I love getting new kicks, even when they’re a kind of funny looking, blindingly white pair of cycling shoes.  Now I’m no cyclist but when HS (my Brick class coach & trainer) made the suggestion that using such shoes might take my spinning to the next level, I jumped at the shoportunity.  I even purchased a pair of padded shorts because let’s face it, sometimes the act of buying gear is a hell of a lot more fun than actually exercising.

I was so jazzed by my new purchases that I decided I couldn’t wait until Thursday to bust them out at Brick class.  I rose again at 4:40am to hit 5:30am Spin class and then 6:15am Boot Camp.  Once at UEF, I  threw my keys and sneakers in to a cubby and laced (and velcro-ed) up.  After an overwhelming urge to tap dance passed, I clicked over to the bike and climbed aboard.  Unfortunately, I immediately experienced technical difficulties- I couldn’t figure out how to clip the shoes in to the pedals.  Luckily, the very knowledgeable Spin instructor was able to help me out.

I won’t go in to great detail describing the grueling Zone 3 workout we cycled through since I don’t really understand it myself.  It was really tough and I produced a lot of sweat but I made it through the hour.  After independently detaching myself from the bike, I changed shoes and hobbled (on jelly legs) over to join Boot Camp already in session. There were way too many balance exercises for my liking and I slid around my mat on dripping legs quite a bit, but I labored hard for 90 minutes straight and that felt awesome!

I doubt I’ll ever be a one of those Spinners who can mysteriously control their cadence and wattage with the greatest of ease.  I’ll probably never fully grasp the concept of the Zones and why they are important.  However, I do have faith that one day soon I will be able to successfully clip in on my own.  If for no other reason than to realize this goal, I shall return.