2009 Ends With a Bang...and a Whimper

Today I ended my fitness year by taking a special two hour long spin class. And it was honestly the best workout I have had all year.

Before I became a gym rat, I was a half-marathon and marathon junkie. I've run 5 marathons and I don't even know how many half-marathons. Too many to count. I love the way that long distance running feels, and I love pushing my body farther than I ever thought it could go. But then, a nerve in my right foot decided it had other plans for me.

Today's workout is honestly the first time since running that I felt myself pushed beyond my comfort zone. Standing beside the bike after class, my workout pants were literally dripping sweat on the floor. Gross I know, but a testament to how hard I worked. There were a few times when the beat of the music, the beat of my heart and whatever was going on in my brain synced up so well that it nearly had me in tears - I've cried while crossing the finish line of every marathon I've run, so it was a sensation I've felt before, but not for awhile.

At some point during the workout, I started talking to myself (mentally, not out loud!) and I told myself that I was as strong as I ever have been. Real positive stuff. Anyone who really knows me and my neuroses would find that hard to believe! I cannot believe how good it felt. What a wonderful way to end the year!

Many thanks to Elizabeth and Chris, neither of whom will ever see this, for pushing me beyond what I thought I could do today. You are among a select few in my life who has done this for me. Cheers!

Oh, and before we get all emotional up in here, I should say that I am so ridiculously spent it isn't even funny. I fell asleep watching TV and woke up to a huge pile of drool. That's also something that hasn't happened much since I stopped distance running. How on earth did I ever get anything done on Saturdays after long runs is beyond me. I forgot what this shredded feeling was like!

Happy New Year, and thanks for sharing this moment with me.