Tuesday, January 15, 2013

My Ass Is Kicked

Spin has always been one of my favorite classes.  It is tough, makes you work and you sweat, ALOT.  Tonight, after a very long break from it, I went to the 5:15 express class.

Express seemed like a good idea to me as it is only 30 minutes, or so I thought.  I had the kids with me and there was dinner and homework still to be done.

Let's back up a bit.  I have always done this class in sneakers but was very curious about spin shoes.  Does it really make a difference?  I asked fellow blogger and friend, Laura who not only runs but is a spin instructor.  Oh, and now we can add Boston Qualifier to her resume.  Great Job Laura!

I wanted to know if there was anything special I should know about buying spin shoes.  There really isn't, just try them on, make sure they fit and go.  I went to a local bike shop and they had a huge selection.  I spoke with a guy who got a few pair out for me, but there was really no difference in how they felt so I bought the ones that looked the best.

Ok, so tonight I pick my bike adjust it to the right setting for me and then I have to clip my shoes in.  No problem, right?  Well, no problem for my right foot but for some reason, it took a few tries to get my left foot clicked in.

Once it was in, I thought it would be a good idea to see if I can get them off.  That was much easier but I had to put my left foot back on.  Again more than one try.  I guess I will get used to it.

Right away, I knew they felt good and I can feel the difference in how I peddled.  Not sure how to explain this, but before the spin shoes, I focused a lot on my foot during class.  I would think about where it was, and how I was pushing on the pedals.  I would adjust it constantly.  But tonight, once my foot was in place and I knew it wouldn't move, I was able to concentrate on my legs and relaxing my upper body.  This made a huge difference!

Now, this class is hard.  You work your ass off!   In fact I sweat as much in spin as I do running and I would say that as far as workouts go, this is what I want to do if I can't run.  I was hurting and it felt good, but I was watching the clock.   When it came time to what I thought would be the cool down, we  kept going.  It turns out the Spin Express is 45 minutes not 30 and you know what?  First I was mad, and then I was excited.  That's right, bring it 15 extra minutes, you got nothing on me.  Ok, not really, my legs hurt and so does my you know what, but I really do feel good.

Do you spin?  Do you wear spin shoes?  Does it kick your ass too?
Baaahaaahaaha, but don't worry, you won't actually die.

In other news, TMI coming.  I lost my first toe nail and two more are ready to go.  I have read on other blogs about it being a proud runner moment. but I am sorry.  I am not proud.  I am a mani/pedi kinda girl and it does not thrill me to have not so nice looking feet.  At least it is not flip flop weather.

Ok, that is it for now.  Check back next week because I will be hosting my first giveaway!  Woohoo, you won't want to miss it!

Run Strong, Think Big!

8 comments:

  1. You are so funny~~love you blog.
    Good luck with the new spinning shoes. LOL

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  2. Awesome post, Nicole! I love spin- so glad you're catching the bug. It's great cross training for runners. And I'm so glad you found shoes that feel good. Doesn't it make such a difference? Yay! Thanks for the sweet shout out, too!

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  3. That's good to know about the clip shoes. I may need to invest in them, but haven't for fear of falling trying to get out of them. I didn't realize until you said it, but you're right. I do constantly think about my feet on the pedal and their placement.

    Not to worry about the toenails! I've lost a few in my running days too. The nail salon will make you a lovely acrylic toenail when you go for a pedicure. No joke!

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    1. OK, so good to know about the nail salon! I am already feeling better. LOL

      Yes, get the shoes you won't regret it and I am sure you won't fall of the spin bike trying to get off. Now a road bike is another story...

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  4. Awesome! I love spin, but my gym doesn't offer it so I have to do it on my own. Not quite as much fun. Way to rock it in your new shoes:)

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    1. Oh, your gym needs to add a spin class! It is a lot of fun.

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