Routing-Bits

Part I…

…So next is to equate the common boxing exercises with the footwork needed to reach the CCIE and beyond.

Different exercises

The Punching Bag
Is the equivalent of studying theory. Yip it is forcing those countless pages of theory to fit in that preciously small head of yours. Studying theory, as boring as it could be, will become the base and foundation of everything else. I know it sucks studying theory, I also know it gets boring, but take short-cuts here and you will fall short later on.

The best motivation for this? Watch the movie The Karate Kid(1984). I am specifically referring to Mr Miyagi’s “wax on”, “wax off” method of teaching mundane techniques.

The time spent on the punching bag will be a lot. After all you cannot expect yourself to successfully deliver a Jab or a Hook if you do not even know what they are?

The Floor to Ceiling Ball
Is the equivalent of Practice/Technology labs. This is where the techniques learned on the punching bag are tried, tested and improved. It is important to ensure a good and solid understanding of the individual topics while they are isolated. Teach yourself what features can be used to accomplish what and be sure you know how to configure every bit.

A Skipping Rope
Frequently review where you at, re-asses, and plan the next chapter, next-technology or the next book. Get into the rhythm of studying and focus on your goal.

Shadow boxing
In boxing terms, ‘shadow boxing’ is sparring without an opponent, i.e. practice a combination of moves while dodging thin air. This is where dodging is introduced. An typical example of a combination would be double left jab/right cross/weave/left hook/duck/right uppercut.

Could be seen the same as the 8-hour technology labs. Basically it is you versus all the technologies. When you encounter something you are not sure about (a punch coming your way) how efficiently can you navigate the DOC-CD . Can you see how the steps are starting to work together? “I love it when a plan comes together“.

The Speedbag
It is not sufficient enough, just know how to configure the technologies, spot the gothas or knowing how to navigate the DOC-CD. Nope, all of this combined must be done both accurately and in a timely fashion. For this various speed exercises could be used.

Sparring an Opponent
So you have stuck to your routine, practised and perfected each technique, studied countless hours and you feel ready for a shot at a title match? Are you really ready to win your first title match, or will your face get all mashed up? Any good boxing trainer would first put you in the ring against another boxer and see how well you do.

Luckily for you a similar measure is available when studying for the CCIE. This should be the first time to try a Mock lab to realistically see where you at.

In a next post I will share my suggested framework or game plan …