New Beginnings

On one of the hottest days of the year I must say that walking into the ice cold rink was refreshing.  Of course I soon got cold and had to add a few layers of clothing, but no big deal.  As summer approaches the skating season dwindles down and I will soon have to take a break from it.  It’s been a great run and even with all the falls I’ve had lots of fun!  We have an amazing group coordinator and I have an ice coach with the patience of a saint who has help me make progress and slowly overcome my fear of breaking my leg again.

Life is a funny thing, sometimes you stumble into things and accidentally find what you need.  This is precisely what happened to me and my dysfunctional relationship with skating.  We parted ways long ago and I loathed it and those girly skirts and tights, and now years later after finding an old pair of skates in my parents’ garage I fell in love with it.  Go figure?!? I don’t aspire to be a professional skater, and as much as it would make my mother happy I certainly won’t wear the skating skirts and tights ever!  But I love watching the real jumpers and ice dancers as they gracefully and effortlessly glide across the ice, they truly are living art and inspiration.  As for me, well I am content with being confident on the ice and going round and round the ice rink, my mind is so focused on keeping upright that it lets go of everything else.  On the ice, like in ocean my mind is clear of all those things that weigh it down, I feel light, carefree and for some inexplicable reason just utterly happy.  Which is great because now that I no longer live near the sea, I know that I can make my way to a skating rink anytime and find the same solace there too whenever I need it. After today’s skating session I packed everything up and made my way to the gym.  RubySlippers was early and looking a little haggard, which is very unlike her.  To my surprise she was all set and even had a pen ready, again weird and perhaps just her way of keeping busy and distracted from the upcoming move.  I know I should be happy for her, and I am because I know she has been offered a great opportunity to head out to a great gym all the way across the country, still that means I’ll be left to my own devices and training on my own very soon.  There is no banter today as we make our way to the training area we simply chat about her new adventure and how hard it is to say goodbye to your friends and loved ones.

Up until two years ago I lived a wonderful adventure which took me all the way to a little mountain in the middle of nowhere and although life had its ups and downs, if I had the chance I’d do it all over again.  So as much as I don’t like the idea of losing my new friend and trainer, I know how important it is for someone to take a chance.  So I hope she has an amazing journey on the west coast, and that she gets to kick some more butts into shape out there.

I know all too well how hard it can be to uproot yourself and set out to carve a new place for yourself out there on your own.  The tears, second thoughts, and the fear that comes with moving out of your comfort zone can take their toll in the beginning.  But sometimes when you find yourself ‘stuck’ in life, you need to take a leap of faith and conquer those wide open spaces on your own.  It’s hard at first, especially when homesickness rears its ugly head, but then things get easier once you settle in and make new friends. It just takes time to adjust and transition into your new ‘home’ away from home.  And now of course we have Facebook so RubySlippers may have to put up with my silly questions and zombie posts as I adjust and transition to training on my own.

Well, that’s enough for today, otherwise I might start with some Grinch-like four o’clock wallowing in self-pity that my trainer is dumping me and in her words “ain’t nobody got time for that”!  There will be plenty of time for that in two week when she leaves so for now it’s training time!

On Today’s Menu:

• RubySlippers says TRX

TRX:

In case you’re not familiar with TRX, it’s a total body resistance exercise performed with those black and yellow straps you might have seen hanging around your gym or on infomercials.  This suspension training device allows you to use your own body weight to help you get a great workout and build muscle while at the same time challenging your core strength and balance.  Yes, so in other words it’s a fitness torture device and it just so happens that RubySlippers is certified in that art form.

Rounds Completed: III

Favorite words of the day: #You asked for it!  #You like? #What are you doing?  #Don’t let! #I won’t catch you! #We’re still friends right?

Side Effects:  #I predict DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) for sure

Pros:  #Happy pain #New muscles hurt #No Walking Dead spoilers as I’m all caught up!

Cons:  #RubySlippers is leaving

Post-Workout:  Cycle Sprints

Last Thoughts:

It’s funny how we humans form the most unlikely attachments.  But I guess that’s what happens when we come across people who motivate and encourage us to work hard for our goals.  So like Dorothy, RubySlippers will soon click her heels and set off to a new adventure, and like Alice I shall keep making my way through Wonderland and hopefully making some new and interesting friends along the way 😉

Note to self:

Be careful what you ask for, make sure it’s not TRX as RubySlippers will oblige

Note 2U:

Keep moving forward and appreciate the positive people in your life.  Enjoy every moment of your adventure while it lasts, and embrace every new opportunity life throws your way.  Remember you are an amazing human being and you deserve to be happy and healthy, so don’t be afraid to work hard for what you deserve!

My Challenge 2U:

• Be kind to yourself and others
• Choose to be happy!
• Make one healthy choice a day

Like RubySlippers says:  “You’ve got this!”