It is not over until the Preacher Man Says AMEN

Tonight Pete and I endured a pretty intense spin class at our 24-hour fitness gym. I have gone to spin classes over the past few years here and there and I always enjoy it. This was Pete's first time. He finally agreed to go as he promised me he would back in December. I checked to see who the instructor was before we went and it was a guy I've had before. WELL a substitute instructor was there when we arrived.

By first appearance, the instructor looked about mid-to-late 60's and was in great shape. He welcomed us with enthusiasm and instantly got us set up on our bikes. He introduced himself as Peter and started the class promptly; turning up the music and instructing us to pedal to the beat. It was evident that Peter was passionate about spinning.

About half-way through the class as sweat dripped down our faces, we realized Peter was not only passionate about spinning, but he lived and breathed this activity. I have never in my life met an instructor who is so motivated by what he is teaching. He challenged us and constantly encouraged us. He yelled out things like, "Pain and suffering will make you stronger. How do you think Lance Armstrong got to the finish line?" "Ignore the voices in your head telling you to stop. Shut up and Pedal...push yourself." "Don't be a quitter, don't quit on yourself!" My personal favorite was-"It is not over until the Preacher Man Says Amen!" I noticed smiles across the faces of many in the class. This man was giving his all into this spin class.

So we pedaled and we gave it our all too. We turned up the resistance full boar, we did hills, and even an intense team drill. At one point, Peter got off his bike and stood in front of us yelling, "Faster, harder, PUSH YOURSELF!" I have to admit it pumped me up. I felt like cheering, hollaring, and busting into jumping jacks. Pete enjoyed it too and found spinning to be much more challenging and invigorating than he originally imagined.

After the class, we thanked Peter and found out this Rhode Island native didn't start spinning until 60 and has turned it into his hobby so he won't "get old". He plans to go on an outdoor ride in 15 degree weather this saturday because it will be sunny, clear, and beautiful. He thinks Oregon is the greatest place to live in the world. So cheers to Peter the spinning instructor! We wanted to give him a shout out tonight because man this guy is motivated and he inspired us! He is living out his passion and lifting others up along the way.

AMEN!