’s extended upward (like laying on my right side).

I’m back, baby!

I’m finally out of the sling, and I even got to fight!

Let’s rewind. I didn’t see much point in updating during my recovery. Mostly my life consisted of being uncomfortable in the sling, occasionally taking it off and doing light stretching, and icing it regularly. I had a few opportunities to go watch other people fence, which wasn’t quite as terrible as it could have been. I enjoyed little victories like being able to wash my own hair.

Then came Thursday. I wore my sling religiously, even the entire ride up to Atlanta. I was so very careful that I felt comfortable leaving the sling off all day on Friday. I attended a discussion about destreza that morning and then a practical lesson that night. To play things safe, I went through the drills left handed and avoided doing ringen afterward. I didn’t even do both halves of the class, partially because I wanted to keep some energy in reserve and partially because my friends had arrived in town.

On Saturday, I fenced for the first time since the injury. I rigged together a shoulder guard and fought in my pool in the women’s long sword competition. I met my goal of not embarrassing myself.

After that, I competed in the dussack tournament. I fought left handed and wore extra padding but didn’t deal with any hard blows to that side. Unfortunately I did smash my fingers and need to sit out the rest of the day, so I missed the first blood rapier tournament.

On Sunday I elected not to participate in the open long sword tournament, and based on some of the fighting I saw, I made the right call. I was able to compete in the conventional long sword tournament, and I made it out of my pools but washed out in elims (fencing right handed since the tournament was thrust only).

I went back to Krav on Monday without the sling. This time I got to participate since I need to catch up on my P3 skills. My Krav buddies marveled at my bruises, and I worked out three weeks’ worth of pent up energy.

Now I’m experiencing a delayed event hangover, so I’ll take it easy tonight. I’m looking forward to Krav practice tomorrow. I’ll let you know when I get to test.

I typed a post (painstakingly slowly) on Monday with a lot more detail and then lost it. I’m not a happy camper, so this will be a little terse.

Saturday was a good workout/fencing day. I lifted some weights with Nik, and then I practiced long sword with Nik and Nikita.

Sunday instead of fencing, I practiced Krav with Gaby and Kita. I did a high forward roll poorly (after doing it mostly right) and crunched my shoulder. I iced it, dealt with it, soaked it… realized I needed to go to the ER. The shoulder isn’t broken, but it is quite painful. I have to wear a sling, and no fighting for at least a week.

I stayed home from work on Monday and slept weird tramadol dreams all morning. I felt better in the evening and visited Krav to drop off the pads and help call out activities.

I was back at work on Tuesday, and I explained my situation to my yogi. She came up with some yoga that I could do, and when I couldn’t do something, I visualized myself doing it and focused on my breathing instead.

Tonight I’ll go watch Krav some more. This has been a nice exercise in teaching using verbalization since I can’t demonstrate anything.

I see the ortho on Monday. I’m going to ask for a fast (if temporary) situation so that I can possibly still fence at SERFO. At the very least, I’d like to do rapier and dussack left-handed. I really really want to do long sword though. Really. Keep your fingers crossed.

At any rate, #fightingeverydamnday is on hold. In the meantime, though, I can read, watch films, and visualize… and be jealous as Nik continues with #fencingeverydamnday

On Tuesday, I went to yoga after work and hit the pool after class. I ended up swimming only 15 minutes, though, because I was worried about bleeding hair color all over the pool. Few things are more embarrassing than making your workout space look like a scene from Jaws. Nik has begun his quest to fence every day, so that’s what he was up to while I was at class and at the pool.

Wednesday night was Krav night. We did more P1 review. During P3 class, I asked some questions I had about kicks. I’ll be meeting up with The Ladies to work on groundwork over the weekend.

Last night after work I met Nik and some of the UWF fencers at the gym, and I worked primarily on long sword. I’m picking it up fairly quickly – I’m far from the best, but I’m doing good things. After fencing, Nik and I took a quick run because I still needed some cardio. My mile is down to 9 minutes. Last night was Nik’s Day 5 of #fencingeverydamnday.

Today after work I’m going to use the elliptical to get my heart rate up, come home, rest (probably have a snack), and head to UWF fencing practice. Tonight will be my Day 3 of #fightingeverydamnday.

If it sounds like a lot of activity, it is. Nik is training for a big tournament, and I’m training for that tournament while simultaneously preparing myself for CIC 1.

In the midst of all of this, I lost a pound and a half last week. I’m down 5 lbs total since I started tracking. I also recommended that Nik start tracking to make sure he’s getting enough calories for his amount of activity.