New forms of torture for a new year

Now that the trip is over and I've settled into working life once again, my focus returns to athletic pursuits. With a new year just around the bend, not to mention the big 2-8, it's reflection time. Don't go expecting some intensely deep explorations of life and love here -- I'm talking strictly training reflections.

While I've yet to register for any races, I have gotten Kate to verbally commit to doing a longer race this summer. This of course commits her to being my training partner as well, though whether she realizes that or not remains to be seen. (It will become quite clear when I start waking her up at 6 a.m. every morning! Shhh, don't tell her just yet, I have to break the news slowly.)

I've also signed up for a Crunch gym membership (and got Kate to sign up, too), which is a major step up from the last two years at the Columbia University gym. I can actually get on the machines without waiting five to ten minutes for each one; nearly every cardio machine has a personal TV with way more stations than our cable-less apartment; and there's spinning classes!! I've been dreaming of endless spinning classes since we moved to NYC over two years ago so this has been a long time coming.

Let me just say, these classes are a serious workout and not for the faint of heart. This morning we made our way to a class (during which I got to test drive my fabulous new Sidi's and spds -- expect an "ode to my fine new Italian leather shoes" post at a later date) taught by a woman who hooted and literally barked and growled from the front of the room. At one point, she even started yelling "MUSH, MUSH!" at us. Now, just to be clear, this was a pre-noon weekend class sandwiched between Christmas and New Years and everyone was sporting a bit of a post-holiday coma when they walked in the door.

Within ten minutes, everyone in the room was dripping in sweat. The steam from the huffing and puffing bikers actually managed to cover the mirrored walls in condensation -- a little gross I realize, but a vivid testament to just how hard this workout was.

Final verdict on the class: It's awesome! The more it hurts and the crazier the instructor, the more convinced I am that I must return! And bring my girlfriend with me :)