For the second time in as many days, I dropped off Miles at daycare while I was wearing workout gear. I'd like to think I'm preparing him for the embarrassment that will be his elementary school career but really I'm just trying to fit stuff in and sleep more.
As if that's possible.
Anyway, this morning Miles jumped out of my arms to antagonize his friend in the bathroom, leaving me to chat with one of the helpers. A mentioned that I looked comfy and I told her that I was headed to a class at the YMCA before work. (Yes, that class.)
"What kind of class is it?" A asked.
A little of this, a little of that, I told her. And a whole lot of making me feel like I'm out of shape. Seriously. On Wednesday, my arms felt like Jell-O as we did lateral and side raises with dumbbells - and that's with me modifying it and selecting lighter weights than the start of class. When it came time to do a push up-mountain climber combo, I was toast. Lying on the floor in a puddle of sweat toast. I walked out sweaty, defeated and wondering why I was taking on this class.
"It's just a challenge," said A, who is a smidge older and a lot wiser and always knows how to get in my head. "Just like the other stuff - the running, the BODYPUMP - was a challenge. You got it."
I gave her a smile and a sincere thank you, amazed that A knew exactly the right thing to say. A giant frustration with the class is that I can go out and run 8 miles on dead legs and feel OK but I'm ready to give in after five burpees. I forget that there was a time when running five feet was a challenge and lifting 2.5 kilos on each side for biceps was tough. With time and fortitude, gains were made. Just as gains (hopefully) will be made in RAW.
Before I left, I tried one last time to procure a hug from Miles. Yet another challenge to face. Thankfully, one of the other kiddos, a 2-year-old girl, is always happy to oblige my need for affection.
And then I left. Left for the YMCA, where I faced yet another butt kicking. Four circuits, with each circuit repeated three times. There were 72 tuck jumps, 30 squat jumps and 5 millions lunges in the workout. My legs screamed out in pain and my shoulders nearly gave out.
Despite A's assurance, I didn't feel like my body "got" it but, today, my brain did. Mind over muscle, baby.
Great job finishing the class!
ReplyDeleteHave I told you lately that you're my exercise hero? Seriously woman, I don't know how you do all this. I'm a lazy ass. :-)
ReplyDeleteWay to go! That sounds like such an intense class. I know I need to incorporate more strength and circuits, but didn't want to do too much while marathon training. Hoping to try some new classes in the coming weeks!
ReplyDeleteI totally get where you're coming from. As a runner, I feel like I'm so fit, when in reality I've let fitness in other areas slide...hello burpees. This is the year I will do something about that. Sounds like you are too! : )
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who tried CrossFit for the first time and was surprised how much it kicked his but since he is active! I think it is exiting to find new workouts that challenge us so much. My trainer does that to me practically every week ;)
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