Last Tuesday I posted about creating goals that were outside of my comfort zone. I set two goals:
- Complete a longer early morning run
- Try a yoga class
I stepped up to the challenge and completed both my goals. On Thursday morning, I woke up before the sun rose and managed to get 7.40 miles in before work. The ground was covered with frost and I could see my breath. It was a chilly morning run but very enjoyable!
Lululemon In Stride Jacket
On a side note- I purchased an In Stride Jacket from Lululemon in the fossil color. This jacket kept me so warm. The wind didn’t break through. I was a little surprised because it is a lighter jacket. Some of my favorite features of this jacket are:
- -The thumb holes keep my hands and knuckles warm. Longer sleeves make it easy to cover up your hands when you forget mittens!
- -The jacket is longer and fits tighter around my waist and butt preventing the wind from going up.
- -Finally I love the tall, zip up neck collar. It keeps my neck and chin warm and protects against the wind. Money well spent on this jacket!
Early morning run with my new Lululemon In Stride Jacket to keep me warm- Check!
Next goal was to try yoga…I didn’t waste anytime jumping right into it.
Decked out in yoga gear from head to toe:
- 1. Cool Racerback Tank from Lululemon
- 2. In Stride Jacket from Lululemon
- 3. The Mat from Lululemon in black with strap
- 4. Denim Lululemon Crops
- 5. Black Reef Sandals
CorePower- Sculpt Yoga:
One of my girl friends invited me to a Sculpt Yoga class at CorePower. I had no idea what “sculpt” yoga was. I had to ask my girlfriend if you wore shoes. All I needed was my mat and myself.
We were a little late to class because of traffic but we made it! When we arrived the instructor asked if I brought a towel. I was a little shocked and said, “no.” But no worries because my girlfriend had my back and brought me a towel. I was so curious why I needed a towel for yoga?
When I walked into the yoga studio I was blasted with intense heat- I had just walked into Sculpt yoga which is HOT yoga with WEIGHTS!
Instantly I started to sweat. This is why I needed that towel.
I didn’t know the name of any of the yoga positions except for downwards dog and chair pose. I just watched the instructor and tried my best to follow along.
The temperature in the room must have been in the high 90s. Sweat was dripping off of everyone like a running faucet. There were three times that I panicked a little because I thought I was getting over heated. After seeing other people leave class because of the heat I really started to worry, thinking, “can I do this?”. But I didn’t leave. I was determined to finish the class and not look like the “new kid.”
I think the reason I was able to stay in class was because I took my time. I concentrated on slow movements and catching my breath. I was really focused.
I did get frustrated at some points of class because I just couldn’t preform the some of the poses. I could tell my upper body needs some strength training, especially my core. It was the same level of frustration I felt when I first started running. I just wanted to be good right away. Practice, Practice, Practice. That’s what I keep telling myself.
Three reasons I am going to continue practicing yoga:
- Become More Flexible- As a runner my quads and so tight, all the time. I know having more flexibility will improve the quality of my running.
- Strengthen my Core- With a stronger core I will improve my posture, improve my running and improve circulation.
- Relax- It is easy for me to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I need to leave behind the small things and focus on my goals and what is most important.
Three key areas I need to focus on:
- Breathing- I need to work on my breathing techniques.
- Balance- Yoga positions are hard! I just need to remember to go slow and focus on me.
- Understanding Failure- I know I am not going to become a professional yogi after two classes and I have to accept that and continue practicing.
Yoga- Another goal accomplished and the start of another new adventure.
Happy Sunday!
Amy
