got bruises?

Tonight was my first night back to sparring.  It didn't go well.  I'm slow, uncoordinated, and off-balance.  Oh, and my timing sucks (not that it was ever that great).  To top it all off, I took a side kick to my inner thigh on the right leg.  I was going to post a picture, but the bruise hasn't actually formed yet.  The place of impact is extremely tender, and I fully expect to have a black-and-blue spot that's about 2 inches in diameter in the next couple days.

I'm a little excited about showing off the soon-to-be bruise.

On the other hand, it hurt something fierce!  I tried so hard not to cry, but my efforts were in vain.  Luckily, I was so sweaty that you couldn't really tell the sweat from the tears.  After a few minutes, I was able to walk on the leg, but it might take a few days to get the muscle back to feeling like normal.

I keep asking myself why I continue to do this, but the answer is the same.  I want my black belt.  I set out to get it, and I'm so close that I don't want to quit.  Sparring isn't my favorite thing about TKD, but it's a part of it.  Got to do one to get the other, so here's to hoping my leg heals quickly.  I have to go back in 2 weeks.