Happy Panda is Happy

I'll admit, I actually found myself flapping about before the RPM 55 filming trying to make good on my word.

Actually finding a soft toy panda to buy was more of a task than I anticipated. What I thought would be a quick visit to a toy store had me visiting every single store in every single mall I cam across that sold soft toys, the majority of it in vain. I came across loads of bears, monkeys, tigers, elephants, unicorns... I was lamenting my choice of animal pretty quickly.

Then finally I found this little dude.

It's actually a baby rattle, but how cute is it? I just look at it and it makes me smile. How can you not look at it and not feel your heart fill up with warmth? For me, that's what Hernan represented and why people loved him.

All of the running around meant that I only *just* made it to the RPM filming. They were taking people in from the waiting list, and I said "I'm on the normal list." The person on the door gave me a stern telling off (I know, I know, but finding the panda and then finding parking near the gym was a hard ask).

Given the shape of the panda, it was actually really easy to put up on my handlebars.

I was worried that he might slide off at some point in the ride, but he actually stayed in there pretty securely.

He also had a pretty good view of the presenters

I wasn't able to attend the BODYCOMBAT 52 filming as I was covering classes for people who knew Hernan a lot better than I did. So I put together my playlist with as much BODYCOMBAT overlap as possible.

One of the gyms I was teaching at actually know Hernan - he was kind enough to come along and do a special class for them. I notified the members that today's class was a tribute to him, and again, my little panda friend was perched right up in front.

I immediately changed after this class and then headed into the city for the BODYCOMBAT 52 filming. I managed to miss all of it and just entered the room when everyone had cleared the stage, though everyone on the floor was teary eyed. I knew it would have been an emotional experience for everyone there. Everyone I spoke to who attended it said that the cooldown was dedicated to Hernan, and that it was moving and beautiful - the perfect tribute.

I'm sure that we will hear about it from those who were there, and in due course, we will get to experience it on the DVD when it comes out.

The funeral is tomorrow, and I know a large contingent of the Les Mills community will be out in force to pay their respects. He was an incredible man, and he has left an incredible legacy. He will never be forgotten.