I just read Roxanne’s entry so I have to tell you about my dance lesson in New York. I love seeing a city from a local’s point of view so my new thing is that wherever I am I will go online and find a place where I can take a lesson. It was Torrie’s first time in New York, and she wanted to check out SoHo so this is where we began. I found a studio offering free lessons. We showed up and they let us know that we could chose from the tango (my favorite), salsa, hip hop, or the hustle. Since I had not taken hip hop or salsa Torrie let me pick. Salsa was 30 minutes and it kicked my butt, or so I thought. We then went to the room next door to start our hip hop session. OMG. Let me just tell you that I have a whole new appreciation for these dancers. I could not contort my body to make it look anywhere near cool. The exercise was great and we laughed until we cried. We later did a show at a dance studio where they offered ballet for beginners, etc. I can’t say that I think this will be my thing but I plan on doing it just to better appreciate it. Dancing burns about 800 calories an hour. The hour goes by fast, and you probably will laugh at least one good time (if you are lucky). I called my dance teacher as I was getting on the plane Friday and told him I would be back in the studio ASAP. I have never felt better physically then I do when I dance. I leave with a natural high.
I also need to catch you up to speed on the triathlon. September is crazy because of Fashion Week and the start of show season, so tonight was really my first look into what I needed to do to get started. Let me say this — I have never biked or swam for anything more then leisure. I may bike with my son for 10 minutes on a Sunday afternoon or take a lap when I am too hot from lying out, but that is it. I did not know how to get started. My friend back in Nashville sent me a website on a place that trains you how to swim. I e-mailed the trainer and will hopefully start as soon as possible. I will talk to her about the bike portion so when I know more I will pass it along just in case any of you would like to do this too!
And last but not least — the eating. To be honest I haven’t done as well as I hoped. I really struggle with this while I am on the road. I know when I get home next week and start dancing and training that it will fall into place. Holly gave me great encouragement on this — thanks Holly! It is not a diet she said and every day I get to chose. Hopefully tomorrow I will chose to be healthier.
Hope you are all well and keep up the good work.
— Jen
Print | posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:28 AM