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November 30, 2004
my walk with an Olympian 
I have a whole new set of muscles hurting after spending two hours with Philip Dunn, his identical twin Malcolm, Judy Heller, and a number of racewalkers and newbies like me. Wow! It was tremendous watching Philip in action, so relaxed and effortless and fast fast fast. And it was great doing the exercises and getting the feedback.
A part of me freaked out early on. I was still wearing chinos, as I hadn't had the time to change into my running pants, so I was the only person there not wearing tights or running pants. I was the largest, the slowest, etc, and when I realized we were each going to get personal attention (eg, criticism), I had this moment of being back in grade school and not getting picked for the team (any team).
But then I reminded myself: I wanted to learn how to get better. I was among friends. Most of us felt like we were practicing silly walks. Everyone was kind, everyone was friendly, and we were having a good time. We worked up enough of a sweat that most of us peeled down to the bottom layers.
I wish I had taken notes!
Oh, and another PFitter remarked that I had lost weight and I was looking good. I did the usual (oh, no, not really), but inside glowed—somebody noticed! May this trend continue!
BTW, Natasha is back home. She got some antibiotics while in hospital, and some meds to bring down her fever, but the vet thinks that we caught in enough time that she should be fine at home. She ate a little, she drank a little, and she climbed up onto her scratching pole, so I'm feeling kinda optimistic.
Posted at November 30, 2004
Comments
I am so happy to hear you put yourself first. I know what a struggle it is. glad kitty is getting better, too.
Posted by: Chrissie at December 1, 2004 6:26 AM
PS:
I know what a struggle it is FOR ME that is!
Posted by: Chrissie at December 1, 2004 6:27 AM
Hey Chrissie -- thanks! It was seriously fun, really, once I got over myself. But it is a struggle, isn't it? It's hard (for me) to take the time away from home and Honey, even though Honey is very supportive.
Posted by: vj at December 1, 2004 9:39 AM
Wow, how cool. I've wanted to do a racewalking clinic with Dave McGovern but can never fit it in my schedule. Glad you and kitty are both feeling better! Take care and WALK STRONG!
Posted by: Marshall at December 2, 2004 11:07 AM
Oh, I am so jazzed about this, Marshall, I can't even tell you. And, on my walk at lunch, I think I saw Curt Clausen. If I weren't with a friend, I would have gotten all fan-girl on him, but of course, he moves *really* fast, and by the time I thought about swooning over him, he was gone.
Posted by: vj at December 2, 2004 1:19 PM