The Next Chapter.

So here I am, folks, officially in Vermont. Crazy.

In the days and weeks leading up to my move, people asked me what I was going to miss most about NYC. After half-jokingly expounding upon my love of electric stimulation at physical therapy for my hip, I told them the truth: coaching you guys. As many of you know, I am Change's hugest fan -- but I'm finding it a bit daunting to conceptualize my departure from a rewarding existence as something other than "loss." It's all in the way we frame things, though, and I'm trying my darnedest to "walk the talk" and use my attitude to control my thoughts and feelings. Small adjustments... those are the ones that endure.

It was a WONDERFUL summer, I must say - and, especially over the past week, some of the most humbling and moving experiences of my life. I remain most grateful for the opportunity this has been - not only to share my passions for cycling and wellness, but to have been able to hear from so many of you about how "this thing we do" (Spinning) has in some way impacted you on a scale slightly or more than slightly larger than a 45 minute class. That's what I'll miss the most.

I want you to know that I will continue to be available to you, to help you in whatever capacity you need. Got a new HR monitor? Email me, I'll help you set it up. Tips on cycling gear and training plans? You bet. Whatever you need, I'll always make time to help to the extent that I can -- or at least be able to direct you accordingly. Same email address as always: melspin@gmail.com.

As a practical matter, you're probably wondering what's going to happen to my classes... I'm sending out a guide (with commentary) by listserv. If you're not on my listserv, just email me with questions.

There is no more fitting closure than to post my Summer 2008 theme scheme, the concepts I want most to leave with you. I hope that you take from them what you will, and make them your own... on the bike, or even off.

Week 1 (week of 6/2): ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL SOMETHING!
Week 2 (week of 6/9): BECOME A FAT-BURNING MACHINE: "MORE" IS NOT ALWAYS MORE.
Week 3 (week of 6/16): BREATH IS FUEL. EMPOWER YOURSELF THROUGH BREATHING.
Week 4 (week of 6/23): ACHIEVING THE PERFECT PEDAL STROKE... AND WHY WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT IT.
Week 5 (week of 6/30): "SOAR," NOT "SORE": WHY WE SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID OF RESISTANCE, AND WHY IT WILL DEF NOT LEAD TO A BIG BUTT
Week 6 (week of 7/7): ENDURANCE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE BORING!
Week 7 (week of 7/14): SURVIVING A BAAAAAD SPINNING CLASS: ENTERTAIN YOURSELF... AND COACH YOURSELF
Week 8 (week of 7/21): "INCREASE AND BREATHE": THE POWER OF SELF-TALK ON & OFF THE BIKE

As a reminder, I will continue to update this blog on a regular basis -- cycling/training tips, along with a new section on music (i.e., what I'm playing in a given week during my Vermont classes). When I solidify my teaching schedule for my first NYC visit (Fri 10/10 - Sun 10/12), I'll send out a listserv posting. But beyond that, you'll probably not get emails from me... so if you want to keep up with the blog without having to remember to check it, sign up for an RSS feed (linked at the bottom of my blog, or here...). It will notify you whenever there's new content...

Here's to the next chapter.