Dark and Early

I woke up at 4:30 am, excited about going to the gym.  I didn't plan to get up then, but that is when I awoke.  I tried to go back to sleep for another hour with moderate success.  Finally, I get up and pull on some exercise clothes, push my hair around, and brush my teeth.  It feels weird to leave the house on a weekday without the full complement of morning rituals.  I guess this will become the ritual.

I tried out the upper-body machines for the first time.  Not too bad, but I need some instruction on what is an appropriate weight for me, how much to do, etc.  I made a best guess this morning, and chose weight limits that I could handle for 3 sets of 8.  The weights are hidden in an opaque barrier, so I didn't have to experience any shame for how much weight I was using.

After the upper-body was done, I did 15 minutes on a recumbant bike.  I love gadgets anyway, so I was just so impressed with how it reacted to my heart rate to control the intensity and keep me in the recommended zone.  It was fun!  However, sweat and headphones don't work for me.  I need to find a way to keep the headphones in/on my ears.  I have the kind with ear loops, but it is not working... probably too cheap, because the loops are not adjustable.

I checked out the shower situation, and at that point I experienced a wave of anxiety.  Yes, the showers are enclosed, but there is no private changing area.  I just don't know that I can display all of this to the world just yet...  so I went home and showered, feeling vaguely nausiated.

Shower anxiety aside, I had a good morning.  I feel great at this moment (a bit rubbery, but good).  I have no doubt that the time will come (sooner than later) when I do not want to get up and go to the gym.  Cross that bridge when I get there...