linajennette

I'm with you. After years of tracking and trying to restrict the amount I eat (and generally just feeling shitty about myself at the end of the day)... now I just let myself eat as much as I need... BUT only on food that has nutritional value. Maybe try switching out the sandwiches for salads, eating nuts instead of chips, and fruit instead of cookies. I promise it's not as bad as it sounds. :o)

I've found that Fairtex (BVG1, BVG12, etc.) generally fit more snug than Top King or Twins (though I haven't tried the fancy Twins that 515 posted above).

Thanks, Fighting Frog! You raise a great point… I do think one of the primary reasons I enjoy sparring is because it’s considered masculine… So every time I spar, it’s like a tiny little “FU” to gendered stereotypes. I LOVE the 1st time I spar with some new dude (who is clearly disappointed at have to train with a “girl”)… and especially that look of surprise when they realize you are not just “at their level”… but more skilled than they are. With sparring, I can earn respect in 30 seconds flat… whereas elsewhere in life (e.g., in business) it takes much, much longer.

I was too lax with my word usage… I’m referring to “sparring” as “fighting”… and of course they are not the same. (Though, in truth, I haven’t given enough thought to just how different they are… so thanks for that.) I suppose I was trying to find words to express why one should spar –– if there’s no end game of becoming a fighter. (But, as I write this now, I think I know the answer… Maybe “because it’s challenging & therefore fun” is a good enough reason…) Your response brings to mind a new question, though: at what point do you think age begins to really matter? Also: fighting after just 3 sparring sessions must take crazy courage. Did you find a technique (self talk, etc.) to push past the fear… or do you think you were just born fearless? :o) P.S. Thank you so much for the response. And apologies for the 20 questions… Feel free to completely ignore me… :o)

I’m a 33-year old female Muay Thai hobbyist. By that I mean I’m not a “fighter”… in the sense that I do not fight in “real” (even amateur) fights. But I’ve trained for something like 7 years… and I train everyday, I spar often, and I take both seriously. I want to be as good as I can be… The thing is: I can’t help but question WHY. Or, put another way, I don’t have a good answer when others ask me why… (I’m old for the sport, and have no intention of becoming a “fighter”. In truth, I’m often scared before sparring sessions… But I do ultimately enjoy it…) I feel strongly that women (in particular) “should” fight… that there is unique personal growth and benefit from the act of sparring. But I have trouble putting to words WHY. So, I wondering if ya’ll can help me… Do you think that anyone (and particularly women) gain from training & sparring… even if there’s no real goal (or accolade, or quantifiable metric) available as a result?