Spinning

After cycling to the bank and back (less than 10km), Barendine and me went for a run - 4 laps around the school, and then running up to Noordstad. It's really close to the school - Virgin Active I mean. No more than 500m away.

Saw Franna there, and bought another headband thingy at Wild At Heart plus some socks. Am going to buy Salomon shoes, but going to order a pair of red one's. I just can't imagine wearing black sports shoes. Call me old fashioned.

Then my brother and Barendine talked me into doing a spinning class. We were booked onto front row bikes, with shoe straps. Charl (I knew him at school as Thabo) gave the class. He's become quite a big, well built fellow.
The 40 minutes were torture. My left calf almost went into a cramp, and quite a few of the exercises required expert balance and a very strong core. By the end of it I had a nice little puddle of sweat reflecting back at me.

I was surprised to suffer so much seeing as though I am 'cycing fit'. It's far more a cardiovascular exercise than it is strength and endurance. It is the perfect antidote to boep and weight so am going to try to survive at least 2 classes a week.

Have to say I felt a bit sick afterwards - throat sore, body wet and cold and really tired. Maybe not so clever walking back home in the cold, slightly wet as well. Body ached last night as I marked my last tests.

Am also changing classes, and getting up to date in terms of filing and marks. Two mountains of exam marking waiting, and another pile (smaller) coming on Friday. Going to work through that as quick as I can.

This holiday I want to cycle to 3 or 4 small towns in the Free State. So far I'm thinking of Phillipolis and Kimberely. Do a small tour, and stay over in Guest Houses and stuff. Might also go to a writer's workshop in Cape Town and then spend 2 days with my sister in Natal, do a bit of horseriding.

My meeting today and yesterday with Mrs Martins went quite well. Note to myself: staying calm even when agitated and stressed is the best way to keep the person you're dealing with (or who is dealing with you) calm.

Was surprised when she said a prayer before the Matric exams in the gym hall. Praying really centres you and calms you down. Need to do that more...especially now that I'll be spinning more often.

Having lunch with Mrs Visagie this afternoon - it's thanks to her that I have this job. Going to chat about the teaching profession, and where to from here. And just thank her for the lead that got me the job.

Swim this afternoon and then hostel duty tonight. Need to start studying now for university exams.

The Netherlands play Argentina tonight. Should be a humdinger.