Random thoughts from Day One of IDEA 25:

I happened on the 7am Cycle Karaoke session just as a non-English-speaking fellow from Russia "won" the chance to lead the class in singing/cycling to "She Bang" as the words scrolled across the nearby screen. Somehow, yelling out "Yeah, Baby!," the only English words he could think of, sounded just as good as the real lyrics and brought raucous cheers from the class.

Best memory from the Opening Ceremony: The long, serious, sustained applause for Augie Nieto, fitness icon now afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease-and that was before he spoke. Augie delivered his words carefully but with passion and great humor.

Len Kravitz' session on his favorite topic: Metabolism. You can read Len's words in IDEA Fitness Journal, but hearing him speak is the best way to get hooked on the subject. There was Len in his trademark blue & green patterned shirt moving constantly and explaining how he adds steps to his day by walking to the farthest bathroom from his university office; walking to other professor's offices instead of calling or e-mailing; and carrying his grocery bags into the house from the car one by one.

Meeting Sue Bolton, IDEA member from Michigan, who, while adjusting for jet lag, was so happy to be here and share her memories from World conventions since 1988.