My Last Entry

This year more so than the previous 2 was an antithetical one. The emotionally heart-wrenching passing of Kristen’s dad was deeply sorrowful and it  touched us all.  That particular event seemed to galvanize the whole Lavender Palace closer beyond the proximity of our Schwinn’s.  We changed collectively and from this writer’s view so did KJ. I have suggested in a previous post this past summer how the spirit of her Dad now inhabits her persona and in almost every word that flows so elegantly from her vocal chords.  

Personally like the opening line from A Tale of Two Cities: “It Was the Best of Times it Was the Worst of Times.” That one sentence from the Charles Dickens tome encapsulated the roller coaster like track I took. We are the engineers of our own lives and sometimes I used a hammer when a screwdriver was the right tool.  I also know that unconsciously we bring ourselves to the place we really want to be. And it is also said that the road to hell is paved with good intention but often the undesired outcome was the only logical one we arrive at.  

Kristen’s Spin Class changed my life beyond my wildest dreams and other than my 23+ years sobriety no other group inspiration has touched me as deeply. I am forever grateful for these experiential rides. 

My Last Entry for 2012.  

P.S. This is No. 444. I never thought I would still be writing this blog. 

The Secret 7:30

Secret? Ah yeah….no.  Had it not been for Mary (the Angel) McCann who suggested I take the Wednesday 730 am class with Dana Varela Mancini I would never have heard of this time slot. I didn’t think it even existed on the schedule. Although it seems to have been going on beneath my very nose for quite some time now.  Maybe just maybe it won’t be a secret any longer. Wait…does that mean I have to get up at 530 on Tuesday’s to sign in? Hold on thar Baba Looey! I have my fill of that for KJ. I need my sleep man!  

What hits me about young Dana is how she is so self-effacing. I like that and her humility personifies who she is as well. But here’s the bigger thing she doesn’t have to make a name for herself she already is herself, one great personality. Does that make sense? There is no need to distinguish from anybody else on KJ’s remarkable staff. She fits her own glove. 

Her discography is original, thoughtful and it feels as if one song segues into another. She’s got that sensory deprivation thing going on which I think is her own “thing” which gives her sort of a trademark or iconic character to her rides. She is aggressively shy and if you need a definition of that ask me. She is really awesome in the words of my friend Roy. He thinks she is one special talent. I have to agree else why would I be writing about her?  How is that much energy encapsulated in what 40 kilos? 

The Secret 730. Can we please keep this quiet and not blab it all over EQ? Por Favor?

P.S.

I asked DVM for a picture and she said to use the one on FB. What? You can't see your face I said. I took matters into my own hand. Any complaints?  

Don't Wake Me Up Part II

I don’t think I have ever felt this tired since maybe after an ultra marathon. Not much sense to it either I took off from class today because frankly my legs just couldn’t take it. I know that I go too far in spin class because no one has anything near the pool of sweat under the bike when the hour is over. And let me say that there are plenty of my classmates in that room that give super human efforts. I am not saying I am super human quite the contrary maybe I need to stop pretending that I am. Wondering if I am just out of gas. Disconcerting to say the least. 

My resting HR is 47 now and that might be a tribute to me finally being in the shape I have always wanted to recapture since I was but a young pup at 45. Some people say age is just a number and most days I don’t feel on the precipice of 62 but nights like tonight I feel every day of my 22,606 here on earth. Doesn’t seem like a big number when you break it down to a day count. I suppose I am being dramatic and this is not exactly apropos for a spin entry but I just wanted to share what was going on with me this December 18^th.

Don’t wake me up. Well at least in time for the next class anyway. 

  

Kristen Science Level 42

I had to make today’s class because for the next 3 days the Queen of Spin is out of town. She deserves a rest the way she works but we will miss her nonetheless. No one can replace her but the substitutes will surely have to bring their A game because KJ is a tough act to follow. 

It’s not often but lately the sound system has been giving our Group Fitness leader fits. Today it was something in her microphone and at the end of class I think she concluded it was maybe a radio station horning in on our proceedings. Nevertheless I love watching her tinker with electronics it shows her vulnerable side but to her credit she didn’t let it fluster her one iota but its all good as new age cliché goes. 

No one gives us a science lesson better than she and I have learned more things about my working parts than I ever did in Biology class and she has the credentials we can rely on. Her expertise puts us on the right path and gives us practical solutions on how to develop a very fit anatomy. Today I concentrated on pushing down on the heel and it was a conscious effort I had to exert because the balance of the pedal in the spin shoe seems to have my toes pointed down. Although with a little concentration I was able to accomplish that for a time.  

