A Few Hours Before Take Off

For those of you who know me, this should come to no surprise to you that I am typing this intial post at this hour. In fact, you're probably a little suprised that it is happening this early in the night. Anyways, as I am sure you all know if you're reading this, I will be in Thailand studying abroad and training for the next few months and Phil asked me to keep this blog as a way to let everyone know what is going on with me. I am going to use it for more than that though, on top being of a way for anyone that happens to this to know what I'm doing, I also plan on using all of my future entries as a way to remember my time abroad as well as to aid me in writing the large paper I have to write at the end of my time in Thailand.

Like I stated earlier, I plan on training a good amount while in Thailand. That is actually the only reason that I chose to study abroad. As a fighter with mediocre standup at best, it is definitely the place to go to correct that. I also hope to be able to continue to make strength gains while I am there too. The consensus among everyone seems to be that I will come back skinny and weak. Well I have news for you all, namely Tim, Phil, and Jack, I will stay at least 200 lbs. When Phil was ridculing me for potentially returning "wearing a Buddhist robe with his head shaved weighing 180lbs cursing in Thai about how weak he is," I responded back to him and he told me to post my reponse. "I will eat as much as I have to and lift and heavy objects I can find to ensure that I stay over 200 lbs. There has to be a barbell and some weights somewhere in that city and I will find them." That is my plan. I want to get good and muay Thai and retain my strength and weight. It is going to be tough but I think I'm up to the challenge.

I am not sure how often I will create new entries but I will try to get it done at least once a week. I will hopefully be able to post pictures as well. If there are any suggestions as to how I can make it better, please share them with me or tell Phil and have him let me know.

This is going to conclude my first entry since I haven't actually left yet. I will be leaving for the airport here in a few hours and I need to make sure that I have everything. I hope everything is going well for everyone and I miss you all. Talk to you soon.

Jake Pudenz