If you don’t care about reading MMA Content, scroll to the bottom for a very important bike-content/f*ckcancer message. Otherwise…

Weight cut week has been quite a roller-coaster experience. Since it’s not 100% over yet (I’ve still got a little sweating to do between now and weigh-ins at 5:30 tonight), I’ll save the gory details for my post-fight bloggings and just give you the highlights.

The biggest thing is that I’ve had only incidental quantities of sugar and salt since after lunch on Sunday. This has its ups and downs. On one hand, once I was over the initial violently cranky sugar cravings (I now wholeheartedly agree that sugar is physically and psychologically addictive) and everything stabilized, my appetite also stabilized. On the other hand, by Tuesday, a 1.5 hour bike ride became an act of what felt like pedaling through molasses.

This is a delicious lunch that will remain a staple from now on- salmon, 1/2 an avocado, walnuts, “supergreens” mix from Whole Foods, and a little balsamic vinegar & olive oil.

Since Tuesday, I’ve had to keep my physical activity pretty light. I hit a heavy bag bag a little on Wednesday and have taken the dogs for a few walks as well.

We have to walk at Old Man Indy pace. His stubby little 14-year-old legs get worn out too quickly otherwise.

All-in-all, it’s been a very laid back week. I’ve spent hours laying on the recliner and watching The Tour, during which time, I began to notice the fruits of my weight-cut labor-

I also discovered the beauty of the Aeropress. I can make a quad-shot espresso that allows me to get my normal quantity of caffeine with just a fraction of the water…

Has it been hard? Yes. On the bright side, though, it’s given me something to focus on other than getting nervous about fighting Saturday night. Like a bike race, I’m much less nervous than I am very anxious and excited. The guys at the gym have worked hard to get me prepared, and I fully trust in my training.

Important Bike-Related Content: 

On that note, speaking of guys at the gym, John, who has selflessly spent hours of his time teaching me everything he knows (and in the process, has let me punch/kick him full-force in the head and body) needs your help. He’s signed up to participate in the St. Jude ride- a 24 hour lap “race”/fundraising event on the roads in downtown Memphis. Most people sign up as a relay team, but he’s going at the 24 hours solo. Right now, he’s trying to reach a fundraising goal of $10,000.

If you haven’t heard of St. Jude, just know that they’re one of the biggest fighters of childhood cancer in the World. Families come from all corners of the globe for cancer treatment, and none of them pays for any treatment or housing when they’re here. Being the epicenter of such a great organization is one of Memphis’ best attributes.

So, if you want to help him help St. Jude, click on over to his fundraising page and throw a few (or more) bucks his way: Help John Trent raise money for St. Jude