I'm back! We had a fabulous time in Spain, but I only got to run once. Although the hotels were great, their idea of a gym and mine are quite a bit different. The weather was incredible, but we were in lots of small towns with streets that were really glorified alleys with cobblestones and major hills. So, I took the week off. Madrid had a nice gym with a treadmill, so I took advantage of that and everyone was happy. When I don't run, I am not fit to live with.

I was back at the gym today and did 7 miles on the treadmill. It felt great. I plan on 5 tomorrow. I am behind in my plan, but I think I will be alright. Hopefully, nothing will get in the way of my goals next week. I actually worked out with a partner of sorts today. That's really a big deal for me. In several exercises I am at a point that I need spotter to be safe. It is frustrating because I know I can lift more and I want a harder workout, but I need help. I would rather have a partner, but I usually can't find a female that wants to lift like I do. I don't care if her goals are different from mine, but you really need someone who is similar so that the partnership is fair and reciprocal. Guys just get wierd about spotting a girl. Either they are patronizing or they think you are a wimp and they jump to help to soon and then help too much. Add to that this small community where everyone knows who you are and who you are married to and no soldier is going to help me. You would think everyone would be equal in the gym.

Anyway, it went really well with my new friend. She has been lifting for years and is certified in kickboxing, spinning, and personal training. She is coming back to weights after several months. I am sure she will bounce back quickly and we will be lifting about the same weight. I like that she is much more bubbly than me, but quite focused and determined. Having a spotter makes you much more confident since you know someone is there to catch. It also helps to have someone standing over you hollering encouragement. Today, I was able to bench 130! Hopefully, our schedules will allow us to meet at least twice a week. I can do the rest on my own.

I hope all of you had a great holiday and were able to run or at least enjoy the break if you couldn't. Bobbi, Shelley and I are down to a short nine weeks before the Paris Semi-Marathon.