Good Friday Morning! More than likely some of you have today off for a three day weekend and are sleeping in, and though it may be eight o’clock in the morning, I too slept in. After a five o’clock alarm sounding every day so far this summer, seven thirty felt like heaven. I was the bold one who took the opening shift at the gym this summer and as of last night, we officially closed our doors. Bittersweet for me seeing as how I’ve only worked there for a year and really, the circumstances behind my job were interesting. I was an English major, not Exercise Science, but since fitness is such a hobby of mine, last spring I decided to put in an application at the school gym for the heck of it. I figured since I worked out enough there, I might as well try for a job. And somehow, my knowledge came through, and I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it. The job was a really good thing for me this year—I think it helped open me up some, I met a lot of great people, and in a round about way, I guess I see this job as a big part of who I am now. Without it and this past year, I wouldn’t be where I am. I wouldn’t be happy in what I’m figuring out about my life; I wouldn’t have taken in a lot about people, or had thoughts about how I want to help… I know, I’m being a little bit cryptic but that’s only because I’m still piecing my mind together about what it is I really want to do in life and it’s hard to explain all of my thoughts.
The reason the gym closed is because we are finally (finally!) opening the new student rec center on the 13th. And, I will officially be a membership services representative and fitness floor specialist. I kind of like the titles…cheesy, but also a little proud. Ultimately I’ll have two jobs there for the rest of the summer. Still the early shift dealing with new memberships and working the fitness floor in the afternoons, equaling a total of thirty hours a week which makes me happy! I’ll have to cut back on waitressing during the week, but that’s ok. The new rec center is amazing and I think it’s worth the money we’ve had to put into it as students. It has an amazing lap pool connected to a lounge pool, upstairs walking track with abdominal machines section, two exercise rooms (for yoga, martial arts, etc), great new cycling room with brand new bikes, and the fitness floor—which feels like heaven when I walk in. Most everything is brand new. My supervisor bought a ton of cardio equipment—treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, bikes—all which have massive technology packages and training programs. Then the weights floor is set up in levels of three sections—kind of more first timer easier machines to hardcore lifters where everything is plated and you have to control the balance. Needless to say, me and the guys (I’m the only female working this summer) had to “test” out the equipment yesterday and next week. HA! I mean, our boss is going to give us a spot check to be sure we know how to set up people on machines so it’s only right that we learn how to use them. I’m pretty sore today, but wow, it’s one of the nicest gyms I’ve been in.
I took a little break from training this week. Next week was supposed to be my active rest weeks where I still do all of my training sessions, just less time everyday and a little bit easier. I decided to listen to my body instead and took it this week. I felt like lifting (probably in the spirit of the move) and so I’ve been sore, but also just really tired this week. I’m learning that yes, I have to and want to train, but if I don’t listen to my body once in awhile, that’s when an injury happens. So next week, I’m getting back at it and pushing just a little bit more. I’m getting so excited about the tri. Nervous, yes, but excited. I found out yesterday that the Irongirl Atlanta triathlon which took place in June, will be televised at the beginning of August. I will definitely be glued to my tv to watch all those strong women cross the finish line.
I also found someone to take a look at my bicycle for cheap (if not free). One of the guys I work with is an avid cyclists and actually was commissioned by the school to build some new trike bikes so he knows his stuff. I was going to take mine to a bike shop for a 60 dollar tune up, but it is so old (at least 20 years) I’m afraid they would strongly influence me to put all new gears and brakes and things on there, which I can’t afford. And really don’t need. All I want is this bike to get me through the first triathlon and if I fall in love with the sport, I’ll buy a new one. It still rides and two of the ten speeds work -easy and hard- that can get me through. It probably just needs cleaned up and some new brake pads which A. can fix. I figure if he will look at it and maybe show me some stuff, I can buy the new pieces from Wal-Mart and he can help me fix it. After all, if I’m going to be riding a bike for a while, I need to learn my stuff! Maybe that’s why I like running so much—grab a pair of tennis shoes and go! Not much maintenance. Besides, I actually really like this bike. It’s kind of like my pair of running shoes that got me through my first half marathon. Old, broken down, but has character and perseverance. It’s all about doing what you can, with what you have, where you are. I am a poor grad student, officially now as I received my final transcripts in the mail yesterday and am awaiting my degree, and though I complain about it a lot (sorry mom!) really, I’m so blessed with what I do have. God provides for what I need, when I need it. And the rest of the time, He’s given me a heart big enough and strong enough to cover everything else.
And because I had a little extra money (actually, the perfect amount—how about that) I ordered some tri shorts. Perfect for swimming, biking, and running I can’t wait to tri them out. They’ll be a blessing on the bike, no more soreness from my seat!
Happy Fourth of July weekend everyone!
“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
-Phillippians 4:11-13
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