When you hear that phrase, Happy Hour, what do you think of? Probably some half priced appetizers and some drink specials, right? That’s the common theme for a happy hour. Typically attended by your average Houstonian who is just getting off work and meeting some buddies for a few beers and some deep fried, greasy goodness. I know that’s what I think of, and it sounds great! You take just about anything and throw it in a batter, fry it up, toss some ranch on the side, and I’d be pretty excited about scarfing it down. And then I get wash it down with a half-priced beer? Sign me up!
The problem is for me, and I’m sure most of you who read this, we don’t get to go to that happy hour. I’m thinking back now, and in the 4 years that I have lived in Houston, I can’t think of one true Happy Hour that I have been to with my friends or co-workers. It really never even occurred to me that I COULD go to Happy Hour.
I’d finish work, head home, sometimes barely keeping my eyes open, and take some supplements to give me a little mental boost for the assault of punches, kicks, take-downs and submissions that are about to be thrown my way. This was it. Day in, day out. Sure I’ll catch a beer on the weekend sometimes, and Lord knows that when I don’t have a fight, the all you can eat buffet is sad to see me walk in the door. Because they’re losing money on what I’m about to wolf down.
But never during the week, and not during the 8 weeks before a fight. This is not the time for that. There is no slice of what your average person gets to enjoy. No drinking with friends to laugh off the stress of the work week. It’s only strictly measured portions of healthy foods that leave much to be desired when I see the bombardment of pizza and burger commercials on the TV. Nope not for me. Not today. I am going to my own Happy Hour today. Where all of those weekly frustrations are forgotten. The place where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. That is no bar named Cheers and certainly no restaurant.
Its the place where people get punched, kicked, knee’d, taken down, and submitted, all of their own free will. Where all the sacrifices become gladly worth it, and all of your stress disappears. My Happy Hour is training at Paradigm, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Best blog in the sport! Really enjoyed that one Brian! Keep up the great work, and that line about the buffet being sad to see you….lmao!
Happy hour since I began Training is non-existent just like you said. But when my one cheat meal per week comes up and I happen to hit a buffet…
All you can eat does not mean you can eat it all
Great blog man!
I have an affinity for food. That is no secret but as im moving into the pros its time to get serious and im starting to cut and diet. Now I never really did much for happy hour since ive been training…but i sure did EAT!! I used to love working out on weights and I thoroughly enjoyed eating to match. 2 large pizzas were easily dissolved in short period of time if i was left alone with them. But that is when i was 240-255
But interestingly enough Ive never missed happy hour…the camraderie is good but other than that i found it to be a counter productive process that never left me feeling better than when i started. Where as training is my medicine that cures all that is wrong with me.
I can go to train and really not want to be there….really want to just relax and take it easy…but by the time i get in the swing of things its all good and by the time i leave…I feel like million bucks.