Too soon for snow

It was one of those mornings when I knew I wouldn't like what I saw out of the bedroom window. On Sunday it started to snow in the mountains; the weathermen first warned us there would be snow above 9000 feet, then 7000 feet, then at 5280 overnight.

When I woke at 4:30am I could see a dull light from the window. It was lighter than normal for this time of year and a sure sign that it snowed overnight. I didn't look out of the window until 6am, mainly because I knew that when I did I would frantically start putting on waterproof clothes, hats, gloves and boots.

At 6:05am I was out in the backyard armed with a broom and a feisty determination. Three young trees were bent over and touching the ground like weeping willows, their still-green leaves full of heavy wet snow. I bounded around like a cartoon character whacking their snow laden branches and shaking small trucks. These are my babies, I've known them since they were 1 inch diameter saplings, they have come so far and grown so much in 4 years. Damn it, why didn't they lose their leaves early!

Paying for Pain

What should people think about their personal trainers? I'm indifferent to mine, on a personal level, but I hate going to the gym - I hate it with a passion. It takes all my willpower on the day of the appointment not to call and cancel. I hate the workout during the session and the days that follow. Contrary to popular belief, I do not feel better, I do not feel more energized and I don't think I look any better, in fact I think I look tired and jaded. The killer is I am paying for this pain and suffering...and it's not cheap!

I do have a natural desire to be healthy, but on my own conditions. I understand, that for a consumer to feel they are getting their money's worth, there has to be measurable results in a certain timeline. But I don't want to lift weights until I am incapable, in pain and shaking. I understand the methods for gaining muscle, but I don't want to take pain killers 4 days out of 7. I hate waking up and rolling out of bed. By rolling I literally mean roll, I cannot move without pain and so I have discovered that if I roll towards the end of the bed and let my legs drape over the edge, I can become upright with the least amount of pain.

Next week is my last session with a personal trainer. I will continue to go to the gym, I will probably go more often, and I will pace myself. I will not train until I reach my maximum heart rate, I will not lift weights so heavy that I quiver with pain, and I will probably not see results very fast. I will be fine with my progress, I will not take pain killers and I will be able to get out of bed with a simile on my face!