Breathe & Pray

Breathing is the key I’m convinced of that. Letting the mouth get in the way makes the efficiency of the ride drop like the rain we had yesterday. It still takes focus to breathe through my nose even though I know that oxygen finds my lungs better that way but the default setting still thinks quantity is the optimum strategy. Off the bike I know better. 

I’ve been doing a lot of praying off the bike because I’m also convinced it’s the best stratagem too. Of course on the bike I am riveted to the task at hand and that’s to be in the game fully associated with the outside world at bay. I never think about if I can make it through the session when I first clip in.  I have 55 other people my friends in the studio and I don’t want to let anyone down I feel an obligation and whether or not anyone else cares I know that I care. I genuinely feel younger than my 62-½ years and I know my family ancestors never knew this sense of pride of working out at this level. 

Today I got to ride next to my surrogate daughter Heather. I see so much of myself in her maybe because we are both Aquarians. I see her deep sense of determination, her dedication and aplomb she exhibits in her own business with another member of our team.  The impulsive side of me wants to make sure I am there whenever she needs an ear but also knowing she’s on her own path. I can just marvel at her progress because in the 3 years knowing her I’ve watched the Feather blossom as a tri-athlete I feel a sense of pride because she is my friend.

The Saturday ride in KSC is my favorite that’s no secret I actually love getting up at 5:55 on Friday morning as I start the ritual of refreshing my EQ application securing a bike for the next day. As the 6 am hour approaches I still feel that nervous excitement after all this time until I get the confirm that I’m in. Getting that first row is becoming more and more difficult but as long as I ride I don’t care that much.  

It’s been a great week. Riding my first class with Kristen Finello was a pure treat and since my ride I found out she is a music teacher by day no wonder her discography was so adroit. She has a great teacher in KJ who is not afraid to share the spotlight with the talent she brings into the Equinox fold. Good luck Ms. Finello.  

Breathe and Pray they go together better than you might suspect.  Thanks Kristen James for another memorable Saturday.