For two weeks in a row now this has been my view at my weekly spin class:
After class...I'm too chicken to take a picture of everyone during class!
Since I went through the certification class, Kristen has asked me to set up a bike on the “podium” in the front of the class with her so I can get used to being in front of the group! I cycle in the front of the room with her just to get used to the “overwhelming factor” of being in front of everyone for the first time.
It’s kind of a “get your feet wet” approach to becoming a full-blown instructor.
The first week I was up there I was terrified. But yesterday I felt a bit better and was able to joke around with the class and Kristen a little bit when she introduced me to the class.
“This is Theresa. She just got certified to teach and has some in-class training to do. Sitting here with me in front of the group is her first step! So, welcome Theresa & good luck!” Cue: everyone clapping & Theresa blushing and saying something she doesn’t remember today.
For about a month I’ll be up front without teaching any tracks. When I feel comfortable enough I will lead the cool down and stretching. Kristen even TOLD the class last night that I’ll be doing the cool down within the next couple of weeks. Confession: I’m no where near feeling THAT comfortable yet!
While I’m up front not teaching, I’m focusing on keeping my heart rate in my “endurance zone” and making sure that I’m not huffing & puffing up there. After all, once I am teaching a track (or a whole class) I can’t really be wheezing into the microphone, right? Confession: It’s surprisingly hard to stay motivated and excited while trying to hold back. There’s most definitely a fine line between “not enough” and “too much” and I think it’ll take me a while to get the hang of it.
So far the only real drawback of being in the front is that I can’t see things like this:
Goose was always my favorite!
Yeah, we have a screen in the studio that is “supposed” to be for cycling videos. But we got bored with those and now we watch movies each week! Top Gun, The Italian Job, Casino Royale, Star Trek? Yes, please!
I will definitely miss that part of class if I ever find a class of my own to teach. BUT, I think the reward of actually having my own class someday will be worth it!
Sounds like you’re going to be a great instructor. Good luck and have fun! (I’m proud of you.)
You’ll get there! I remember how terrified I was when I first started teaching – and now it’s like riding a bike. You’re going to LOVE it!
Are you going to do the 100MON this year?
I *think* so – but I’m likely only going to shoot for 50 miles because I want to do it on my mountain bike! (And I know there’s ZERO chance of me training up to 100 MTB miles by then…furthest I’ve ever gone was 35 and that was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done). Ryan is going to do 50 with me so together it’s “100MON”. Are you doing it?!
I am thinking about it, but I guess it probably going to be a gut decision once registration opens. We have just so much going on this year… We’ll see.
That a big part of why I want to do 50 MTB miles. I am already booked for events in July and October and am still trying to figure out how to squeeze in a triathlon in Aug or Sept!