Look at little Gretl's pose in the picture!!
By the time you read this, I will be celebrating my birthday, having completed another couple of classes on the beach. Apologies for a few minor technical hitches - just the usual dusting off, shaking out the cobwebs, oiling the machinery and maybe some new varnishing for the Summer season!
Yes, it is very chilly but glorious. Just glorious - swans flying overhead, waves lapping the shore, birdsong, fresh air and sunshine. I was dressed in many warm layers but it was really worth it.... not least as I had my van back and could drive there as the night before I was faced with the dilemma that my van was in the garage and would not be ready and there I was thinking "why oh why did I choose this week to go to the beach and was contemplating cycling, complete with tripod. spare mats etc on my back before continuing into Lymington to 121 clients so I was very relieved that my huffing and puffing paid off and my van was ready to collect. Would have been a very early alarm call otherwise.
So as I enter my next rotation of the sun, I have been reflecting on the past year with, may I say, some pride. 12 months ago, I started lifting weights with consistency and purpose, bringing that to my classes and sharing with you.
Coming up with different challenges, keeping it varied, dusting off my personal trainer skills and just simply turning up week after week has been a massive challenge but one I have embraced with open arms. I can assure you there have been many Friday mornings when the alarm goes off and I have lain there wondering how on earth I am going to get out of bed, much less teach a full on strength class and I am afraid, as you all know, those tend to be the most challenging classes as I am so worried I am not giving enough energy, I overcompensate and nearly kill us all.
I know all too well, what confidence is needed to take it up a level and we all have our areas where we feel less able. As you know, I was a passionate runner and could run for ever. Slowly and ideally fairly flat but I could just run and run, I remember once, running from Beaulieu to Lymington and there was one bit where I came off the forest onto the road just as my mum was driving past. "Where are you off to?" says she -"do you need a lift?"...."no mum, I am running. I am training." "Don't be daft darling - no need - hop in!"....
When we went travelling, my luxury item was my trainers into which I packed my 1000 mile socks and sports bras and I ran in almost every country we visited. I particularly remember 2 occasions... one was in Australia where a family we were staying with would drive me out somewhere and drop me and then look after my girls as I ran some 20 odd miles back and this one time, I was in my own little world, running a very, very long and flat and empty road and looking up to see, sitting in front of me, a large, male Kangaroo. Fortunately, he found me totally boring and leaped off over a fence but it did frighten me.
When we arrived in Fiji, we really lucked out with the holiday promoters who were jostling us at the airport. We were by now, exhausted and it was late, very hot and stressful and daughter no. 2 burst into tears which set me off. The holiday rep was mortified thinking he had pushed us too hard and frightened poor little single mum me and my little girls and before we knew it, we were offered a 5 star family lodge, all inclusive as a last minute cancellation - thank you very much and don't mind if I do. It came with a really excellent kids club - such a shame we only had 3 nights but total decadence while we were there. On the drive in, I noticed the long train tracks for the sugar cane trains and thought that might be a good way to get in some miles as even I couldn't get lost if I just ran out, turned around and ran back. I was discussing all this with the resort manager - was it safe, where would it take me, what should I look out for etc, when he sweetly said "madam, where exactly do you wish to go? Can I arrange a taxi at a very reasonable rate for you?"
Anyway all that behind me, I am trying to progress with my cycling. Well, I say that... I have joined the Lymington Triathlon club (for the cycling section) and they could not make me more welcome and it has been a really good step forward, not least as last Sunday I spent 4 hours on a bicycle maintenance course. I actually didn't fully understand some things and there was definitely a time or two when my mind wandered off, thinking "Sod that, Im not mending that thing I cant even remember the name of. In the event of that catastrophe I will definitely sit road side and look forlorn until help arrives (or get a taxi and buy a new bike)" but I do now understand a bit more about general care and maintaining my bike - even if everyone did keep asking me if it was brand new as it was so spotless. EXCUSE ME, I pointed out, I have been out loads actually... well, quite a bit...
I went out with the Wednesday group a few weeks ago. Get out in the fresh air, I thought. Join a club with like minded people. Step away from work and do something for YOU. It will do you the world of good.
My idea was a swift morning cycle followed by an afternoon of admin and chores. We met at Lymington council offices to ride off at 9am. A friendly group of around 10 of us.
Well, by the time I got back from that ride, I couldn't even face taking the bike off the back of the van, and had to lie down on the sofa... the rest of the day was a total write off.
However.... having been inspired on my bicycle maintenance course, I hastily signed up for TWO endurance events and have not slept properly since to tell 'truth.
A lovely friend and online member Laura who is a NINJA cyclist, spin instructor and triathlete and I went out for the loveliest cycle on Wed night. You know what a beautiful evening it was? It was a joy from start to finish and she very generously gave me hints and tips. However, she has also very kindly offered to meet me again and help me with .... well all of it really and I have to tell you I am really excited and utterly terrified.
Why am I. telling you this? well, because a) it makes me accountable because now I have put it out there, I have to do it (yes, I do! I'm far too proud and committed not to) and also to say that b) I truly understand why you may feel hesitant about picking up heavier weights or trying a circuits class or something like that. I get it - I can't completely explain it because who are we competing with except ourselves? I mean, Laura won't be carrying a whip and a megaphone to shout at me so why am I nervous? So yes, I do understand and many of you have spoken to me about this and about the confidence side of things. I only hope I can inspire, motivate and encourage you when you choose to push your boundaries as much as my new cycling coach is doing for me.
I am committed to my fitness and exercise and the lifestyle changes I have made and I intend to continue this year with the same punch that I started 12 months ago, so I just want to say that, give or take the odd sofa crash, lie in and extra occasional day off, I really do practise what I preach! What gives me the greatest pride is seeing how many of you have come SO far too. More classes a week, heavier weights, more advanced exercises - it means THE WORLD to me. No just that but as another really good friend and fellow member said this week, having had to miss a few classes due to a skiing injury, that she was going to get online and join a class even if she couldn't do any of it, as she just missed logging on and being connected to us all. And that says it all - we support eachother. Warriors are we!
I actually managed to dig out a photo of me in Fiji running on the trainlines. I remember that iPod shuffle on my armband - I was absolutely thrilled when I bought that in Oz - positively archaic now!
