Newbie Lurker - No More...

[colleen]

I have been lurking on this board for about a month... absorbing as much information and experience that I can from you all. I just want to say thanks!

I was reading the thread about the new instructor wondering if she had the "passion" to teach... Your responses were truly inspiring to me.

Being a new - albiet older - 45 yr old instructor myself - I want so much to be able to give my riders that "OMG that's what it's suppose to be like" experience that I felt when I "got it".

It's funny how each class I teach is different.

I came away from a class last week feeling like I am such a dud - wondering what I was thinking becoming an instructor! This because another instructor/owner took my class and would NOT shut up the whole time - talking to other riders across the room, etc. Very disruptive - questioning things I did (example: she teaches to the beat of music - so if you do a jump - you're pedaling to the beat - 4 up 4 down, etc. - where I cue them to do a certain number of jumps and to get out of the saddle and sit back down at their own rhythm).

Anyway - it made it so difficult for me to cue and to explain what we were doing, where we were suppose to be at i.e. HR, RPE, cadence, etc., and I kind of felt like I was doing it "wrong" because I wasn't going to the beat of the music...

Then I taught again a couple of days later, with my regulars, using many of the techniques explained right here in this forum, and I felt so much more confident because I was being true to myself.

Well, this was longer than anticipated... I just wanted to come out from lurking... and thank you for all the great profiles, playlists and cuing ideas - and for sharing your experiences!

[sandy]

That instructor was so rude, I can't believe you had to put up with that. It tells you something about what "kind" of instuctor she is though.

[Pink]

First off, let me offer you a warm welcome to our little getaway. I agree with Sandy. That person was rude and inappropriate. Although it can be difficult, you have to just let it roll off of your back. I am glad you've learned an important lesson -- how much easier it is when you are true to yourself.

Now let's talk about jumps since it's an example you mentioned. I rarely coach them but when I do, I also tell riders to find their own rhythm. Other than popcorns (rapid, out-of-control movements), there is no right & wrong. Although I don't teach to the beat, I am always conscious of the 'tone' a song sets and you will probably find that often, especially with jumps, your riders will fall into the downbeat no matter whether you do or not. So I am always conscious of what is playing when we'll be jumping.

Anyway, just keep on learning & applying. And don't waste time on the rudies.

[megale3]

Funny thing about some instructors they can't help being the center of attention even when they are not on the lead bike. We all should appriciate what it takes to get up there and dance for everyone. Hope that it becomes second nature for you but not so much as it becomes the only you and when you take others classes you can't just ride.
Meg

[like2bike]

Colleen a great big WELCOME to you! So happy you decided to introduce yourself to the rest of us here. You have already discovered how helpful and friendly (and pretty humorous too) the folks here on this forum are, and I'm certain you'll fit right in!

As far as the other instructor attending your class? Well, let me say that this kind of behavior is inexcuseable. I'm sure there were others in your class who were bothered by it and what she managed to do is simply make herself look bad.

Sounds like you did just fine in handling it by not allowing her to get to you (which may be what she was trying to do). No worries. You prevailed. Your regulars appreciate you!

[colleen]

Nah - she didn't get to me... I actually like her a lot. It just made me feel very self-conscious because she is the owner and there was a new student from a "competitor" in the class that she wanted to impress...

What's funny is... the way she was in my class is pretty much the way she teaches her class... talk talk talk talk talk - and not about the ride!! :lol:

[like2bike]

Maybe she can learn something from you then! :D

[kszspin]

Hey Colleen, BIG welcome to the forum! So glad you are posting now.
Thank you for sharing that experience with us, she definetely didn't have good manners in your class. :roll:
I'm glad you can let it roll off of you now. I think you understand deep down that it's her issue and nothing with you. :)

[melanieann]

That stinks about the other instructor behaving that way. I make sure to keep my trap shut, that's not easy either, when I'm on someone else's time. That being said, good job on not letting it rattle you too much. Be like a duck, grasshopper...Let it roll right off your back. Then come here and vent about it to us! :lol:

Also, welcome!

[Moonsavvy]

Without the people on this forum, I probably would have given up instructing altogether. I hope you feel welcome and comfortable chiming in!

[abby_b_fit]

I had something like this happen to me. The Aerobics Director from our gym came to one of my classes and one of her best friends parked herself right next to her and talked the entry time. It was very distracting indeed. With that said, I did recieve an email from my director apologizing for all the chatter and I got a raise to boot. Perhaps you will too.


Welcome, and keep the posts coming!!!!


---A

[Moonsavvy]

Well I read your post again...and I have to say that I don't always go with the beat of the music, but I usually do. I find that there is something very powerful when you transition, pedal, ect, to the beat that really just feels good. With that said, sometimes I will speed up a song or cue them to race the beat, ect. But if you choose the right song for the purpose, it is a very easy cadence check. Just something to think about I would never say your way is wrong, or vice versa, but because you are new it's ok to play around and find what works for you. :)

[monical1]

What the other Instructor did is absolutely unforgivable! I took another Instructor's class just to remember what it was like to be a student again and, even though our styles are very different, it was just what I needed to remind me of why I teach IDC and it never even crossed my mind to act as anything but another student in her class. Some respect, please! It's a tricky situation being that it was the owner of the club that did this. If the playing field was a bit more level you could tell her how unacceptable her behavior was. You can handle it with kid gloves and tell her that in the future you would appreciate it if she saves her oppinions until the class is finished. I would just have to tell her that she was messin' with my mo-jo! (Just for the record, I'm one of those people who says what I should have said or done after the fact. I'm always at a loss for words when I need them). I'm sure you handled yourself beautifully and it sounds to me like you definitely have what it takes to be a great Instructor!

Monica

[jmd]

hi colleen, i have a daughter with your name....sorry, just a little fun fact! anyway, i found it interesting that the person who did this was an owner/instructor! :shock:why is it that the people who we would think would be the most professional and supportive, are the least? my take....she wanted to rock you because she's threatened by you! so you go and stay true to your style and form and be the best in all areas. i know that feeling you had....i've been in your shoes, let it go and just get better. :P sometimes i think women never really graduated from that queen bee, wanna bee phase in junior high :roll: ick! take care...jmd :D