WOW...

Last week I did 6 miles and they were mostly walking. This morning I went to the local gym, WOW, with Erin and did 2 on the elliptical. I can feel it in my legs but think I needed to go faster.

Signing up was actually a funny experience. WOW is known for being a bit shady when it comes to sales. Not only had we heard this first hand but there are countless reviews online warning people for the used salesman pitch. So we went in armed emotionally and with different ads/coupons that we had at home. Erin had given me a free 6 month coupon which said "6 months free for non-members." Ken and I were ready for some catch but assumed that it was just not good for current members - you can see that right? Anyway, we get in there and are given an unwanted tour but the ditsiest girl named Jenn - like Kenn with a J and two n's...

So she shows us around and I must note that Ken and I were dressed to work out. Except that it was snowy so I had on boots with capri yoga pants (yes really), and he is lacking in workout pants so he had paint all over his pants. We looked like total losers, the place was packed and Jenn was like "so, have you ever used a treadmill???" Fake, peppy, blah. Finally we sit down at her desk and she lays out the deal for us. My coupon is only good towards a 2 year membership which I have to pay full price for - meaning $299 down and then $20 a month. I did a little math and realized this probably wasn't my best option since our other ad said $20 down and $20/month for life. So she kept offering us these different options like Ken could join and I could be the family member which meant it would only be $35 down and $10/month or something like that.


Anyway, eventually I sort of gave up and was like: look, I didn't really plan to pay anything tonight. I thought I had 6 months free and I really think you should honor your coupon. So she goes and gets her manager....Rome. He was a scrawny black guy, sort of like Flava Flave but not quite as dark. His race is not important, but his skeviness is. He was SO skeevy. He was like wheeling and dealing and finally said: look, what if I let Ken have the $20 down and $20 a month and you can come with him for free, forever. DEAL.

So I am feeling proud and the guy goes to let Jenn know that we have a deal when Ken leans over and says "I think there is a sign over there that says friends are allowed free for life." Sure enough: FRIENDS FREE FOR LIFE was written on a white board by the entrance. So I got a little pissed. I mean, Rome made it seem like a deal and I am not stupid. But I was also getting tired of the game. So I figured whatever, Ken's was a good deal and I have a gym memberships so fine. So Jenn is filling out our paperwork and doesn't have anything for me. So I ask how I am going to go in with him and she said that the people there know about the program. So I asked how do I know that the program will go on for the rest of my life. She's getting really mad at me and is just like: I don't know? So I asked her to write on the contract that I could come in for life. At this point, I am picturing me as an 85 year old woman who the staff laughs at every day as I come in with the crinkled up contract and declare that I am here again and I am still alive and it's STILL FREE. But Jenn wouldn't write it on the contract. So I asked for Rome who also refused to write on the contract. So again I asked how I knew that I could come in forever and he again said not to worry about it, he would be there. I was like: Rome, we both know you won't work here forever so come on. I realllllly don't like the "don't you worry little girl" thing. So I made him write it on a piece of paper and then he wasn't going to sign it so I was going to leave. Finally he signed it. Again, I will carry this paper with me FOR LIFE.