This evening I decided to check out a free boot camp fitness class that was happening at the Nike Runner’s Lounge down in Coal Harbour, which is just a short jog from my place in the West End. The lounge has been around for over a year but I hadn’t made it down there until today.

The place was a lot nicer than I expected! They have what seems like an endless supply of water and granola bars, as well as change rooms and lockers to store your stuff while you run along the seawall. And it’s all free! Granted, you have to endure what amounts to a gigantic store-sized ad for Nike, but I’m willing to put up with a little gratuitous marketing in exchange for a free fitness class and a granola bar or two.

The lounge has various running-related clinics happening most weeknights and weekends. Tonight’s boot camp class was called “Built To Run”, and oh boy did it ever humble me! I am not an elite athlete by any stretch of the imagination but I do try to stay in shape. I’ve been pretty vigilant at keeping up with my swimming, running, and biking lately.  Sadly, all of that exercise apparently made no difference when faced with trainer Mike from mode athletics. We did sprints, stairs, and a circuit workout, all in under an hour! I suspect I’ll be feeling that tomorrow. Nevertheless, I’m planning to return for more torture next Tuesday.