A TRIgirl at Heart...Through and Through....

Coach G had this great idea for TRIgirls this season. Each of us who have been around for a little while, gets to have a "Little Sister"...who is new to the sport. It works out great on both sides....Big Sisters get to feel important and needed....Little Sisters get the extra attention that they need, plus a Big Sis they can ask any sort of question to that they might otherwise be intimidated to ask.

So, last night I got to meet my new Little Sister, Ann. I told her I could meet her after bike class, and she had the great idea to come and check it out -- you know, poke her head in while we were still riding and see what it was all about. Well, I thought this was a great idea...until she arrived 20 minutes before the class was over and I realized i had to set a good example for an entire 20 minutes....as I was being watched by my Little Sis. I thought I was going to be the one to inspire her first...but NOOOOO! There is no inspiration like that ... having to set a good example during the most intense part of the workout. Didn't make for much of an introduction, but a managed a slightly grimaced smile and a quick nod as we continued UP, UP, UP the hill.

And, what a workout it was. (Actually, I'm surprised it didn't scare her away). Coach M is great. He led us up the hill, and just when we thought we were at the top, he found that the road turned and went up, up, up some more...just like a real ride. In fact, it was vaguely reminiscent of Richmond Sprint Triathlon's Winterpock Hill that ascends for about 2 miles. Coach M took us to where we thought we were maxed out, and then took us just a wee bit farther. It was a small group of TRIgirls who rode last night, maybe 11 of us...but I was really impressed...we all hung tight with him, riding even in the most difficult gear for several intervals -- standing. No one let the hill get the best of them....not one of us gave up...although I'm sure it crossed several people's minds.

Ann and I went to Starbuck's after the workout to chat...seems like a good match, we have lots in common. And, if a workout like that didn't scare her, but encouraged her to join our cycling class early (which I think it did)...then she is definitely a TRIgirl at heart...through and through.