Unprecedented Times: A Chance to Find the Hope

As I was taking a Peloton On Demand spin class with Robin Arzon, her words resonated with me. My #LeadPositive vision and journey which started six years ago has been a challenge the last few weeks. The country (and world) has been attacked by a virus, my school is closed and my worries have escalated, especially about my students and families who I know need the comfort and connections of school, and my husband has been called to serve once again, leaving my own family without our rock and the person who keeps our family at its best.

Some find this hard to believe, but I was always a worry wort. My mother had to get me a worry stone as an adolescent, and I did a lot of praying to help me get through imagining the worse. With a lot of love and support, and the desire to find the beauty in life, I was able to shift my mindset and my outlook on life. I choose to be a glass overflowing person, yet it is not an easy feat right now.

With all of these concerns consuming me (and without Mack here to help me through it), I started to revert back to the fear and worries. I worry about his safety, my son's medical health, my daughter's first year of college, my parents (all 4 who are elderly with healthy complications), and then my staff and students, especially those students who find comfort and safety in school. At first the business of the pandemic and the educational shift kept me too busy to worry, but as a new routine developed, the anxiety started to creep in and the worries escalated. However, one morning as I listened to Arzon tell me (and the other 30K riders) that we don't always have to be positive but we need to illuminate with hope and sometimes bend so we don't break. I needed her words; they really helped me shift and adapt my mindset back on track.

We are not in this alone. So many educators, medical professionals, families, and essential employees are coming together for the greater good. So here's my hope--what is illuminating my life and vision: we need to make the best of this horrific occurrence. Let's return to human connection, empathy, and appreciation for others and the blessings that we do have. Let us take this adversity and use it to bring us together, to remind us of our duty to each other and the strength to overcome obstacles. I choose to find hope, and I will embed these emotions into my being to help me to never lose focus on the power of love, hope, empathy, appreciation, and connectedness. I hope you do too.

Home Rider 500 Milestone Live Ride in NYC Studio: Recommendations for a Positive Experience

I found out that my Christmas present from my husband was to go to NYC to ride my 500th ride live in the studio. I was so excited that he wanted to do this for me. He bought my bike two years ago this February for my birthday, and I love it. I am always talking about the classes, instructors, and online community. I did my 300th ride in the showroom in Troy, but there is nothing like going to the "mothership." I highly recommend doing a milestone ride in the studio; however, as with any ride, you are not guaranteed a shoutout. The Peloton family has become huge, and it's just not possible to get them all in, especially with a popular ride. The experience is quite thrilling. It was quite fantastic to get my "LeadPositive" shoutout with just 6 minutes left in the ride. Shoutout or not, here are some things to help if you are considering planning a trip to the live studio.

1) Create a studio account: studio.onepeloton.com. They recommend that you use the same credentials as your peloton account. I do as well. Keep it simple. Watch the schedule for the type of ride(s) and instructor(s) that you would like to do. The schedule comes out before the booking sign up which comes out one week prior. Check throughout the day often to try and get a good bike.
2) Know your numbers and settings. Make sure you know your account login and password. Know your seat and handlebar settings as well.
3) Also know your shoe size. Don't bother bringing your shoes. It's much like a bowling alley check in. They have tons of shoes that they issue you when you sign in for  your ride.
4) Use the studio map to have an idea of what bike you want. If you don't book as soon as it opens, you will not get the front row. If you are traveling to do a ride in the studio, do the front row! Take in the entire experience. Don't worry what you look like. I rode bike 1 for my first ride as the center front rows were full; however, I enjoyed having this different view of both the instructor and the studio riders. Bikes 5, 6, and 20 are probably the closest viewing experience as the bike.
5) Get there early. Sign in, check out the retail side, and enjoy the lounge. You might even be able to get a photo with an instructor from an earlier ride.
6) The studio gets very hot with no fans or movement of air. Grab an extra towel and water. You do not need to bring water. They have complimentary water bottles there.
7) The locker room has restrooms, showers, lockers (small but large enough) with spa-like supplies to use--including bath towels. The locker rooms can get crowded with a popular ride. There were also a lot of staff members in and out, adding to the tight quarters.
8) If you are also going to try to do any free afternoon walk-in rides, get there at least 30 minutes early.
9) Most of the instructors will stay after the ride to take pictures with riders. Line up by the iPad at the door entry between the check in and the lounge.
10) Pick a type of ride and instructor that you have done before or feel comfortable with doing. For example, if you don't like to ride out of the saddle, pick a low-impact ride. You will want your "training" from your at-home rides to match the ride you pick for the best match and possible PR.

Other recommendations:

• The Hilton New York Fashion District is a great location.  It is just down the street and right around the corner from the studio. They have a roof-top bar with an amazing view of the skyline. It's just a little over a mile away from Times Square. The "Rare" restaurant has good food and friendly service. It's also really close to other great places to eat. The rooms are a little on the small side, but that is typical for the city. The only downside was the noisy street, so ask for a room higher up or in the inside if noise is an issue. We also didn't have a mini frig which can be convenient. 
• Change your location on your profile to include "home rider" and the number of milestone ride. 
• Don't worry about bringing your heart-rate monitor as there is no bluetooth connection for it. 
• Take in the experience. Enjoy the ride, and share your pictures on the Facebook group.