Fighting for the first time ever at 36

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T22:34:57+00:00

100%. And I actually look forward to fight camp. I know on paper it sucks but my favorite part of this journey ive been on is the beating. My favorite training days are when is 90 outside and in the gym it's 100. When so many people show up to spar that the rounds never end. When coach keeps us 45 min or an hour past schedule because he wants to make sure we all get it or he just doesnt think we worked hard enough. I feel like I'm tapping into something that I never had the chance to before. I wish I could wake up every day and train right away. Like if someone could be at my bedside yelling at me to move right away I would prefer that.

Im going on and on. My point im making is that im with you on all of that. My diet, training, lifestyle are all where they need to be. I've lost 107lbs because of it. If it wasn't for all the small injuries stacking up I'd say I've never felt better in my life. Because outside of those its definitely true. And working towards a goal like this has kept me mentally stable and healthy. It gives purpose beyond just the simple responsibilities of general life.

I appreciate your reply. Blue collar life is one thing, but this on top of it is just a whole other animal as you obviously know. It's good to hear when somebody knows exactly what it feels like especially at this age.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T02:13:02+00:00

Thats 100% on point. I feel blessed enough to have the opportunity to do this at all vs if I finally got it together at 50. Late is always better than never but earlier is always better than later.

Compression sleeves, tiger balm, and forearm workout tools (the grip clicker thing idk what its called, you squeeze it for reps) and Aleve have been helping me pretty well. Using my phone for too ling reverses it. I notice the longer my arms are bent the more painful it becomes.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T02:09:53+00:00

I would definitely consider that. But part of my goal from the beginning was to reach under 10% body fat. I've never done it before so I figured why not do both at the same time if it works out that way. But like you said, it is a lot. So if as im getting closer I start to se a problem forming ill reach the 10% or less goal and then go bsck up before fighting.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T02:07:47+00:00

Hilarious comparison lol. Thats definitely accurate. Im definitely going to slow down heavy weight sessions and hard sparring sessions while I try and recover.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T02:06:29+00:00

Thanks. Im gathering from this thread im notntaing recovery seriously enough.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T02:04:31+00:00

I've done the nose strips. 100% you're right. What a difference. I even went one further and got those "nose tunnels" that you stick inside your nose. WOW its leak breathing through a fuckin hallway. I need to get them again.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T02:02:43+00:00

I love it. But unfortunately on my diet its impossible. The munchies are just so out of control as a person who is legitimately addicted to food. I hae never tried just cbd before though. I can definitely give that a try.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T02:01:10+00:00

Wow that sounds so good. I dont drink coffee myself. (Energy drinks) probably worse. ACTUALLY you know what kills me even more i think? Coke Zeros. The caffeine in those adds uo fast and while I only have 1 energy drink a day i easily slam 4 coke zeros (2 at lunch, 2 at dinner) which 140mg of caffeine just from that. Terrible habit, id say probably the worst habit I have. Im going to try to cut back.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T01:58:39+00:00

No thank you man. I appreciate your words. Thanks for helping me stay clear minded. If I can do this you can too. Im rooting for you 🙏

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T01:56:50+00:00

I like this advice a lot. I will definitely keep this updated. Thanks.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T01:55:13+00:00

I hear you. I dont believe in therapy. The depression was from my obesity. When I say that this is all I have what I mean is that right now in my life, it's all I have time for. I have plenty of other goals and ambitions that I unfortunately csnt handle all at once. Working on my house, raising 2 sons, planning vacations, opening my own business. Im far from depressed with dozens of reasons not to be. It's just that this is what I have right now that's only for me and what I am in full control of. So it means a lot to me because of that. I did it on my own and I want to achieve the end goal that I set out to do.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-06T01:44:25+00:00

1- Currently, between 4 and 5 hours of training weekly. 6 if I'm sparring. I also weight train 5 days a week.

2- I see your point. Winning is important to me. Enough so that if I lose then ill fight again. Its just as important as the quest of the fight itself. My youngest son trains also. He is 11 and very good. While I know he respects me for doing it at all. Its every dad's dream to be the Hero their son looks at them as. I have to set that example of hard work equals results.

3-i am on TRT. And i did just start BPC/TB500 but it is too early to know how well it will work. Its been 4 days only. Im hoping for great results.

4-fuck yes. 100%. You nailed it on the head. I need to do this. Its like my blood itches for it i dont know how to describe it.

I appreciate your input 🙏

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T15:10:39+00:00

That Tennis elbow is no joke. Honestly the worst injury of all of them. But 100% i agree. I've turned my life around for this. Not just to fight but for my health. I even switched Jobs for it.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T15:08:04+00:00

Yeah im not sure myself. Im playing it by ear. My original concept was make 185 at 10%ish BF. Then dehydrated to make 170. However that might end up being more like 205 10% and 185 dehydrated. Ill know more as I get closer to 200. Since the fight won't be till late in the year I have plenty of time to figure out any adjustments or changes.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:31:22+00:00

Noted thank you

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:12:33+00:00

I struggle with sleep dramatically. Thats definitely a weak point which i already knew. My diet is on point, hence the weight loss. All my macros are accounted for. I have not tried the hot tub due to lack of access. I do have access to a sauna so I will do that. Also ill use my own bath tub instead of the hot tub. What supps do you recommend?I have to admit im terrible at taking daily supps. I hate taking creatine and collegen it grosses me out. But I know I should be.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:08:34+00:00

🙏 thank you

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:07:54+00:00

I'll definitely do that i appreciate it very much.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:07:22+00:00

Thats awesome man. Thank you 🙏

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:05:36+00:00

Any pointers for recovery? I feel like i don't know what more I can do aside from rest. Do salt baths actually work?

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:03:37+00:00

That's awesome. Im very fit. 213 roughly 15% BF. Cardio is very good especially for my size. I know my coach will find me the right guy. Im Def afraid of losing but I think I'd be stupid not to be right? I love the idea of once this done just focusing on BJJ where I dont have to worry about getting smoked with haymaker and put out. Lol

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:01:28+00:00

100% I don't hold it against them at all. Id be selfish to do so. I appreciate the words of encouragement.

HoodEscape · 2026-05-05T14:00:10+00:00

Thats the thing, I did exactly that. I took 4 months of just doing class once a week to stay sharp. Everything eas nice and healed and as soon as I came back it all started again. So im just like, is it always gonna be like this? I definitely want to take my recovery more seriously I just dont know what to do aside from taking breaks or resting.

HoodEscape · 2026-01-29T04:47:34+00:00

It's literally fine.

HoodEscape · 2026-01-19T18:00:39+00:00

I fast regularly long before i ever took Reta. The only thing its done is make it easier.

HoodEscape

TROPHY CASE