It’s me again! I just wanted to take a moment to recognize my overly caffeinated trainer Derrick DeLay since I have never taken the time to do so. I was walking (yes, walking) up the hill by my house this morning. It’s long, about 1.5 miles and pretty steep in some parts. I haven’t walked the hill in quite a while with all the running I do now and I was struck by how different it felt. I was not out of breath. My legs felt strong. Nine years ago when we moved here, this was not the case and I struggled and gasped my way to the top. (I still struggle and gasp if I run up it. As I near 45 years, I’m in much better shape and feel worlds better than I did 20 years ago. I have endured Derricks creative forms of torture for almost 5 years now and it has made me into a stronger, more resilient person. I have gained 12 pounds (muscles) since starting there and the migraines that used to appear like clockwork every month have disappeared! I have been able to exceed the goals I set when I filled out my intake form prior to starting there. I remember I wrote that I would like to run a half marathon and just last month I finished my 5th full marathon in Boston no less! Ten years ago I had no clue how to lift a weight or what to do in a gym. And though I still probably don’t know what to do, I know that Derrick will always tell me. My quality of life has improved so much as a result of his instruction and weird form of encouragement. I have more energy, feel less stressed, and now exercise because I like to not because I feel I should. The only downside of having such an awesomely great trainer is finding time on his packed schedule! |