Crybaby

As my training partners fill the mats at the gym, here I am, at home, trying my best to type. One hand clutches a piece of tissue paper, trying to blot my eyes as I fight to prevent the tears from running down my cheeks. Sniffling, my nose runny, eyes raw, I squint to see the monitor in front of me. 

I have hayfever. And it sucks big time.

I have not only missed several days of training because of this, I have also been off work for several days last week. I first had hayfever last year, but it wasn't as bad as this year. Someone told me that there is a species of tree that triggers severe hay fever to those susceptible to it but fortunately, it only blooms every ten years. The last time it bloomed was 2003. Yay.

I've tried a lot of medication, believe me. Antihistamines in various forms - tablets, capsules, liquids. I've also had eye drops and nasal sprays. All of which give me temporary relief. Right now, I'm trying out this eye spray, which is £17 a pop. It is marginally better than the eye drops, and I combine it with the nasal spray and the antihistamines. Gives me enough relief on some days, but not today. 

Sniff, squint, and sneeze. Rinse and repeat.

Sigh.

Back to the grind

My countless followers (read: two) might be wondering why this blog has been quiet for nearly 6 months. Well, it was due to the fact that since the Christmas holidays last year, I haven't stepped on the mats to train BJJ. I was really busy with my old job covering other sites and then I eventually moved to a new job that was waiting for me since November last year. During this period, I must admit, I have intentionally kept myself off from the BJJ world - save from the occasional updates I get from my training partners and friends, Keith and Elliott regarding who got promoted and what comps are they doing, etc. The reason I did that was because I did not want to feel how much I truly miss BJJ and training but I have always had that at the back of my mind. The trouble for me was, the longer I am away from the mats, the more unsure I have become of whatever skills I have acquired.

Last Monday, I made way to Battersea and for the first time in nearly six months, stepped on the mats again. There are several faces that I haven't seen before but I am glad to see those familiar faces who used to choke and armbar me into oblivion. I did not see Keith but am glad that Elliott was there to ease  my way back into training. Elliott has done several comps and medalled since I last rolled with him and it shows. That man literally handed my ass to me - and he seemed to have done this effortlessly (get this guy a sponsorship already!)

And that sets the tone of my return to my BJJ journey. Good to be back.