I was extremely excited to go to Barwis yesterday. After my week off (with the holiday and scheduling problems) I was SUPER happy to be there again. Phil told me to, “get my rest” on my week off. It was a very UNRESTFUL week!!! The terrible weather aside, I hadn’t been stretched out and I realized on Thursday how detrimental it was for me to NOT be stretched. I pull up to Barwis and am unable to get out of my car. Nick came to get me. I immediately thought that that was NOT a good sign but still was glad to be there. Phil stretched me out by the chairs and told me to go to the Keiser machine. He stretched me out a bit more and told me to stand. Now, I REALLY tried. Shaking legs and all! (My legs shake as I try to stand because so much energy is exerted) but standing wasn’t happening. I tried three times with Phil stretching me out between each attempt. It was a no-go. Phil told me to head over to the table. I replied, in a small voice, “It’s a fail.” I felt a bit defeated but what was to be expected after a week off?! I turned and rolled down the ramp with not as much excitement (I still raised my hands with a small “Woo” though. OF COURSE!)
Phil told me that it wasn’t “a fail” and that my legs were really tight and I needed a good stretch. Well, Phil gave it to me alright! If by “good,” you mean “painful!” I told him that it’s frustrating not to be able to control your body because it REALLY is! He stretched me out very well (I mean painfully) and told me that Nick was going to take me out to my car. He got me into my chair and pushed me over to my things. He reiterated that Nick was taking me to me car and told me, “Good job and goodbye.” He stuck his fist out to which I grabbed it and shook it before he pulled away. He said that it didn’t count because I didn’t say “Joystick.” Whatever!
I continued getting my things (leg rests onto my chair and putting my jacket on) together when Phil came back over to sit in the chairs. He told me that I should just park in the back. It will be easier to get me out if I need and it is closer. I was a little bit shocked and I felt my face get a little bit pink. “I thought that was only for the staff,” I managed to say. Phil shook his head. Um. To me, that is like getting a master-key at work that opens ALL the doors, or having your hotel room key coded to give you access to the pent house, it’s getting the keys to your boyfriend’s truck in some country song. I asked him, “Is this because I’m a “lifer”?” Jesse had called me that for the first time last summer. It is true. Mike told me on my first day at Barwis that I would have to workout for the rest of my life. Hence the phrase, “lifer.” After my week off, I know that is COMPLETELY true! Phil stood up and said, “yeah” and walked away.
Nick helped me into my car and I realized how tired I was. On my drive home, (that’s CRAZY long because I-96 is closed) it really started sinking in that yesterday was NOT a complete fail because my lags felt more relaxed. It was easier to move around once I got home and got ready for bed. As I was falling asleep it made me hopeful for “Walking Wednesday” this week… and that felt good.