[Binge eating]

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)

[Boxing Glove question]

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).  

[WHY fight…?]

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.   

[WHY fight…?]

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)

[WHY fight…?]

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?