Yes, I went to training yesterday. Dindo gave me the same advice my brother did: “Take a muscle relaxant. If the pain goes away, it’s muscle pain and you can work out. If it doesn’t, stay home and rest.” And I did tell the cab driver to take me home after my massage. And then I asked him to head for the PKTC instead. (I couldn’t help it!)

Fred Nogales, who is also a Krav Maga instructor, has been subbing for Dindo at kettlebells since last week, since a Krav Maga studio opened in Makati which requires Dindo’s attention. I like having them both as instructors (for kettlebells and Krav Maga) as they each have their own style and there are pointers you pick up from one that you don’t necessarily get from the other.

I told Fred about my back and he let me choose a workout that I would be comfortable doing and told me to keep the weight light.

I chose workout #70:

A. Figure 8 – 10 x 3 – 14 kilos (Ordinarily, I would have done this with 16 kilos. I should probably try it with 20 kilos when my back isn’t out of whack.) B. Two Hand Swings – 20 x 3 – 14 kilos (I normally swing 20-24 kilos so I just used this time to get my form right.)

C. 1 KB Snatch – 15/15, 10/10 – 8 kilos

• add weight 10/10 – I didn’t, I stuck to 8 kilos.
• add weight 8/8 – 10 kilos (This is the average weight I use IF not too many reps are required.)
• add weight 7/7 – 12 kilos
• add weight 5/5 – 14 kilos (This was actually the heaviest I’ve lifted for this type of exercise. I, normally, stop adding weight at 12 kilos. My left could barely lift it at first and Fred had to stand next to me to make sure I didn’t injure myself. But I did it.)

D. Two Hand Swings – 20 x 3 – 14 kilos

E. 2KB (racked) Hip Rotation – 20 x 3 – 8 kilos

F. KB Crunches – 30 x 3 – 8 kilos

Fred also worked with me on getting my form right on cleans, jerks and snatches.

I could feel the pain lurking underneath the flimsy numbness of the muscle relaxant but only went as far as it would let me.

Of course, later on in the evening, while lying in bed reading, I shifted position and let out a yelp. That wasn’t discomfort, that was PAIN. Will skip CrossFit today and take it easy. I have parties this weekend that I don’t want to miss on account of a bad back that I fucked up.