Surviving in the NBA // Living that WAGS life

We all know I'm a tomboy. I love sports, and especially Basketball. Here's a little story from my past. When I was in my early early twenties. It feels like a million years ago....

A couple of years ago, back in Germany, I was dating a professional basketball player. Nice guy. Sexy as heck. 
Worst job ever. Why?

So there's practice. Twice a day during the week. Games on weekends. Home is alright. Away - yay. Not. Autobahn.
Mc Donald's. Cheering.

Then a day off - maybe a Sunday (yay!), or a Monday (oh. Gotta work my 9-5. Sorry hun.). In between this, there was mostly relaxing. Tired. Recovery. Couch. TV. Sweatpants. He plays for the national team as well? Congrats, there are extra schedules on top of all this.

And sure there are those weird little events here and there, like promotions at hardware stores and stuff like that.

To sum it up: It was fun, but then again, it was nothing you are wishing for in a relationship. I know, I know, there are couples who make it happen. We didn't. And I am kind of glad.
It sure was fun while it last. There was a pretty huge amount of nightlife involved as well. Especially after wins. We even traveled to a club in Belgium on Sundays. It was kind of THE place to be for everyone involved in the basketball circus.

You might know one of the guys that were part of my life back then: Chris Copeland. After he left Germany, he played for the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and then for the Milwaukee Bucks.

I followed his career after he left Germany (and I left Germany), was shocked about the news of the stabbing 2 years ago, and prayed for him... Throughout the years I was and I am super proud of Cope!

Why am I telling you all this... Well... 

There was a blast from the past on Facebook today. One of my friends (who still plays ball in Germany) shared this video of his former teammate, Chris Copeland. He was playing for my ex's team, so we were partying together every once in a while, and he worked out at the gym I worked at part time. He was super young back then, shy, humble... but you could already tell: he's going to make it.

  Cope: Surviving in the NBA from Will Mayer on Vimeo.
This video is just telling the TRUTH. Yes, there is all the fame, all the parties, all glamour. But after all it is a job. It's hard work. I have mad respect for every professional athlete out there. AND their spouses/families. It takes a lot of work on and off the court to make this life a good life, a family centered life. 

And most of all I hope Cope gets picked up by a team...

 

From 10oz to 16oz: My new Gloves // Kakoa Sports

As you can probably tell, I'm really back into (kick)boxing. I was using my very first pair of gloves for a couple of years now, so I was happy to get the chance to upgrade.

  

Kakoa Sports invited me to review their 16oz gloves, and I sure was all in! If you research Kakoa Sports a little, there is no other way than to fall in love with the company, and their philosophy.

"Boxing gloves for all of your workouts and classes - training, bag work, and hitting mitts. These all-purpose gloves are designed to make you look good and feel good. Buy a pair of Kakoa boxing gloves for unmatched style and protection.

Kakoa represents a lifestyle of health, freedom, and pursuing your dreams. We make boxing gloves for people who do not settle for the status quo.

Kakoa Meaning - Hawaiian tradition holds animals as sacred. The ancient islanders believed individual animals embodied spirits. Today, Hawaiians commonly depict whales, sharks, and sea turtles in works of art. Wood carvings, paintings, and tattoos are modern connections to the ancient beliefs.

The sea turtle ("honu" in Hawaiian) holds particular significance for us at Kakoa. The ancient Hawaiians believed the honu to represent sovereignty (supreme power, self-governance). We think you have inherent sovereignty over your health, freedom, and dreams. Too often we fall prey to other's priorities for our lives, and that's a problem.

You have the power to create a healthy lifestyle, the capacity to design a flexible way of life, and the ability to make your dreams come true. It is all available to you, but you need a warrior mentality to make it a reality. A warrior has a certain attitude. He believes he can succeed, is fiercely focused on his goals, and won't let others stand in his way.

A warrior does not always mean violent or combative. You can have a warrior mentality for your family, at work, and in your training. Kakoa represents where self-governance meets the warrior mentality. The term "ka koa" translates to "the warrior" in Hawaiian. It is the driving force behind the fitness products we make, and our inspiration for you. You can create a healthy and flexible lifestyle. Don't let others set your priorities.

Be a warrior."

Since I have worked for a little start-up business, I have this soft spot for small companies. I rather support a 2-men-business, than sending my money to a multi-million-company. I love knowing Kakoa Sports is Chris McKinney & Josh Levitt.

So back to the GLOVES! 

Switching to 16oz felt a little odd! But after a few minutes with the heavy bag I fell in love with my new gloves. They are pretty comfortable, and not stiff at all. Great material, well manufactured, and (I am a girl after all) I LOVE the design! Buying from and supporting Kakoa Sports feels right! Support the small companies, folks!

The only downside was the smell - but after airing them for a little, it was all good.

  

• Gloves go on and off easily by yourself for convenient solo workouts and boxing classes.
• Solid protection and support for your hands, knuckles, and wrists.
• Detachable wrist cover for an extra touch of style and added protection.
• Great for heavy bag work, boxing classes, and hitting mitts.
• One size fits most. Great for a variety of workouts.
• 16 oz boxing training gloves - one size fits most

Check out Kakoa Sports on:

Facebook // Instagram // Amazon.com // Twitter

 

Are you a strong mom? // DSG'S STRONG MOM PROMOTION

Are you a strong mom? Know one? I've got you covered, just in time for Mother's Day. Head to the DICK'S Sporting Goods Facebook page and click on the "Strong Mom Contest" tab for a chance to win one of eight $250 gift cards to DICK'S Sporting Goods from May 1 through May 11. 
To enter simply choose one of the images on the tab, or select any image from the web, that shows what you think will help keep a #STRONGMOM going. Then, fill out the form and press "Submit & Pin" for a chance to win.

You can also enter on Instagram by uploading a photo of a strong mom using #STRONGMOM. 

Enjoy and good luck!!

 Check out my amazing sponsor: