I heart cycling but my behind does not!

Last weekend, I spent two full days in the spinning studio working toward obtaining my Indoor Cycling Certification through C.O.R.E Cycling. I recently started cycling outdoors and I love it. I enjoy it a lot more than running (not that I any good at it). Taking the steps to become an instructor seems like a great way to stay active, push myself and learn. Plus, certifications always look good on a CV :)

Before we set foot in the classroom we were to read the manual and watch drill videos. The manual was an easy read and just made sense. The videos were short and sweet, which made working through the material less daunting. 

Day 1 - We were in the classroom for 1.5 hours and in the spinning studio from 10:00-18:30. Most of that time, minus 30 minutes, was on the bike. We went through bike setup, drills, cuing, prohibited moves and so much more. I am not an avid cyclist and my tush was hurting! I haven't built the tolerance to the saddle just yet. I got home and had to put together a 20 minute class for the next day. This was the practical portion of the certification. There were nine participants in total, but only five of us were to prepare a class. The other four are already instructors and were take this course for extended learning. I gave up around midnight because I knew I had a long day ahead. Who would have thought that a 20 minute class would consume so much of my time.

Day 2 - The morning started off with a 30-40 minute class that took us over some nasty hills. We were given the morning to prepare our rides. My music choice screamed hills and for some reason, I thought it was a good idea to 'roll' with it (sometimes I surprise myself, haha).

Pumpkin Spiced Energy Balls (Gluten & Dairy-free)

It was clear after the first day that some serious calories were being burned and appropriate fuel would be necessary. I threw together some energy balls for the class and they were gobbled up before the day was done. Who doesn't love spicy chocolate pumpkin seed?

I was nervous, tired and did I mention, nervous? I love being around people but coaching in front of a group is not a familiar place for me to be. I was the last to go and of course, I chose to do hills. To my surprise, I found some inner energy and hammered out a solid 20 minutes. The group was awesome and participated the whole time. I was a sweaty mess and didn't care.

I submitted my written exam and just found out that I aced it - 70/70! The next step is to put myself out there and start teaching. Hopefully my employers have a little wiggle room and can find space for me to get some experience.

My 20 minute playlist:
Strip me- Natasha Bedingfield
Jungle Drums - Emiliana Torrini
List of Demands (Reparations) - Saul Williams
Somebody that I used to know - Gotye Tiesto remix
Dead Disco - Metric

This one will be added to the warm up:
Young Blood - The Naked and Famous (Tiesto & Hardwell Remix)

Now I need to work on putting together a full 40-50 minute ride. If you have any song suggestions, send them my way; I am always looking for new and unique stuff :)