Today I went to a ski conditioning class at my gym. I got my gluts kicked. And I'm psyched about it!
Pretty much every gym in the Rockies offers ski conditioning classes in October and November. I've been meaning to go but it's just been so darn nice outside I've opted for hikes or runs with Little Pants. Today was no different; it was 65 and sunny! However, the Little Pants was a little under the weather so I took advantage and let her sleep while I got myself some fitness!
I almost didn't go into the class because they had a sign saying something about them being in "phase two" ( of three) and you weren't allowed if you didn't go through phase one (which clearly I hadn't). A few friends convinced me I wouldn't be kicked out so I went.
It was awesome! I hadn't been pushed athletically since college ( sure I'd run hard or crazy long mileage, do a tough hike or something but it just doesn't bring back the same inner feelings as having someone else push you to test yourself). I thrive on that stuff. I loved being yelled at to sprint faster. I loved having coaches facetiously 'ask' me if I was tired or have them place fake bets with the team that I couldn't win every single sprint and then make 10 free throws in a row. I LOVE being pushed like that ( yes, I'm a little strange. But you probably already knew that!). Maybe it's because I never want to lose. Maybe because I've always discovered I'm stronger, faster, better than I would be without someone pushing me.
I kept having flashbacks to high school basketball conditioning and just thinking about that made this class seem not so tough. I reminded myself being in this class didn't require a tryout or age specification so it couldn't be that bad. I learned I'm in better overall shape than I thought I was... And that I still have a ways to go. Most importantly though I got to feel that self-competitive rush that I love. No idea why, but pushing myself to give everything is something I'll always love.
I'll definitely be going to the class regularly now :)