Have you ever made plans with someone, then were super happy when they didn’t show up?
That’s how I felt when I got to the gym yesterday, and nobody was there.
Sunday is typically a day off at Muay Thai gyms, but I read a sign that said ‘Special Classes on Sunday at 4:00 pm. I thought this would be something cool. As it turns out, they will teach special classes (Privates) on Sundays at 4:00 pm if you schedule them. I had no idea I needed to schedule training.
Why was I happy when nobody was there? Because I hurt EVERYWHERE! I am so freaking sore from all the clinch work Lek did on me, that it didn’t hurt my feelings at all to not see his smiling face at the gym.
The door to the gym was open, however, so I let myself in. I got to move around a little bit, and punched bags for about half an hour. It felt great to work out the soreness, and get a sweat going without the pressure of having to hit pads, and spar. It was the perfect training session for the circumstances, and will allow me to get back hard at it tomorrow.
I don’t recall ever injuring my knee yesterday, but it is swollen I can’t bend it all the way), and it clicks every time I try to bend it. It sort of gives out when I walk at times, but there is very little pain. I’m not exactly sure what is going on, so that was another reason why a day off to heal was in order.
I went on another walkabout, but headed in the opposite direction this time. I finally found a Thai Massage place, and it was literally heaven on Earth. I really needed that to break up all the lactic acid that I can feel all over my body. It felt great!
I got a little braver today, and went for a LONG walk, and ate some amazing street food. I found an area where there were a bunch of street vendors, and tried to use the little bit of Thai that I can speak. (I do on-line Thai language training every morning). I also purchased my first beer since I’ve been here. I justified it in the fact that it was medicinal for all of my soreness. It was just what the doctor ordered.
I took a Tuk Tuk (Open taxi) down to an area called Soi Cowboy. It has a lot of bars and restaurants / street vendors. It’s a bit of a seedy area with all the Go Go bars, and old men that are predators with pretty young Thai ladies. It’s an awesome place to people watch, however, and I always find a nice bartender to sit and chit chat with. If you buy them a drink, they will be your best friends.
I really love watching Thai people at work…I am amazed at their work ethic. I watched the vendors setting up their shops, and try to hustle all night long. Kids help their parents, and seem to really know what they are doing. It rained most of the night, and the kids would always be in charge of covering the food, until it let up, then uncover it. Mama & Papa are always busy prepping and cooking the food.
I hunkered down at a patio bar, and watched all the Thai people run from the rain. For as much as it rains here, they act like they will melt if they get wet. I met a female bartender, and had a 30-minute conversation with her, and couldn’t tell you a word she said. The rain was loud on the rooftop of the patio, and her English was pretty bad. Nonetheless, she laughed a lot, and was super sweet. For some reason, she was fascinated with all my tattoos, and asked the same questions about all of them…’Where did you get that one? Did it hurt? Oye’
I didn’t stay out very late, because I am absolutely beat. Today was a little fun in Bangkok…Tomorrow we MUAY THAI!
PS… GO UTES!
The Author, Mike Stidham, owns and operates the Ultimate Combat Training Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. UCTC offers classes in Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, as well as a wide range of Fitness classes to Men, Women, Children, groups, and private lessons.
