Day 6: Back To School

Before I started fasting, this was the day on the calendar that I thought would really be the making or the breaking of my Ramadan experience. Today I went back to work after the Easter holidays, including the nursery run et al. 

My sleep had been quite poor during Ramadan so far, so last night I took heed of the advice from my fasting friends and went to bed much earlier! I had an alarm set for midnight to consume my seocnd meal, and another alarm for 3AM for water. This plan was very successful and I felt much more rested today. 

The school day wasn't exactly a smooth affair either, but fasting did not hinder me at all. I played sport throughout the day with the young people and managed my efforts accordingly. It was good to be back and it felt great to be handling fasting so easily again after Sunday's dip in feelings and motivation. 

I also found time to catch up with 'R', the student who inspired my interest in fasting for Ramadan. He told me that his fasting was going well and we had a really nice conversation about what I had experienced so far and how I was finding it. We also spoke more about his training and what goals he wants to work on during Ramadan, so I'm going to pursue that further with him throughout the next few weeks.

Tonight I really had to work smart to make the most of my evening - I needed to nap, train, sort bathtime and bedtime and make sure I was ready to eat and drink as soon as Iftar came! I managed to achieve it all, but it's still a massive change to the working day I've enjoyed for the last few months.

Normally I wake at 5AM, train, stretch and read before 7AM and get on with some business admin if there's time too! In the evenings I focus on more stretching, delivering sessions with clients, doing jobs around the house before an early bed. The next few weeks are going to be different, but I know that the value of the experience is worth more than doing everything just how I like it as part of my usual routine. Even now, writing this daily post at 10PM is much later than I'd like...

Finally, I am still looking for a female Muslim athlete (recreational, semi-pro, elite) to speak to via Instagram live this week. If you read this and know anyone who might be free ans willing to speak to me please get in touch!

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