Elinor, I love the motivation you found to help you get your miles in on your bike! We have 4 cats at our house, so we are cat lovers. I’m reminded that there’s an island in Japan that has many stray cats, and if I recall correctly, people live there for free (or mostly for free) if they care for the cats. I’m happy you found a way to build this habit into your day and to bring yourself some joy!

Your commitment to making it happen, no matter what, has not gone unnoticed. It looks to me like you completely attacked this first month! Now you just have to do it 12 more times. 👍

I am glad the cats help keep you motivated in bike riding. It’s enjoyable to meet new cats in different neighborhoods. Congratulations on completing your first month. The some of the numbers are on track to finish early. That’s great.

Nice job! I’m glad you’re enjoying the kata you chose. You mentioned that you began learning this as a brown belt. At my first dojo, we learned this as a blue belt (if I recall correctly). It’s really interesting how alike and yet how different Isshinryu can be from one school to another. I hope you continue to enjoy doing all those jump kicks this year!

Chinto is an amazing kata! You will see so much progression in your kata over the next 13 months. Keep up the good work!

Chinto is a difficult but, rewarding kata. I hope you enjoy doing it 1000 times.

Looking good Elinor-San! In your progression toward 1000 reps, you’re going to notice so many small adjustments to make. Those small improvements add up to a next-level kata. It’s those invisible things that many practitioners never get because they don’t put this kind of work in.

You’re likely going to be in the best shape of your life within the next few months! The summer heat is the unfortunate consequence of that Sacramento life. That said, winter can be an even more challenging time to get your miles in (unless you love riding in the rain). I generally recommend getting ahead while you can now. Maybe some morning or evening rides to avoid the heat?

I am glad your body is adjusting to all the physical exercise. It will help you in this challenging year.

Awesome start Elinor! And congrats on wrapping up your junior year!

So excited to see you go through this journey!

Congratulations on starting the black belt challenge. The first week is difficult because your body has to get used to all the extra exercise you are doing. Your body will adapt. You just have to give it time. I am here if you need advice or support. See you in the dojo.

I can already see your commitment to this test in your training in class and also the extra work you are putting in by coming to the dojo early, on the weekends, and staying after class to get your numbers in. You won’t always be excited to put the work in, but if you maintain this consistency in your self-discipline, it will carry you to the finish line for sure!

Woohoo! Way to get through week 1, Elinor! Great effort to start the challenge! Remember, we will be doing this quite a while. We simply have to pace ourselves 🙂