Photos…To catch you up to speed:

…and a quick phone post update to explain what I’m up to: sweating. Reminding myself that it’s okay to have emails to answer, things to do, people to see–next week! Sitting on the fence about some stuff. Being okay with not being the fittest, strongest, prettiest, etc. in the room at this fitness conference!

In short I am extremely sleepy! I spent lots of quality time with friends yesterday which meant 5 hours of sleep. Which meant I was a Hangry monster all day and I actually fell asleep during a presentation this afternoon.

But that’s not to suggest that the presentations weren’t great:

1. A bootcamp session with Marc Lebert. Google buddy system or equalizer and see his creations. Check out the videos and see the fun. I have gone to his sessions for years and they’re always fun and high energy and I even learn some stuff (bonus). Today was no exception – perfect way to wake myself up for the day!

2. Opening ceremony with a speech by Simon Whitfield! For those of you south of the border or who don’t care about swim/bike/run who might not know who he is, he’s legit in the world of triathlon. Think Olympic gold silver etc. but then know that two weeks ago he was in a bike crash and didn’t finish the race in London. Boo. But what was so cool about hearing him speak was listening and feeling his passion for aiming high and focusing on the process. He talked about how when you decide to do something it’s pretty powerful to decide to be interested in doing more than participating–being interested in winning! He talked about setting high goals and thinking in grand scales and man, it was inspiring to hear someone talk like that! And reassuring–i know but it was great to get a reminder! My take away: it’s not just okay, it’s BETTER to set big hairy scary goals! “only those who dare to fail greatly will ever achieve greatly.”

3. Trade show fun – I managed to buy that stack of chocolate. It’s going to be gifts and stores away and I liked the gals at the booth and what they were a about. Not only are the bars delicious, they’re also soy free. Dairy free. Nut free if you have allergies. Vegan if you swing that way. Fair trade. And supporting someone small instead of greens and black (which has fillers in it, methinks) or whatever felt good. I don’t know how it could feel bad buying chocolate–so i did it again and had truffles for dessert!

4. Spinning! I did a workshop about sprints. And what I took away from it wasn’t how to kick ass–it was how to coach, inspire and explain things to my classes! And I got some insight…the master trainer talked about needing recovery and needing rest and what that truly is with the analogy of a house being rocked by an earthquake (sprints rocking your body) and needing the time for the cleanup crew to rebuild everything shook up inside even if the house looks great (hot) outside. She also threw in a few quotes: Albert einstein’s definition of insanity, etc. so you know she was automatically in my good books! I like being in these sessions because they remind me of how to teach an organized, safe, but challenging class. It’s not an all out blitz or a dance party–note to self: it’s not an all out blitz or a dance party.

5. A nutrition lecture with Paul Chek. I assumed that by the massive stand by line I was in for something worth hearing–either for entertainment or for controversy or for insight. I got lucky and learned some stuff about nutrition that I want to look into (lots of info on studies about traditional diets and such, plus where the nutritionist job originated, plus a list of reading that I just might have to dive into when I get a moment!). He said lots that I agree with (don’t eat it if you can’t pronounce it, whole foods for the win, the food guide is too high in crappy grains, etc etc) though I thought it was interesting when he suggested we all need different foods to be optimal (lion example came to mind–all lions are designed to eat one type of diet–thanks LBD for that one!) so I take everything with a grain of salt. This is the session I slept in…

Luckily Nina and I met her sis for a quick dinner and then came back to her house! A shower and some organizing and here I am, organizing my thoughts. I forgot to mention the cycle sauna promo booth or the aqua Zumba posters I saw today. Blech. Move more, eat more real food, live on purpose and you’re set kiddos! There’s not a fitness revolution coming to save you–common sense and hard work are the only things that can “save” us!

That’s a reminder to me — I’m feeling bloated and lazy and a whole list of things I’m not going to entertain. I know what’s wrong: I’m wayyyy exhausted and a bit stressed. I’m longing to be in one place for a while. And I feel a bit like a hypocrite but the honest thing is I feel happy. I am who I am and I know I’m getting better every day because I’m living like this is an adventure. I’m learning all the time and I’m open to the process. This whole being alive and not just surviving stuff sure makes for a good time, even if it leaves me a little sleepy…

We’re back at it tomorrow! Nighty night and happy weekend!