Random Photo Entry 24: Why I Quit Salsa

Since my last Random Photo Entry was long, I thought this next one can be short.

One year ago, I started taking salsa.

Not THIS kind of salsa. I'd never quit eating that unless I develop a severe tomato allergy!

Anyway....

I had always wanted to learn to dance, and since I no longer had to coummute 35+ miles to get to work everyday, it seemed to suddenly fit into my schedule.

So I went, almost every Wednesday evening and most Saturday afternoons (even after long runs). I was taking classes during this time period, yet somehow it worked. This lasted for 8 months. In fact, it pretty much went up until I did my first dissertation defense.

Then, as the temperatures climbed, I backed out of my new fun hobby. I hated myself for this, because "The Ukrainian" attended a couple of classes after that and decided it was no fun without me.

Yes, because we're partners in crime. And I hated having to switch partners all the time -- sweaty old men, old men who touched inappropriately, and men who were just sort of creepy. And then there was watching my "Ukrainian" dancing with other ladies -- some were old, but there were also a few young ones (unlike the men). It was not a sight for me to see, although he'd always "Save the Last Dance for Me."

I thought about picking it up again this year, given the cold weather we've been having. But lately, I've been cooking moreso than jonesing to do another 1.5 hours of cardio at 8 PM after having already run at 5:30 AM.

And, of course, I have another small responsibility...

He's super cute, isn't he? Although he is not *my* dog, per se (my dad bought him), I AM trying to spend as much time as I can with him in these early months in attempt to show him good habits. So pretty much, I feel like I haven't had much of a life and have cut down on my time out of the house since he got here. This sucks, especially since I KNEW it was not within my lifestyle to get a dog right now, but stuff happens, and I can only make the best of the situation.

But that just means, I don't see myself going back to salsa class anytime soon. I have thought about randomly dropping in on some days, but the lessons are progressive, and unless I catch the first few weeks each "quarter," I will be dreadfully behind.

I am starting to forget all the awesome combos we learned, which makes me sad. :(

I can wait 6 months, but then it will be 100+ degrees again. I can wait until next winter, when I will have hopefully graduated. Or I can wait until I've moved out of the house and have no obligations to be anywhere at anytime (an invisible strain)... which could very well be the day I get married???.... and of course, well before kids, because at that point, I will have to wait another 18+ years.

In the meantime, my salsa shoes are hanging around, waiting for me!

On another note, I updated my About Me page.

Giveaway Winner! -- Sony W Series MP3 Player (Update)

Updated Post: 3/20/11 As promised, here are the Sony W Series giveaway winners: -- both have been contacted and prizes sent -- Please e-mail me at (Gmail) Nobel4Lit2 with your addresses, and I'll ship out the units soon! Thanks to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for another giveaway soon (maybe later this week)! (Note: I ended up putting everyone's retweets starting after the comments when it came to numbering the entries.) Original Post: 3/10/11 Sunday, March 20 2011, the day I will run LA Marathon for the 4th time (and embark on my 8th 26.2 journey overall), will also be very special because it will mark the 5th year since I did my FIRST training run with the intention of running a marathon. (Check out that life-changing post HERE ). Yep, on March 20, 2006, I went to the track and ran my first 3.25 miles with the dreams of marathon glory (or even half-marathon glory). I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was a sprint/track

Sharkies Prize Pack (giveaway)

It's giveaway time! On a long run recently, I took a couple packs of Sharkies Organic Sports Chews with me to keep me going on a hot day. I got through those 15 miles eating these, versus normal gels. I've been opting to eat chews over gels in my running nowadays because I just find them more palatable and easier on my stomach for some reason. Plus, they do pack a few more calories, which is a good thing in this case. I normally associate cute little chews with candy, but these actually contain natural electrolytes. Plus, they were light to carry and very tasty, too! Each pack is about 140 calories. The only downside I found to the sport chews is that they stuck to my teeth a tiny bit more than my normal choices, and the packaging gave me a fight at times. This could easily be solved by conslidating them into a baggie pre-run, or eating them BEFORE running would be much easier than during. Want to win the prize pack below? It comes with these Sport Chews, a neat

Rebecca Michaels Performance Clothing (Giveaway)

UPDATE: 6/21/12 -- This giveaway is closed, and the winner is #43, Jacqueline!! I will contact you, but if you miss it, please e-mail me! ------ I'd like to credit in advance "The Ukrainian" who helped me stage some photos for this post. =) Perhaps because I don't dress well when working out, I was offered the opportunity to try some fun pieces from the Rebecca Michaels summer collection. Since I complained about my issues with headbands staying on my head, I also got to try their Violet Love headbands. "The Ukrainian" didn't hesitate in throwing one on, and I think he said he looks like Rambo in it. Anyway, I'll start with my experience with the headbands . They are very soft and actually look SUPER cute on! They also cover a large portion of the top of your head, so those little fly-aways don't come drooping down. Or is that just me? My hair is normally cut in layers, so I do experience this quite a bit. Unfortun

dawn @ running the dawnJanuary 20, 2011 at 5:55 AM
how sad! if i ever found someone (hubby is NOT interested) that would be willing to go to dance class with me i would be devastated to have to quit. in college my roommate and i conned some friends into taking latin ballroom lessons. it was SO FUN! the cha-cha was my fav.!
Laury@TheFitnessDishJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:18 PM
I would HATE switching partners. My hubby would never take salsa lessons. But still. I would LOVE to take classes though. Just don't want sweaty old men rubbing on me
JessJanuary 20, 2011 at 1:23 PM
My husband and I once took a salsa lesson on a cruise. Our instruction never went past that point.
JeanJanuary 20, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Thanks for visiting my blog the other day! And my goodness, what a cute little dog! Puppies are so adorable.

I see you have the Fargo Marathon on your race calendar. I did that two years ago. It is a fantastic event, and you will love it. They do a wonderful job.

All the best, and I look forward to reading your blog!
ropcornJanuary 21, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Aw! What a cute puppy! Yes, dogs do require a lot of time, but they are so worth it! :-)

You have a lovely blog here by the way.

Take care.
Tina @ Faith Fitness FunJanuary 22, 2011 at 9:39 AM
How fun to have done salsa. Such a fun dance. I hope you get to get back to it soon bec it certainly sounds like you enjoy it!
Corey @ the runners cookieJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:31 PM
Ahh I want that dog!! :) Can't wait until I have the time to devote to one!

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