Last Monday, I was sure I was going to die. Every inch of my body hurt. I felt like someone had slammed something hard and heavy against my back. I still did Bikram and boxing back-to-back.

But, on Tuesday, I took the day off. “Women’s issues.” And I had errands to run in Makati anyway.

Today, I woke up with a headache. I had had it from the night before. As I lay on my mat, waiting for the Bikram class to start, I could feel the right side of my head throbbing. I contemplated packing up and leaving. But I didn’t really want to. I spoke to the instructor. She told me that if it got worse, I should tell her and she’d let me leave.

"No, I think I can do this, " I said. “I’m sure once we get started, I’ll forget all about it.”

The first part was a challenge and I was a bit wobbly, but not more so than usual.I got through it.

Then I went to boxing and, for the first time, did all six rounds of mitts.

Now, I’m sure I’ll make it all the way to Friday. Six out of seven… Not the best, but it’s a damned good effort. And, I told myself today, six is still one up over five. I’m glad I stuck it out today.