Bringin' back the good old days...

Yep, I've done it. I joined gymnastics! I showed up at Gleason Gymnastics (yes, ironic) last Thursday eve at approx 7:41pm, ready to rock. (The gym is only about a 30 second drive from our house. In the summer, I will run there). Actually, I was as nervous as all get out. I watched the little tumblers out on the floor as they completed their class. I thought to myself - ok, I can still do that, as they ran around and threw a few somersaults and cartwheels.
There were about 10-12 of us in the "adult tumbling" class. Most of the clan knew each other and were chatting it up as I sat there, stretching, sizing up their skillz. "Yep, she looks good. She definitely looks like a gymnast. Ooh, her hair is in a tight bun, I bet she is solid. Oh wow, that girl has the whole get-up on...leotard, spandex, pony tail AND clips. I bet she knows what's up. Ah - she has never stepped FOOT on a gym floor - she is uncertain of what stretches to do."
Sasha began explaining the class - which is pretty low key. You basically work on whatever it is you feel like. The 2.5 (we'll get to that later) Instructors are there to spot and teach. We started running up and down the springy floor to get ourselves warm. Then we begin somersaults, then cartwheels, then a handstand which rolls out into a somersault - BAAM! (someone didn't tuck their head). Now it's time for free pass. You pick your pass and take off. The .5 instructor who acts like she's the bomb (I think her name is Amy - but can't be too certain) took of into a round-off triple backspring pass and one of the girls turned to me and said "She's good." The next girl asked for a spot and she attempted a backhandspring...as well and the 3rd, 4th and 5th girls. Surprisingley, I am feeling as though this is no longer out of my league. I ask for a spot, myself (which, surprisingly didn't need!) I've still slightly got it, folks. I proceed to throw a triple backhandspring pass like it's my JOB! My confidence fades slightly as I head to the floor to attempt an ariel (no handed cartwheel). I throw the first 2 just fine and...POP! 3rd time 'round - there went my butt muscle. Which is still a touch sore today.
At approx 9:45pm I limped out. I was sore from neck to ankle.

Night 2 tonight...more to come...