If Kenny can do it…so can I.

I don’t mean going to Jody’s class for your first time back lifting weights—that’s just a SF move—it takes months to get to that level. I mean, if Kenny can push out some push-ups I can do a few leg presses and bicep curls. Thanks Kenny for the inspiration!

Last night I went to the gym to lift. I forgot how insecure you feel at first, but I tried to block it out—give me a little time and I’ll get over it. I also forgot about how much time guys look at themselves in the mirror. I on the other hand, I don’t care to look at myself in a mirror at this time when I’m lifting weights—it’s embarrassing! I don’t need to need to see the painful look in my face when I’m trying to lift a dumbbell the weight of a soup can.

Getting back to the guys looking at themselves in the mirror—ladies next time your guy makes a fuss about you looking in the mirror too much, ask them how much time do they spend looking at themselves at the gym? 98% of that time they are not even lifting a weight.

Anyways, I had a pretty good workout and I felt like a noodle when I left. Can’t wait until next time!

This morning was Matt’s class. We heard all about his Grizzwald vacation, his daughter being quarantined on the ship, etc. Never a dull moment in his family. We also learned about Greg’s unique heart rate test—I’m surprised this hasn’t been tested before. He strapped on his heart rate monitor, sat on the couch and drank 5 different kinds of beers to find out which one would increase his heart rate more. Sam Adam’s won.

It's back.

So the past couple of months I’ve been in this funk. I’ve been working out…but not loving it. I NEED TO love it! Something happened this week—I can’t pinpoint a time—but now I WANT to get off the couch and into the gym instead of I NEED to get off the couch and into the gym.

Saturday I got outside for the first time since my Du and ran about 10 miles. Things were feeling pretty good until mile 7. It was windy, but I didn’t get the nice dreaded piercing winds until I passed a lake that accelerated the coldness. I made it back home before it really got cold. Instead of recovering I got a call from my sister who was on her way and wanted to go shopping. Family obligations should have limitations.

As a honorary Silver Cycling member SC had their year-end banquet Saturday night. Points (Amy) got Most Awesome Acquisitions, Kristy Kream got Most Improved Rider, and (OC) Jackie got Best Female Rider of the Year. I got socks that were too big. Next year looks like it will be a good year for the Hellions we picked up two more riders—so WATCH OUT Birchwood the Hellion Six is on your tail!

Side Note: If you are in cube life at work and are chewing gum—STOP IT! Your neighbor does not need to hear you smacking and popping your gum.

Sunday was a 90 minute spin class. Usually Matt teaches this class, but he’s been hanging out with his kind at Disney. Jackie’s fiancée Greg taught the class—Greg just signed up for 2009 FL Ironman. I’ve been pessimistic about spin class subs—the last one, I am not kidding, almost put me to sleep! Greg’s class did nothing of the sorts. His music was motivating and for an instructor who doesn’t know my bluff—not that is hard to catch—he called it out a few times. No messing around with him—when he wants you at you’re AT it better be at your AT.

After class I raced out to Lake Rebecca to watch the psycho-cross race. 25 degrees—do I have to say anything more? I was only able to see the 10 A racers—get their tails kicked by Adam Bergman. The peanut gallery (Amy and myself) had a good time yelling at the racers. Hollywood gave it a good try but only won a new nickname—Pumpkin.

Last night was my long run on the hamster wheel and this morning was Jody’s class. As always she kicked my tail, but I was more interested in the new video she popped in—it was MTB like I’ve never seen before! Holy crap those guys are fast!! I said it before, I wish I had the skills and guts to ride ½ or even a ¼ as good as them.

Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle

Does the brand we all know and love—Chamois Butt'r Cream—need to be updated to have that Europen flair? According to Bicycling.com Review—Yes it does.
With key marketing words like: chamois lube du jour, cooling and soothing, almost fluffy texture, and Stay Puft Marshmallow—who wouldn't want to run out and buy this product?

It’s time

Now that it’s snowing and the temperatures have dropped. It’s time to dig out the warm weather clothes and go for a long run. That’s the plan at least.

- Friday evening an Award show
- Saturday long run (about 2 hours) and a banquet with the hellions
- Sunday 90 minute spin class in Chanhassen

Here is the challenge: Two drinking events which is about two more then I usually have going on during the weekend.

A defining moment

No matter if you are Red or Blue, male or female, black or white—last night about 10:30 history was made. Watching our new 44th President’s acceptance speech will be etched in my memory for the rest of my life. Growing up in the Midwest away from segregation, as seen in the deep south, and being part of a generation were all man and women are created equal—in the sense of race. It was moving to see a large number of Americans of all colors gathered together in Grant Park to cheer for a new light of hope and for a well needed change. If you heard or saw the speech you would have noticed it wasn’t about one person who was nominated to make all the decisions if we liked the decisions or not. It was about the people who nominated this one person to be that one voice among many.

On the other hand, how can you not have compassion for the other guy? Someone who has not had the easiest life and yet is not one to back down and would always get right up and try it again. I applaud him, his efforts and everything that he has done for this country.

This blog isn’t about religion or politics—but about my journey. This historical moment is part of mine and everyone alive today’s journey. You may have your own opinions, and I appreciate them, but if there wasn’t opposite opinions in this country we would be known as a dictatorship.

Work it…work it.

Yesterday was interesting. A while back I talked about how I get nominated (not by choice) to do photo shoots because a client doesn’t want to hire a real model.

Well, I spent 9 hours at a photo shoot with the Director and Photographer going “Smile. You are happy to ____.” or “Smile while you drink the water” or “Can you look two feet the other direction while you complete ____ action” or “Can you contort your body so it looks better” Yeah right! I knew real models had to fake it to make the shot look better, but I didn’t know how much “cheating” they had to do. Think about the next time you see an action shot of someone using the product—is this really how I would use the product? At first it was weird, but after a few snaps I really started to get into it. Thank God for PhotoShop.

The best part of the photo shoot was a make-up artist making sure my make-up and hair was perfect the entire day. I could totally get used to that on a daily basis.

The strangest part of the day was when I was asked to be on video filling up a class of water then drinking it. It was a little awkward when they said action and the audio guy shoved a boom mic in my face to capture me gulping water. I know…watch out Meryl Streep!

Two part series

Finally got out on the bike for the first time in two weeks. What the hell was I doing last weekend that I didn’t go out?

Part one: 30 miles with Trek Senior. Went out to the Baker Park area. Looped around Independence Lake staring from Loretto. Then through Maple Plain to CR 6.

Part two: 15 mile mtb ride with my neighbor on the Luce Line.

Should have road last weekend it wouldn't have been so hard to do a measly 40 mile day.