This week’s lunch I earned. Literally. Alex is my personal trainer. I cannot even count the number of push-ups, squats, burpees, lifts, lunges and ball slams I did to get to this lunch.

I met Alex through our mutual friend, Pamela. We always fell into jock-talk and the like. Despite his ‘you should work out with me sometime’ I gave a million excuses why this runner should ‘only run.’

That was until I signed up for Zion Half Marathon in April 2018. The race was on rougher terrain and in elevation of about 5,800 feet.  I had no more excuses. This half marathon required me to up-level my training. I wanted to enjoy and experience the promised breathtaking views, not pray to avoid my certain imminent death.  In January 2018, I conceded and hired (albeit happily) Alex to help me get ready for the race.

While I didn’t fear training, I had seen enough people walk stiffly around whining about how mean or tough their trainer was on them. I figured, ‘well I signed into that club.’ It couldn’t have been further from the truth. Of course, there are two factors I must confess. One: running keeps me in decent shape so I wasn’t starting from ground zero. Two: I love a challenge. This seemed like a new one, and I was going to listen and learn.

I like to think of myself as a hard-worker. I’m disciplined. I ‘go and do.’ I don’t question or whine. His line of work intrigued me. I have always been a runner only. Never any kind of cross-training or weight-lifting despite all the articles I read and encouragement I had from other runners. Apparently, I like to learn the hard way. Story of my life – the path to success is never easy and I tend to make it harder than it needs to be. I digress.

I met with Alex once a week, then he sent me the sets as ‘homework’ during the off-time. I quickly began to see some very unexpected results. My shoulders, arms became more defined. My legs did not fatigue on my long runs. My back felt very strong. I nearly instantly became a believer. And – bonus – I was not in pain, stiff or sore. I was in very good hands. The trainer – trainee relationship is one of trust. I have to trust that my trainer knows what I need. I have to trust that he can see my hard-work and discipline. Alex pushes, encourages, challenges and praises my efforts. When you hear you are doing a good job and then comprehend that you are doing a good job – it’s a fantastic feeling.

In addition to the physical results, I did not anticipate enjoying the workouts. I was having fun! Was it difficult? Were there moments I prayed I wouldn’t puke? Absolutely. Were there moments where I learned I’m more than I know? Without a doubt. I did not think I would enjoy the workouts, and yet, here I am, well past the race, now keeping in shape. The benefits continue.

It has been an absolute pleasure working out, improving my body and my strength. I feel the warrior inside building and growing with each new workout. At lunch, I had a great time getting to know Alex outside of the gym and sweaty workouts. Of course a lot of our lunch consisted of sports talk. It also involved music and life. Exactly what my lunches are all about!

Since I’m sure you are curious, I am including a few pictures from my workout.

This week brought the start of Bridget’s high school swim season. I got to see warm-ups and the rally chant the girls do before the meet began. While it might not sound like a lot to some, it was a great moment for me. I almost teared up. I had never been there for that moment. I am so much more present for my kids and the events in their lives. It’s a great feeling.

I am constantly reminded how half-assed I gave of myself to others. This Coffee Break at times, feels like a second chance at life.

The end of the week was great fun. Mark and I attended a Leon Bridges concert. It was cool to be in the moment. If you want a fresh new voice in the soul, jive, early, early days of rock, I highly encourage listening to his music. He’s from Dallas, Texas so of course, I’m going to have a bias for that!

I am over-the-moon excited for next Friday. On September 21st, I begin my music trip to help with my book. My first stop is Memphis, TN. I spend a few days there. Already I have a fully packed agenda. Next I go to Muscle Shoals, AL. For those not familiar, there are likely a lot of music albums you’ve heard that were produced in Muscle Shoals. If you get the chance, watch the documentary named for the town. I highly recommend it.

My next stop is Nashville, TN. Known to be “Music City U.S.A.” While it is more recently known for Country music, it is home to where many rock musicians got a start. After a few days in Nashville, I then go to New Orleans, LA. The city that needs no introduction to music. One of my favorite bands, Cowboy Mouth is out of New Orleans. They will – quite by luck! – be playing a music festival there. I hope that works out for me.

My final stop on my music tour is Austin, TX. There is so much music coming from that city, I can’t even figure out where to begin! It is going to be a phenomenal stop. I return to Austin in December to see my favorite guitarist, blues, rock musician – Gary Clark, Jr. He was born and raised there. In December, I get to scratch off a bucket list of seeing him at Austin City Limits.

Watch for a few extra posts highlighting each of my 5 stops.

This week is a great reminder of the meaning of humility. Or at least my interpretation of it. I thought I knew best what I needed for my running training. And yet, when I stepped out of my own way and trusted another human, I found a side of me that I didn’t think existed. I realized that admitting I wasn’t fully present and then relishing in those second-chance moments with my children, takes humility. Essentially, when we lay down our preconceived notions and let life happen, we become a part of the human race.

Until next week…

Peace. Love and Rock n Roll…