Some of the regulars were absent but a packed studio it was as per usual. It’s good to see some new faces because it gives them a chance to sample what everyone talks about.  There must be a reason her class fills out in 4 seconds. Just sayin’  

 






A Star is Born

I could have called this entry: Sensory Deprivation Part II but whatever the title the 8 am was for me a breakthrough spin class with Dana Mancini.  I have been following her from a distance since her arrival and although I liked her immediately Ms. Mancini is now on an exponential curve of becoming one of EQ’s truly exceptional talents.  

In the business of spin in order for you to attract full studios you have to have something extraordinary for the riders to keep coming back again and again. Kristen has it, Tripp has it and Dana Mancini has it too!  

The lithesome Mancini has a physicality that belies her athleticism. How can so much power be contained in that package?  She is indefatigable and brings a relentless spirit that truly inspires.  She also has those iconic phrases like: “Hit the Gas” that makes this old boy truly go.  But what really has me captivated is that sensory deprivation thing. I was asking David in the locker room if I was crazy. He said he knew what I was talking about. What I experience is twofold. When I close my eyes as per her suggestion all my other senses get heightened on the task at hand which is a more powerful pedal stroke. But when I open my eyes I feel like I am descending into my body as if I had risen above it when I had my eyes closed. This makes the ride truly experiential for me. 

Her discography is  unique as well reaching back in time before she was born to the present day with just the right amount of remixes thrown in for good measure.  In hindsight I am glad I wasn’t permitted to go to Summit New Jersey because I had my own summit to climb right here.  Dana Mancini I am truly impressed with you young woman.  

Road Show

We have some great talent at our home base Woodbury EQ. This is not exactly broadcast news as I have been waxing about spin for nigh on 700+ stories now.  It never occurred to me when I joined the club 10 years ago to take part in-group exercise. Maybe it was the fact that I had the heart of a long distance runner. Any of you remember that 1962 movie The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner? Tom Courtenay was me.  Every day I would train in solitude never anyone to talk to except maybe on race day. When I joined the gym on day 1 ten years ago it never occurred to me take part in-group exercise. I remember Kristen urging me to but I just thought it wasn’t for me. Now I can’t think of working out without being with all of you.  

This Saturday KJ is helping “Christen” the new Summit New Jersey club and although I was going to take a road trip to ride, it seems that the new club wants as many of the new members to experience her and so I will remain behind. It makes sense too and God knows Kristen doesn’t need help.  I just wanted to wish her luck and a safe trip back home.  

Valerie

To begin with this class was off the Billboard Charts. The discography the Evil Woman chose today was a distinct departure from the AT 40 we are more accustomed to. Valerie may not be her name but to hear that song again was a nice flashback. Did I actually hear some of you singing along? In KSC? Really?   Oh and by the way Tiffany did not originate “I Think We’re Alone Now”. It was Tommy James and the Shondells in 1966. Don and I commiserated this fact after class. He thought he was the only sexagenarian that remembered.   Although I must admit Tiffany did a splendiferous rendition. So much for music history. 

 After so much time off the Schwinn I nearly came out of my shoes I had so much energy and when I spied a bike in the 9:15 I was so tempted to sneak back in to the Lavender Palace but discretion was the better part of my own pandemonium.   Kristen to top herself once again was in some outer space gear that had me enthralled from the 1st pedal stroke. Packed as usual the 8 0’clock was so energetically charged it was palpable. Sound incredible? I don’t think so Mikey and Roy agreed with me in the Boys locker room as they were both shaking their head as to the class’s intensity.  We will remember this session for quite some time. I kid KJ that each class is in the top 5 but today there’s just no doubt about it.   This quite possibly was the best spin class ever. I can almost see Kristen rolling her eyes at me thinking it hyperbole but I don’t think so. 

 Why is KSC SFG? I know it’s Kristen’s charisma and I also think it’s all of us that ride with her. We all have an unspoken communication collectively that almost feels communal. Anyone outside of this room might say “bollocks” but you all know different.  To me KSC is ethereal and the only regret is that I didn’t discover this phenomenon until 3 years ago but I only have today and I will enjoy it for however long it lasts.

Note to Mrs. Bean: I think she is over the fact that you didn’t name her Valerie. Besides we like the name Kristen much better. 

Tommy James and the Shondells: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMFLUXTEwM