For the Love of Yoga and Running

I have a new site!!

2009-01-28T17:09:00.004-05:00

Hello readers!

I am happy to report that I now have a combined blog and website!

http://kfabian.com/

From this point forward, all my new blog entries will be on that site. Please continue to read, comment and enjoy my blog from there!

And.. you'll also be able to get information about yoga services and general health and wellness information on my website as well.

Enjoy!

Why I love American Idol

2009-01-22T22:34:00.003-05:00

I never used to watch American Idol. I only started watching it two seasons ago. But once I started watching it, I was hooked. Sure, I had to trudge through the crappy commercials, the blatant product placement, the silly bickering among the judges and the mindless banter, but aside from all that, the essence of American Idol is people stepping out and taking a chance to really show themselves. And when they do, it's magic.

I love to sing myself and believe me, I know how hard it is to sing in front of people. Most of us can belt it out when we're alone but to have the nerve to really sing our hearts out in front of people takes a lot of guts. I tried karaoke once and even though I was pretty confident in my voice, I was very self- conscious. That's why when I watch American Idol and I see someone with confidence and poise, standing up strong, making no excuses and belting out a song with all their might, it is just so inspiring. Sure, it's commercial. Sure, it's a TV show... but somewhere in all of us, we wish we had the nerve to do what these kids do. Stand up tall and throw it all down, no excuses. And when you see the exuberance and joy in their faces when they make it to the next stage of the competition, it gives me such a great feeling inside that I can also reach out for my dreams and taste success and joy.

Yoga practice is a wonderful way to build the confidence inside of all of us. Without words, we move strongly yet silently through the postures. We struggle with some, move with ease through others but in the end the sum total of all the postures is the equation of our belief in ourselves merged with our commitment to our health.

The modality in American Idol is singing. It could be anything though; what they "do" is not the point. It's just the window dressing. The essence of American Idol, if you look past the commercial icing on the cake, is it asks the question, " Do you have what it takes to stand up strong, be yourself, no excuses and do your best?" That's a question for all of us, in all aspects of our lives.

So, do you?

The audacity of hope

2009-01-20T21:19:00.004-05:00

"Audacity. Meaning: fearless, daring."

I don't consider myself a very political person. Certainly I have opinions and ideas but I don't profess to have a deep understanding of the intricacies of the political landscape in this country. But today, you didn't need to be a political person to be caught up in the energy of what was happening. You just could feel it. The idea that change is an energy that moves people; one that gives them hope and renews their faith even in the face of extraordinary challenges. To be fearless and daring even when all the odds are stacked against you. To believe even when no one else does; even on some level, maybe even yourself. I thought about that today as I thought of Barack Obama's book title, The Audacity of Hope.

This is a message that has no political party. It knows nothing of religion, sex, socioeconomic status. It only asks that you believe. Believe in yourself, believe in the power of intention, believe in the power of positive thinking. Believe in hope.

So on this day, think not only about the state of our country, but also on the state of your own personal "state." Have hope. Set intentions around positive changes you want to make in your life. Maybe they have to do with yoga. Or running. Or healthy eating. Or your finances. Or your personal relationships. Or your job. While these things may seem to pale in comparison to what we're facing as a country, you have a lot more control over these things than changing the direction of some of the major issues we're facing collectively. And what better place to start in cleaning up the country then your own "state of the union." If we all took the time to be the best we could be as individuals, think what an impact that would have on our communities, our families, our states and eventually, our country.

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

President Barack Obama's inaugural address, January 20, 2009.

Let your past inspire you

2009-01-18T21:14:00.005-05:00

I went running today. Finally! It's been a few weeks with the really cold weather we've been having. But 22 degrees today felt like 40. And I've lost my tolerance for cold weather so you can believe me it felt warm. I went for a run on a course I've run before but the last time was when I was training for the marathon. I've lost quite a bit of my marathon running fitness since October, but as I ran today on the all-too-familiar path ( it was part of my long runs) I thought back to just a few months ago when I was in great running form. I tried to connect to how it felt and even more importantly ( to me ) how great it felt to be running in warm weather. I let the feeling I love of being committed to a goal, committed to training and on a path to achieving something I wanted in my life wash over me like a wave. And after a few miles, I felt great.

All too often we beat ourselves up for things we did in our past. They say those that forget the past are condemed to repeat it but what about those that forget the good of their past? It's so easy to focus on the "bad" or those things we wished we did differently. But instead of trying to change what you can't ( it's over and done) why not let the things you did in the past where you were inspired, committed, dedicated, healthy, loving, open, intelligent and at peace be what drives you?

The dark days of winter are tough times for people like me that love the summer. I can easily fall into a bad mood in the winter and it only has to do with the weather. So these days more than ever, I find myself thinking of warmer days and the great feelings of being on the beach, running in the sun, walking the dog outside and lingering on a bench in front of our favorite coffeehouse. I let those thoughts keep me warm as I'm shoveling or huddling in the wind.

Use your good memories and feelings to banish the bad. You have such a wealth of them and if you don't, well, there's always time to create some.

Be well.

Is it ever too late to give up on your dreams?

2009-01-17T13:15:00.004-05:00

I was watching Anthony Kim play golf last weekend and instead of being inspired, I got really depressed. Here's a guy, all of 23, playing on the PGA tour. He's living his dream. He's living his dharma, as we say in yoga. Your "purpose in life." I thought a lot about my purpose in life that night and it was a pretty sobering experience.

The practical side of the world we live in demands that we balance our passion and the pragmatic. The challenges of creating a life where you can live your dreams while trying to pay your bills requires creative thinking that can strain even the most out-of-the-box thinkers. I sometimes wish I had tapped into my passion when I was very young; I would have had the opportunity to not only explore it deeper, but would have perhaps lived a more basic lifestyle... one in which I never acquired a mortgage, a car, some credit card debt... all the things that somehow keep us ( at times) tethered to the practical when all we want to do is live our dreams.

But then I think that without the path of my life as it has been, I would not have the wisdom I have today. The challenges of balancing it all creates a struggle of sorts that makes even the smallest victories all the more sweet. It also gives me a deep well of experiences and feelings from which to draw upon when teaching or writing.

I share these thoughts with you today because I look for inspiration in my own words. I know as a yoga student, I am often amazed by how the words of the teacher can strike a chord in me. The universality of our struggle as humans never ceases to amaze me. We can think we're so alone but then if the courage to open up to another strikes us, we realize we are not alone at all and so many others share the same thoughts and are trying to climb the same mountain. I somehow made the leap the other night that I was too old to live my dreams. Imagine that! Somehow in my feeling-sorry-for-myself state, that is the best excuse I could conjure up.

You are never too old or too late to live your dreams. If you're living without inspiration to be more, do more, live your passion, your life may lack the luster of one who has found or is trying to find, his or her purpose in life. I remember when I left my corporate career to teach yoga full-time. There were many people I worked with who admitted to me, on my last day at work, what their real passions were. There were writers and artists and a dancer. These were people that I'd worked with for two years and never had an idea that under their exterior was all this passion brewing for something that most of them hardly spent any time exploring.

When we live disconnected from our passion, the fire inside us dies. Our inspiration, our drive, our energy, our love for life all comes from doing what we love. The title of this blog, "For the love of Yoga and Running" describes what I love. My greatest joys come from teaching yoga, practicing, running and racing. The marathon I finally ran last year was one of the biggest achievements of my life and one for which I am very proud (I'm thinking of doing it again this year!) To live without these things in my life would be as if I were operating without a limb.

I've spent the past few days digesting my thoughts from last weekend and have started to write down ways that I can stay connected and explore my passions further. This blog is one way that I can keep my passion for both yoga and running alive. So look for more regular posts again. I seemed to have lost track once I finished the marathon in October but I've decided to get back into a regular routine of writing. I hope you enjoy it and find that it inspires you to explore your dreams and passions in a deeper way.

"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music -- the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself."

-- Henry Miller, American Author

Metallica and Yoga Practice?

2009-01-03T08:33:00.004-05:00

"So close no matter how far
Couldnt be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never opened myself this way...Life is ours, we live it our way...
All these words I dont just say....And nothing else matters...."

These are the lyrics from the song, "Nothing else Matters" by Metallica. Now, what's a yoga lover doing listening to one of the most famous heavy metal bands in history? Well, over the past several months, I've been exposed to the band for the first time ever ( other than hearing about them .. I don't live in a cave, you know?). As you can imagine, my sweetie loves them and grew up learning how to play guitar, sing, play drums and just all around love music by listening to this band. I have to say, some of their songs are too much for me, but this one really gets to me. They do a version with the San Francisco Philharmonic that you can grab off of iTunes that will just make your heart melt. And that's what it did to me.

I've been listening to the song for the past several months and the other day I was inspired to try to practice to it. I set up my mat at home, downloaded a bunch of their music off of iTunes ( thanks, Bill!) and started away. About halfway through, I did a really intense standing backbend during my sun salutations and I literally heard a crack! It was just my pectorals expanding and stretching but it felt like some kind of hard outer shell around my heart just popped and split open. It was so intense and between the physical feeling and the music, I just started to feel my eyes well up with tears ( for all you cynics out there, don't freak out). It was a pretty amazing feeling.

Music can bring us to places that we can't go without it. It can inspire us, make us feel happy or sad and help us bring amazing joy into our lives. One of my favorite workouts is to sing my heart out to some of my favorite videos on YouTube ( thank you Chad, Steve and Jawed). If you've never done it, give it a shot. It'll make you feel like you ran around the block a few times and you'll just feel alive. That's why I love chanting three Ohms before a yoga practice. It's a great way to say, "I'm here, I'm alive and I feel great!" ( ok, so some days I don't feel like that, but I chant anyway!).

Find some music that inspires you. Match it up with something you love, like running or yoga. Add it to your workout. And let go. Let the music move you. Oh, and if you have a second, take a listen to "Nothing else matters." See what you think!

Be well.

What me? Worry?

2008-12-30T09:43:00.003-05:00

I recently received a very interesting gift. It's a small hand carved yogi. It's called a "weeping yogi." Hand carved by the people of Bali, it's meant to be a symbol for meditation. The Balinese believe that you should share your sorrows and worries with this little yogi as he willingly accepts his role in life to shoulder the sorrows and worries of others. Wouldn't you know, I got it just in time as things arrived in my life to worry about! How fortunate!

The little yogi got me thinking about the power of superstitions. As this new year approaches, it reminds me of another one. On the first day of every month, the first thing you are to say upon waking up, before you utter a word is, "Rabbit, Rabbit" and you will have good luck for the whole month. A friend told me about this superstition many years ago and I always try to remember to say it. Do I know if it works? Not really. But on some level it makes me feel good to give it a shot. You can read more about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_rabbit

As this New Year's day approaches, with all the pressure inspired by our culture and the media especially to "make a resolution to ______ ( fill in the blank) it seems almost silly to lean on these superstitions to try to create positive change in your life. But ultimately, it should be whatever you want that inspires you to make change. Tie a string around your finger, don't step on cracks in the sidewalk, post sticky notes in your home with positive sayings, create a vision board... these are all just some ideas focused on generating the energy for change.

As far as worry, it's just human nature to worry. It really does not serve us. Worry is just a way of our expressing fear at the idea of losing something or someone. Loss of health, loss of love, loss of money.. these all are the core of worry. If we can take one lesson from our friend Buddha, it's the idea of non-attachment. Easy to say, hard to do. Live life attached to nothing and you will have no worries. Maybe. Maybe not. But live your life with the abandon of a child and you will know joy. And everyone can use a little joy in their life.

Have a wonderful New Year.

Namaste.

Take a bath!

2008-12-14T16:50:00.004-05:00

I went to my sweetie's parent's home yesterday afternoon for a visit. Truth be told, we'd been on the driving range hitting balls in the cold (golf is an outdoor sport, right?) and when we arrived a bit early for dinner, his mom whisked me off and before I knew it, I was soaking in their big jacuzzi bathtub. She's a real sweetheart and her motherly advise to "soak in a hot tub" sounded like the perfect post-cold-golf medicine. And boy, was it. I honestly can say it's been years since I have taken a bath (my condo only has a shower) and I could have easily fallen asleep in the tub. I lingered for about 20 minutes and when I got out and we relaxed over dinner, I must say I have never felt better.

It got me thinking as I was teaching this morning and was relaying this sentiment how many things are accessible to us where the payoff is huge and we can feel so much better but the effort we need to expend is pretty small. Taking a bath, walking outside, hugging a dog, spending time with a child. Taking a yoga class, going for a run, doing any kind of exercise. Reading a good book, taking a deep breath, sitting in stillness for 10 minutes with your eyes closed. These things are natural medicine for your body. You don't have to take a pill, buy a lot of equipment and it's not complicated. But yet, we always try to make life so complex and we never take the time to do the things that would allow us to feel great.

If you have a tub, take a bath. If you don't, take a minute and think about what makes you feel good. Then, do it.

Wherever you go, there you are

2008-12-09T21:14:00.003-05:00

I read today in the paper that Oprah was dismayed to admit that she has hit 200 pounds. Dear god. She reported that despite dropping to 160 several months ago, she has been struggling with her thyroid, developed an aversion to exercise and just started eating whatever she wanted, knowing that eventually it would catch up with her.

It's funny how we sometimes think that when you have money (and who has more money than Oprah?!) you don't have the same old regular problems that the rest of us have. I sometimes look at the movie stars and the people the media chases and think wistfully that they must not struggle with the same image issues as the rest of us. "They have access to the best personal trainers, best nutritionists and certainly enough money to buy great clothes and go on wonderful vacations to exotic locations," I would think.

But at the end of the day, guess what? Money can't buy you motivation. It can't guarantee you lose weight. It can't ensure you eat right every day. It can't get you up off the couch to exercise. It can't give you the confidence to make the right choices about what to do with your free time. And really, these are all the same core issues that we each deal with every day, regardless of how much money we have.

There's a great book by the mind/body expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn called "Wherever you go, there you are." It's a comment on the fact that no matter how far you run, how far you try to hide, your issues will still be with you. I remember in the movie "Pretty Woman," at the end, when Richard Gere's character tries to tell Julia Roberts' character that while he can't really commit to her in a real way, he'll take care of her, buy her a home, buy her clothes and see her whenever he can. "It'll get you off the street," he says to her. "That's just geography," she says back. She realizes that until she digs deep down and attacks the real issues inside her, it won't matter where she lives, or what she wears, or how much money she has. Because "wherever she goes, there she'll be."

Oprah hopefully will realize the same thing and soon.

We all have these things inside us that we keep running up against time and time again. And the older we get, we wonder if we'll ever break the patterns we've established. Patterns are like the concentric rings inside a tree; you cut a tree down and you see inside the concentric circles that tell the story of it's life. But we always have the power to change and to make positive changes in our life.

I see people in my yoga classes all the time and when they take their first downward dog, I start to get a sense of who they are. Without words, I watch as they move through their practice. I get an idea of if they're confident, if they're tentative, if they're strong, if they're passive. I get an idea of their optimism, their ability to learn and be open-minded. And time and time again, I am amazed at the power of the human spirit to try, to make an effort, to continue to push oneself, despite challenge. And it gives me faith. That we all have it inside us to make positive changes and turn over a new leaf. And all it takes is that first step.

Be well.

Creating space at home for your practice

2008-11-30T19:12:00.004-05:00

I created a new space for my home yoga practice today. Coming from a die-hard in-studio student, it's been a pretty big deal for me to be practicing at home. But a variety of things have come together to render me interested in creating some time and space for practice at home. Truth be told, part of the challenge has been getting the motivation to go out in the dark at night and practice in the studio. So, I've decided to give home practice a try; at least for now, a few days per week.

Prior to tonight, I was practicing by the front door. It was the only logical place to roll out a mat. But I moved a few things around and found a good space in a new spot for my mat. As I rolled the mat out in the area that used to be home for my dog's resting place ( a pretty, flowered soft rug) she looked at me rather concerned and confused as to why I was taking over "her" spot. But she loves yoga so after a few sun salutations, she settled into a new spot by the front door on the rug that's in the entry way. Dogs are so adaptable. It's something we can all learn from our furry friends.

So, I popped a CD into my computer, which was conveniently on my desk, next to my mat and off I went. I had a small heater by the mat and a few extra layers on, but as I tried out my new spot, I really felt like it could work. I christened it with a one hour practice, complete with the dog excitedly milling about during backbends (she loves that part!).

So, I'll try this for a few weeks and see how it feels. If this cold, dark weather has you down, look around your space and see if you can create a place for a home yoga practice. It will bring excellent energy into your home!

Be well.

Being grateful

2008-11-26T16:43:00.002-05:00

I went for a run this afternoon. The sun was still out, it wasn't too cold and I started to think about what it means to be grateful. It's been hard these days to be grateful, what with the economy being what it is and every day the headlines scream about another drop in some significant economic indicator or another bail-out by the government of another company. But as I went on my run today ( post- root canal, mind you) I forced myself to start a mental list:

I'm grateful for my health; that I can run and practice yoga. I'm grateful for my friends and family and that they love and support me, no matter what. I'm grateful that I am an intelligent, motivated person that has proven she can survive life's challenges. I'm grateful I have a few dollars in the bank and a job and fairly nice place to live. I'm grateful for my dog and that I have a really special someone in my life that I care deeply about.

There are lots of times in life you can think of the glass as half-full, but on this eve if Thanksgiving, what can you be grateful for?

I will run a short 4 miler tomorrow. My first Turkey day race.

Eat well, be well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Things are not as bad as you think!

2008-11-23T16:21:00.004-05:00

All week I have been complaining about how the cold is preventing me from running outside. True, it's cold and yes, that's a barrier to running. But once you bundle up, it's really not that bad. So today, one of the coldest days of early winter thus far, I decided enough is enough. I donned my layers and went out into the sun. And within a few minutes something strange happened. I was hot! Yes, sweating in all my layers and wondering how it was possible that I turned a few cold days into an attitude of defeat. Needless to say, I quickly realized that I had made much ado about nothing. It was great to be outside running after a week off and honestly, I didn't care at all about how fast I ran. It was just great to have gotten over what had become a major mental block. ( truth be told, about 4 miles into the run I developed a very strange pain in my left knee, the likes of which I have not felt since the marathon. I walked the final mile home, which I can honestly tell you, I never do)

We all have mental blocks. They can be around exercise, asking someone out on a date, getting your act together around looking for a new job or organizing your financial papers and information. We can have blocks around communicating, confronting and facing our own truths. We can live in denial all our life and never realize our full potential. Or we can take a chance and see what happens. Life is full of so much possibility and we only have to take that first step to realize how amazing we can really be.

I read (or should say consumed) comedian Artie Lange's book, "Too Fat to Fish" this weekend. You can find it on Amazon at www.amazon.com

For those of you that are unfamiliar, Artie Lange is a regular on the Howard Stern show, weekdays on Sirius Satellite radio. (Yes, some yoga teachers listen to Howard Stern). Artie has lived a very destructive life and while he is wildly successful, it's his periods of dark depression and drug addition to the point several times that has almost killed him. In fact, there are websites dedicated to predicting when Artie will, in fact, die. The book is a picture of honesty, darkness, truth and passion and while it's hard to characterize it as "good," I would describe it as "gripping." It's the kind of read that makes you want to watch a Disney movie after you're done, or go play with a child. It's raw, it's sad, it's scary and the truth of the matter is, part of Artie is in all of us. If you've ever hated yourself the next morning for your behavior the night before, if you've ever felt you've let down your friends and family, if you've ever lacked the self-esteem to realize your full potential, you've been in the same place he has been. Now, you may not have resorted to some of the same incredibly destructive behaviors, but make no mistake about it, inaction is just as destructive over time as outright dangerous action.

As you head into this holiday week, think about what you have been lacking motivation or mindset to achieve. Set some intentions and use the positive energy of the holiday spirit to move you towards that first step.

Be grateful.

How focused are you?

2008-11-18T19:17:00.004-05:00

With the recent shift in the weather, I've taken my workouts indoors. Truth be told, I hate the cold. Plus, I like giving my body a break from running. Even though the title of the blog is "Love Yoga and Running," in the winter months, there's a lot more yoga going on.

Recently however, I've found that my personal preferences, finances and schedule really don't permit me to take a lot of group classes. So, I've started practicing at home. Now that may sound great and convenient, but truth be told it can be challenging at times. You first have to find a good spot in your home. For me, it's right by the front door. Where there's a big draft. Enough said. ( I pull out a little space heater) Then there's the challenge of trying to stay focused on your practice when the phone rings, you look and see dust under the couch, you realize your block is in the car, you remember you wanted to put that laundry in the dryer and then, lest I forget, your dog is wandering around you excitedly because she loves yoga! Needless to say, it takes even the most dedicated yogi to be able to maintain focus under these conditions.

So, I've found I just connect to what I can do. Maybe it's not the most strenuous workout. Maybe it's not the most difficult practice. Maybe I'm not being pushed to deeper places as I might be in a group class where the heat and the group experience can take you further than you can sometimes go on your own. But you know what? So what. I'm doing it. And quite honestly, that's all that matters.

Make no mistake about it; the concentration and focus you practice on your mat will carry well to lots of situations. Work is the first one that comes to mind. Most of us work in places where there's a lot of activity. You can't always close your door or move to a conference room to do your job. So, you need to be able to call on something deeper that allows you to focus. Running or any other kind of athletic endeavor requires tremendous focus on the task at hand. Working on a project, writing, reading, thinking and planning for your future; these things all require a single-mindedness and dedication, oftentimes despite what else is going on around you.

So as you practice your poses, remember: there's a lot more going on than meets the eye.

Is slow yoga good yoga?

2008-11-17T19:51:00.002-05:00

I practiced at home tonight. I did about 45 minutes of a very slow yoga practice. I hardly broke a sweat. Are you conditioned to determining the quality of your workouts by how much you sweat?

My yoga training was done in a studio where the room is heated to over 90 degrees. The style of yoga that I teach and enjoy doing is a very athletic style. Any ninety minute class will give you a true workout from head to toe. But sometimes, it's just not possible to do the full ninety minute flow. And sometimes, you can't get to a studio where the room is heated. So, I suppose you make do with what you have.

One of my yoga teachers used to say that it's better to do a little bit of yoga regularly, than a lot of yoga infrequently. He often handed out this explanation to students who asked him the age old question: " How often should you practice yoga and what if you don't have 90 minutes a day?" I thought of his answer tonight because all I could muster was about 45 minutes of slow yoga done in a room where I had a little space heater blasting at my feet just to try to get a sense of some warmth going.

All and all, it comes down to finding what works for you. I find that sometimes I place too much value on the intensity of the workout instead of just the mere fact that I'm exercising and moving my body in any way, shape or form. Honestly, not everyone can even say that. So, tonight, I am simply grateful for the fact that I did some yoga, moved my body and breath and was able to shift my energy at least a little.

Be well.

A new race!

2008-11-11T20:03:00.002-05:00

I signed up for my Turkey day race.

Go to www.coolrunning.com and sign up for the first annual Marathon Sports Gobble Gobble Gobble race!

It looks like a great way to start a day of eating! Come ON! You can definitely run four miles!

Three weeks and what's new?

2008-11-10T09:29:00.002-05:00

It's been three weeks since the marathon. Here's a status update as to what's new:

1. I don't blog as often.
2. I am amazed at how long it's taking me to get back to regular running shape.
3. I took my first group hot yoga class in months and it kicked my butt! (See: Roman Spzond's class at Inner Strength in Watertown www.innerstrengthyoga.com Saturday mornings at 9 am)
4. I have consistently brought my lunch and canceled my daily Starbucks stop and I am amazed at how much extra cash I have. I also save on gas ( no running mid-day to get lunch) and save time in the morning because I don't have to stop at Starbucks. I'm less stressed ( have you ever seen the lines at Starbucks in the morning? People are not happy!) plus the best thing is I've replaced my "go out to lunch" mid-day break with an afternoon run and it's the best swap I've ever done.
5. I miss training for the marathon. I am the kind of person that enjoys having a goal to work towards.

So, some of the things I have in mind for the next month or so, before goal setting for 1/1/09:

1. Get my new website and blog combo up and running.
2. Get back into solid yoga shape
3. Start a regular savings routine using the money formerly used for Starbucks and lunch and move it to a savings account
4. Find a Thanksgiving day race to run ( 5 or 10K) since I will be staying in Boston.

That's the update for now. I hope you found some thoughts here that might be helpful for you.

Have a great day.

Think of a change, do it twice, feel better!

2008-10-30T13:18:00.003-04:00

I envisioned having the energy and motivation to run at lunchtime two days ago. I did it yesterday and today and I can honestly say, I feel great! It's amazing to me how little we sometimes need to do in order to feel so much better! Just two days ago, I felt like a a bit of a sloth, not even 2 week post-marathon. The change in the weather to cold and getting darker earlier, the change in my exercise routine with the loss of my regimented running plan and maybe eating a bit differently and I was feeling very off. But only two days into running at lunchtime, with the sun out and the daylight and I feel wonderful.

Sometimes we can feel like the hills we need to climb are so high, they're more like mountains. Losing weight, finding a new job, creating a new exercise routine, saving money... these things all can seem like they're out of reach when we think of the ultimate end-goal. But when we break them into reasonable chunks and just start doing something, anything, related to our ultimate goal, we create energy and the momentum. It's this that starts to make us feel better because we finally feel like we're moving forward! Maybe it's a small step; changing what you eat for lunch if you're trying to lose weight; making a list of contacts if you're trying to find a job; finding a new yoga class and attending one class if we're trying to create a new exercise routine. But small steps lead to big change. No steps leads to: nothing! So, envision where you ultimately want to be and then identify one small way you can start to create forward moving energy and momentum. You'll be amazed at how good you start to feel: right away! And guess what? The universe very much honors positive energy. It begets more positive energy. This means the more postive energy you create, the more the universe supports you in the direction you want to go (if you don't believe this, that's ok. You don't have to.)

The other area of my life that I recently began examining is my finances. I always am watching them closely but recent events in our country caused me to take some more radical action in order to save money. I made a list of personal steps I can take to save money and made a commitment to start doing them. Things like regularly bringing my lunch to work; not buying magazines, limiting eating out; cutting back on Starbucks stops and making drinks at home; taking cash out at the beginning of the week and only using that until week's end ( no last minute runs to the ATM). Finally, I made a plan for dinners and did one grocery shopping on Sunday to last me all week. Oh, and I went outside my neighborhood to find some cheap gas stations. You'd be amazed at what you can find if you look.

With my new-found list of budget changes, I feel more in control then ever before. Now, when I turn on the news and I hear about the stock market's status, the consumer confidence level, the economy's temperature I just smile. I have created my own economic climate and for now, things are not so bad.

Get out and enjoy the sun!

Wonder where I've been?

2008-10-29T16:17:00.003-04:00

Wonder where I've been, dear blog reader friends? Well, I haven't been running, that's for sure!

After the marathon on the 19th, I took most of that week off. As you saw, I tried a little yoga one night and felt reasonable. I then tried a five mile run on Friday night, 10/24, and to my surprise, I started getting tight calves about halfway through the run. I forged on though, desparate to get a sweat going in an all-familiar way. The next day, Saturday, I took a wonderful yoga workshop and felt great. I rested Sunday through today and tried a short 3 mile run today, which went pretty well.

So, overall, it's been a pretty slow recovery since the race. I feel like I've put on a few pounds too from just eating a bit more and not sweating as much! Needless to say, it does not feel great and I'm struggling to get into a new routine. Why the heck did I pick this picture of snow? Well, believe it or not, parts of NY and NJ got snow yesterday! Yes, my friends, it's time that we runners start to think about getting creative with running so we can keep ourselves out there even in these cold winter months. Truth be told, I do a lot more yoga in the winter than run. I like the rest it gives my body and honestly, I'm a wimp for the cold. But today I ran at lunchtime and it was great. I am truely grateful when my work schedule permits a 60 minute break that will allow me to run about 3-4 miles, shower and be back at my desk. If you can do it, I highly encourage it. You get to run with the light and some sun and then when you go home after work, you can relax and have fun.

This weekend we turn the clocks back. Although it's a sign that we're headed into the winter months ( which, here in New England seem to last forever!), let's use it as the catalyst to start a new routine. Bundle up and take your dog for regular long walks. Start a lunchtime work out routine. Pick a new yoga studio and find a night class that will get you out of the house regularly instead of on the couch under a blanket. Get a work out partner and pick some collective times to exercise together.

We all need a little inspiration. Each year, I go over to the local Life is Good store http://www.lifeisgood.com/ and I buy a few cool scarfs and hats. It's part of my "love winter" plan.

Do something that will help you ring in the new season! Be well.

I can do yoga! I can do yoga!! A post-marathon entry

2008-10-21T20:51:00.003-04:00

I have never been more happy to practice yoga than tonight. After the Sunday marathon, I was seriously starting to wonder if I'd ever be able to move my body in any coordinated way. Ah, impatience! It's only been 48 hours and already I'm yearning to move my body in an athletic way. So be it. It's in my bones and there's nothing I can do about it. But, truth be told, I am still quite sore, especially the quads. I have heard about this kind of post-marathon soreness but never experienced it. It's not all that fun! Especially when you see people running and you wonder how you'll ever get up the strength and flexibility to run again.

I practiced for about an hour. It was slow going but honestly, it was 100 times better than I expected. I modified a bit, but all in all, I had a regular practice albeit a bit slow. I think I'll continue with this until Saturday with a few brisk walks in between. I am excited to be attending a benefit yoga class on Saturday (see www. omgal.com for details). It will be my first group yoga class in months and one taught by a very good friend and teacher colleague of mine. I figure by Saturday I'll be even more healed and ready for more strenuous movement.

I want to take some time to acknowledge all the well-wishes sent by family and friends both before and after the race. I was really supported by so many of you and you all have commented to me on how you're enjoying the blog. I've had some questions from people inquiring about the fate of said blog: if it's intention was to be a training tool for my marathon training, what will become of it now that the race is over? Well, fear not my reader friends. I have been working behind the scenes at one URL that will provide you with my website and blog in one space, condensed into an easy-to-read format and full of interesting resource information about yoga and running. I haven't had the time to devote to setting it up but now that I'm not training, it should be a piece of cake!

I look forward to continuing to share with all of you and thank you for all your support.

More details will follow soon!

I got soul but I'm not a soldier

2008-10-19T18:18:00.001-04:00

Remember that great song that was the backdrop for the Olympic Nike commercial? I watched it this morning and chanted it more than a few times today on the run.

All done! 4:14:40. Feel tired but good. All in all, it wasn't so bad! It was fun in a very weird way.

I am happy and at peace.

Sleep well. I know I will!

Just do it

2008-10-19T05:32:00.002-04:00

Just do it.

Talk to you post-marathon!

Love and peace.

Get Inspired!

2008-10-18T08:14:00.003-04:00

( Soldier one) "The Almighty says this MUST be a fashionable fight. It's drawn the finest people!"

( Soldier two) " Where is thy salute??"

(Gibson) " For presenting yourselves on this battlefield, I give you thanks."

(Soldier two) " This is OUR army. To join it you give homage!"

(Gibson) " I give homage to Scotland. And if this is your army, why does it go??"

(Soldier three) " We didn't come here to fight for them! The english are too many!"

"Sons of Scotland. I am William Wallace."

(Soldier three) "William Wallace is seven feet tall!"

(Gibson) "Yes, I've heard. Kills men by the hundreds and if he were here, he'd consume the English with fireballs from his eyes and bolts of lightning from his arse. I AM William Wallace. And I see, a whole army of my countrymen here in defiance of tyranny. You have come to fight as free men. And free men you are. What will you do with that freedom?? Will you fight?"

(Soldier three) " Against that? No! We will run. And we will live!"

(Gibson) "Aye. Fight and you may die. Run and you may live. At least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade ALL the days from this day to that for one chance, just ONE chance, to come back here and tell our enemies, that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our FREEDOM!

Can nervous energy work in your favor?

2008-10-16T09:49:00.003-04:00

I woke up today with a lot of nervous energy. Now that we're heading into the final 72 hours before the big race, I am finding that I'm really nervous. Not scared, really, but more just excited and filled with anticipation. I feel this way before every road race but it usually doesn't start until the morning of the race. It's odd to have it start so soon! I guess it starts earlier depending on the length of the race and given this is the longest one I've run, it's starting a few days before!

My past experience with nerves is that they keep me on my toes. They keep me awake and alert and actually help my performance. I remember when I was young and in plays and concerts; recall many years of cheerleading and performing in athletic events. Big meetings at work and public speaking both as part of my professional corporate career and as a yoga teacher. Geez, the first yoga class I taught in a big studio was certainly something that I was really nervous about.. but all those things went well and in retrospect I was prepared and the nerves kept me on my toes and present and aware...all which only helped my performance.

I picked the picture I did today because I recently bought a placemat that I am trying out as a floor tile. It sounds crazy but it's so nice to stand on rocks when you are in bare feet. I might buy a few more and just have an area of the house where you can stand on rocks. It's like a little bit of nature inside and it feels wonderful.

I ran my last run last night before the race. I took a familiar 5 mile route around the Charles. I ran a bit faster than race day pace but it felt natural and healthy. I felt a bit nostalgic as I ran thinking that it was the last time I'd run around the river before the race. Months of preparation and years of running around the river have prepared me for this day. I am so happy that I decided to do this and so happy that I've stuck to the plan and now the day is here.

The next two days is for yoga, hydration and to see the race course tomorrow.

Be well.

Got the number!

2008-10-14T14:42:00.003-04:00

Got my race number today. 631. Sounds good, huh? I think that's a good number. My lucky number is 21, so it's too bad that's not in there, but it'll do. Getting the number is one big thing off my 'to-do' list, especially since it involved driving out to the western suburbs.

Good work. Week is going well so far! Tonight: yoga!

Six days left!

2008-10-13T21:19:00.002-04:00

Went out for a five miler tonight. It was one of those nights when you run around the Charles River in Boston and you look at the sky and there's a full moon.. and the sky is a beautiful shade of blue..and the lights of the buildings make things look all the more bright.. and in that moment, your heart just fills with so much love and gratitude and joy that you're simply alive that you think you might burst out into tears right there on the pavement.

Well, that's how I felt tonight. And if you've never tapped into that depth of feeling, well, I can only hope that you open yourself enough to start to..because it really puts things into perspective.

The legs felt great tonight. For some reason, almost back to normal. Strange because nothing significant has really changed. I did ice yesterday and have been pretty regularly. I'm hoping if I keep up this week with icing I will be in good shape for Sunday.

The plan is posted on the flip chart wall; I've thought of a few more things to add. Tomorrow, I'm getting my race number. It's early but always better to get that out of the way as soon as you can. I'm keeping to the plan for the next week and so far, so good.

Love life.

Write it down.. make it happen!

2008-10-12T07:52:00.004-04:00

I bought a flipchart the other day. Sometimes, when you need to stay focused, you have to go "old school." No computers, spreadsheets or electronic reminders. Just good old-fashioned paper and markers. I made a list. A list of the activities for me for the next seven days and a final "to-do" list of things for the marathon. Things like picking up my race number, seeing the course, sleeping more than usual. Figuring out the schedule for the day of the race, determining what I'm going to wear. Then, I hung it on the bathroom door. That way, I can see it all the time and stay on track.

Do you have a goal you're working towards? Looking for a job, changing careers, losing weight, changing some negative behaviors? Go to Staples. Buy a flipchart and some fun Sharpie markers. Make a list. Hang it up. Then, make it happen.

I ran five yesterday. Legs feel good. Then, I played golf for three hours. A lesson and two hours of the driving range. Needless to say, I'm a bit sore today. Today, rest and a light running week.
Heading for Sunday!

Be well.

Do what matters

2008-10-08T15:06:00.004-04:00

If you read the papers or check the internet during the day, it's most likely you're aware of the current crumbling of our country's financial infrastructure. I read a statement the other day that said the collective losses for people's retirement accounts topped 2 trillon. That's when I decided enough is enough.

I am running a marathon in two weeks (less than, actually). My goal for the next 10 days is to eat well, sleep well, keep stress levels down, be with positive people, smile alot, run and treat my body as best I can, from the inside and out. What that means to me is this: Do what matters. In other words, make critical choices about what you're doing. Say no if you have to. Conserve your energy. Cultivate positive energy. Shun negative energy and people. Avoid reading, doing, anything that is negative. I woke up today with a stiff neck after a very negative experience with someone yesterday. Is that a coincidence? I think not. So guess what? NO MORE.

You don't have to be running a marathon to protect yourself like this. Remember, if you don't watch out for yourself, no one will.

Yesterday's run was short- 3 miles- and it was not super- stellar to say the least. Physical therapy today was aggressive but necessary. I made an appointment for a massage for the day after the marathon. Thinking ahead.

Be well.

You are unique

2008-10-05T20:10:00.003-04:00

I went to a wedding yesterday. The bride and groom really made it their own. The setting, the vows, the officiant, the music, the table names all gave you a sense of who they are as individuals and together. It got me thinking about how unique everyone is while we live in a world that is full of trends and many of us flocking to the same things: Starbucks, the Apple store, Whole Foods. Did you ever stand in line at Starbucks, knowing you'd be late for work but you stay anyway? Maybe it's just me, but from the looks of the lines I've been in, I think not.

So what does this have to do with marathon training? As I completed my last long run today (18 miles) I realized that ultimately, I have to make this race my own. Despite the hundreds of other runners I'll be with on October 19, I have to wear what I want, eat what I want, use my i pod if I want and most of all, run my own race.

I am in the last two weeks of training. This week, along with running, I'll make a playlist for the i pod, confirm the clothes I'll wear, eat well and try to get more rest than is usual.

Sleep well!

Heading for the finish

2008-10-03T11:13:00.003-04:00

I went for a run this morning at my old familiar morning running time. I felt like crap. Matter of fact, the past three runs have not felt so hot. Food choices the night before haven't been so good, aches and pains have sprung up in new places and now, guess what??? It's freaking cold in the morning and dark. And at night after work, it's the same way. I honestly think it's just a combination of the change in climate, combined with what has been really rainy weather here in Boston and just the fact that I'm tired from training. I've read a few articles about what happens to runners when they are in the last few weeks of marathon training and what I'm experiencing is not new. So, that's something.

I have my last long run tomorrow. Then, the rest of the schedule is quite moderate.

By the way, if I can run the time above in the picture, I will be thrilled!

Namaste.

Stick to the plan

2008-09-30T06:51:00.002-04:00

I ran last night on a full stomach. Did I ever tell you that it's a bad idea? Remember when your mom would tell you not to go swimming until you'd waited one half hour after eating? Well, if you ate a big sandwich and french fries, add about three hours to that. But I had to stick to my plan. I'm in the last three weeks of training and when I made up my running plan on Sunday night (it's a ritual) by consulting my book and coach, I knew I had to run one half hour last night. After spending all afternoon on the golf course ( it was part of my birthday celebration!) I couldn't fit the run into the day's schedule until the evening. But I did it. It wasn't pretty but I was glad I did.

Sometimes sticking to the schedule for whatever you're training for feels like you're just going through the motions. But really you're training yourself to push through resistance and persist, despite challenges along the way. This is great training for the mind as well as the body.

Be well, eat light and have a great day.

Change your running frequency for better performance

2008-09-28T10:56:00.003-04:00

I used to think that running every day was the only way to go. I'd be proud that I was running daily, especially in those warm summer months. My yoga practice used to also be an every day thing as well, especially when I was a newer student and was so excited to have found such an amazing practice.

As I got older, I got wiser. I realized that running every day ( or any athletic endeavor) can actually be damaging to your body. Certainly something that's as high impact as running can, over time, lead to joint and muscular issues. Now, I know there are those out there reading this who run every day. And I know there are yoga teachers that practice and preach to students to practice every day. I'm just saying I have found this does not work for me. Mentally or physically. I'd much rather have a more moderate schedule and really give it my all when I practice or run.

I'm more focused on running now than my yoga practice so we'll focus on that. My "every other day" running has even occasionally dropped to every two days during some weeks ( rest Sunday, Monday then run on Tuesday). I have found this to be particularly effective as I've increased my distances and have needed to give my body a rest in between long workouts.

This schedule is supported by one of my marathon resources, the book, "Four Months to a Four hour marathon." I've been following the training plan in this book for the past several months and like that it gives me license to take two days off. I've found this to be a great way to rest, fit in some cross training on my "no running" days and give my mind a mental break too.

Yesterday I ran 16 miles in about 2 1/2 hours. A little over nine minute miles. Ok, so I'm not going to make the Olympic team but I could hit my four hour mark if I can hold a nine minute per mile pace.

Be well.

Be comfortable with change

2008-09-24T09:33:00.003-04:00

When I was growing up , I loved changing my room around. I'd spend hours organizing, rearranging furniture and then relished sitting in my new room, with a fresh perspective on how the same furniture looked and how organized everything was.

I recently did the same thing in my current living space, after having not made any changes for the six years that I've lived there. There was the fresh perspective provided by someone near and dear to my heart and while my first instinct was to try to hold on to the way I had things arranged, once I opened my mind to new possibilities, I ended up loving the way the new arrangement looks.

I now feel like I have a new living room. I love sitting in it, love watching TV and relaxing in my new space. I thought of this last night as I was on a quick 5 mile tempo run. Being open to new possibilities and ways of thinking is the only way. Life is constantly changing and when we can't learn to be comfortable with change, we only pigeon-hole ourselves into our way and cut ourselves off from other ideas.

Training can be like that as well. We all have our training routines, be it a yoga practice or a favorite run we do...a favorite sneaker we wear or even placing our yoga mat in the same spot every time we go to class. I am one of those students; I like the regularity of being in the same spot in the studio. But I really try when I go to class to move to another place. If for no other reason than to remind myself that things are not stable, that being comfortable with change is so important to living a healthy, happy life.

The next time you're in your own living space, take a look and see if there's a new way you can shift some of the furniture. You'd be surprised at the impact it has.

Peace.

Boom! 20 miles

2008-09-20T13:56:00.002-04:00

Gettin' it done. 20 miles today. I'm sore and tired but overall, not too bad. Did it in 3.5 hours. I'm on track for a four hour marathon. Very good.

That's all for now.

Be well.

The elasticity of growth

2008-09-17T20:25:00.003-04:00

Have you ever stretched a rubber band a few times and noticed that when it returned to it's resting position, it was more stretched than when you started? Anyone that has a regular yoga practice knows that over time, your body finds a new threshold, a new starting point from which you approach every pose. In the first few months, you find that postures are tough but over time, just like that rubber band, you set a new baseline for your body.

I ran 8 1/2 miles tonight. It was on a familiar path but one I had not run in a few weeks. I distinctly remember the last time I ran it and it was not all that pleasant. But tonight, I was flying. Why? I am convinced it's because I have added longer distances to my weekly schedule. My 12 and 16 mile runs over the past month have helped me set a new baseline. Because I have pushed myself to run farther than I previously thought possible ( an experience that was not all too pleasant the first time) I found that when I returned to a distance that was previously challenging, it was not so challenging anymore.

Putting ourselves in position of challenge and risk takes nothing short of courage, commitment and a lot of true grit. It doesn't mean we'll win the race every time but I'm convinced it means we set a new threshold for ourselves and what we believe we're able to do. If we never push ourselves outside our comfort zone, we'll never know what we're truly capable of.

There are three more long runs left for me over the next four weeks. Who knows the outcome of the actual race on marathon Sunday? Not me. But honestly, I don't care what the clock says. I know that if I keep the faith and the commitment, that I will be more elastic at the finish than I was when I started. And that's why I'm running this race.

Peace.

Show your true colors

2008-09-17T14:20:00.002-04:00

I can remember when I was a newer yoga teacher, I was always very aware of what I said, ate, drank and how I acted in front of my students. Coming in and out of the studio, before and after class, running into them on the street, I'd see them and instantly switch into "teacher mode." To them, it might not have been apparent but to me it was. If I had a Starbucks cup, I wanted to be sure they knew it was tea that I was drinking ( who cares if a yoga teacher drinks coffee?) If I saw them out at a local restaurant or bar, I was aware of how I was acting with my friends. If I saw them before class, I was very conscious of my word choice and topics of discussion.

It was exhausting! Eventually, as I got more comfortable and experienced as a teacher, I cared less and less about creating a line of demarcation between "me" and the teacher part of me. I realized that they were one in the same and to be anything less was a disservice to my students as well as myself. How refreshing it was to not feel like I had to flip from one way of being to another whenever I walked into the studio.

Relationships can be like this as well. Do you have a way you are with certain people you are close to, but underneath, you're not really being true to yourself? Do you realize how harmful that can be, especially over time, to not only your relationship with this person but with yourself? A real, honest, true relationship expects that both people will show up and be true and honest. And that means revealing all that there is about themselves.. the good, the bad and the ugly. Marianne Williamson writes about this in her wonderful book called, "Return to Love" and the essence of what she says is that when one person shows up fully for a relationship, they only encourage the other person to do the same. Keep in mind, you may be thinking about this in the context of a romantic relationship but it works for all things: your relationship with your family, your friends, your office mates, your job.

So what does any of this have to do with yoga or running? Being true to yourself and having the strength to show your true colors is the foundation of self-esteem and a positive self-image. When you have those two things, you have personal power. And when you have that, you have the strength to do anything: run a marathon, tackle a tough pose, have that difficult conversation, be yourself without any apologies, share your deepest thoughts and fears with someone you love without fear of rejection. These things all make us stronger and that strength carries us through the challenges in our lives.

Monday night was a fast tempo 5 miler. Last night, rest night. Tonight, 7 miles. This weekend, 20 miles. We are right on track for October 19th, my friends!

Love and peace.

"Do your best and let your best be good enough"

2008-09-14T11:19:00.003-04:00

Many times in our lives we think about the outcome as determining the quality of the effort. If the goal is a race, we think to win the race will determine the quality of effort. If the goal is to have a solid yoga practice or to perform a particular pose in a certain way, we strive for that end and cringe at anything less. How sad it is to have such a mindset. It only ties us down and boxes us in. If we can enjoy the process and do our best, leave nothing behind, go down swinging (add in the metaphor of your choice) we realize that all we can do is our best, and at the end of the day, that speaks for itself. One of my favorite yoga teachers used to say, " Do your best and let your best be good enough." It was such a beautiful sentiment for a culture so focused on the end game.

Many times in our lives we try to reach a goal and we are so connected to a particular outcome that we cut ourselves off from accessing our true power. Our power lies not in winning or succeeding but in putting ourselves in situations where we're pushed to our limits, where we're out on a limb, where we're asked to perform outside our comfort zone. And in that lies all the reward and goal that anyone could ask for. Think of people in your life who you admire; people who inspire you. I'll bet its not so much for what they have achieved on paper but what they have strived for in life. And many times, it's in not reaching a goal--- "failure" if you will-- that we gain the biggest rewards. Failure is a word laden with all sorts of connotations and perceptions but to try and fail is better than to have never tried at all.

One of my other teachers used to say, " The prize is in the process." We know this as kids, when we do things just for the sake of doing them, of loving them, for having fun. It's as we age and as we desire for things that all of a sudden there's a shift from doing things out of pure joy to doing them to achieve a certain result. Buddism talks about non-attachment to results and it's one of the hardest things as adults to re-learn. We're born with that mind-set but slowly we shift to one of attachment and it plays itself out in our jobs, our relationships and our athletic endeavors. It's common sense to relax before that big play, that big putt, that big race. But how many times do we put pressure on ourselves and end up choking? It's only after that we're kicking ourselves and wishing we'd had just relaxed, taken a big breath and realized that we're already a winner just for putting ourselves in the position to 'fail.'

My goal for this marathon is to finish and to finish healthy. To know that I put the time in and regardless of what the clock says, to know that I was able to get it done. Yesterday was my longest run yet- 16 miles- so I'm right on track. Two more long runs and then it's a taper schedule.

Peace and Love.

Do you believe in miracles?

2008-09-10T15:07:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you may feel like it will take a miracle to get you to succeed in your sport. I can honestly say that my ideas about running this marathon, while they may not require something as strong as a miracle, come pretty darn close. I know of other athletic endeavors that make my possible achievement pale in comparison. For some of us, just getting to practice yoga, or run or do whatever it is you love to do regularly, is a miracle. It's just so hard today to find the time, make the time, have the discipline.

If you're feeling a bit uninspired or looking for a way to jump start the journey towards your goal, or maybe you're on the eve of that big event and you need to watch something that will feed your soul. Watch Disney's "Miracle." Its the story of the Olympic Hockey team that beat the Soviet team and went on to win the gold medal. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. It will make you laugh and cry at the same time as making you feel like you can't wait to get moving.

Peace.

Never underestimate the power of ice

2008-09-09T15:10:00.002-04:00

Ran hard last night. Love those Newton running shoes. Decided my running gear worn last night will be worn at the marathon and made an executive decision that I'll wear the Newtons.

Came home and iced the leg. It feels good today. Just goes to show you: never underestimate the power of icing a sore body part. It's basic but it works.

Is IT in you?

2008-09-07T11:08:00.004-04:00

Next to the Nike "Just do it" slogan, one of my other favorites is Gatorade's "Is IT in you?" It speaks to what you're made of, what's at your core, who you are. Athletes can relate to this, that feeling of having your sport in your bones.

I found myself thinking that as I went for a run yesterday. I was at my guy's house and turns out, he lives about 6 miles from me. It's the perfect distance to run. I run to my house; he drives. We see who gets there first ( he gives me a head start and so far, he's not been home but a few minutes and I'm there!) Sounds crazy, maybe, but when "it's in you," you'll do what it takes to get your run in. And along with being a yoga teacher, I'm a runner.

When I taught yoga full time, I had no trouble saying I was a yoga teacher. When people asked me what I did for a living, I said it with confidence. Now, this was after years of working in the corporate sector and believe me, at one point, I thought that was my life. Needless to say, things change. But then when finances and practical matters required that I return to work and drop my teaching schedule to part-time, I found myself struggling when people asked me what I did for a living. I stammered on about teaching, then returning to work but teaching part-time and it all sounded very complicated. But then I realized, at the heart of it, I am a yoga teacher, just like I'm a runner and the rest is just details.

So now, when people ask, I say with confidence, "I'm a yoga teacher" and I figure eventually, they'll pick up the rest of the story.

So, who are you? What's at your core? Are you feeding your passion? You'd better figure it out. Life is short.

Be well.

Get inspired by something new

2008-09-06T09:21:00.004-04:00

I'm a music buff, no doubt. I was raised around music, played a musical instrument in school and was in plays as a child. I have always loved singing and I can thank my mom and dad for my voice. I can sing on key and can carry a tune. I was raised with everything from show tunes to Billy Joel and James Taylor and have grown to develop a love for all kinds of music. But one style that I've never really explored is country.

I had the opportunity recently to listen to some country music. It was so inspiring that I found myself getting a bit choked up. The messages were basic and clear but profound at the same time. Songs about going for it all, living your dreams, living as if it was your last day on earth. Loving like there's no tomorrow, putting in a hard day's work, appreciating your roots no matter what fame and fortune finds its way to you. After listening to a few of these songs, I found myself wanting to sing, but unfamiliar with the words, I could only listen and tap my feet. I will though, as I'll be doing some downloading onto the ipod and you can bet in a few days, I'll be belting these out with the best of 'em.

Inspiration is always all around us. You just have to open your eyes and heart and let it in.

Running this week has been slow. I'm nursing my right shin so my runs have only been Monday and Wednesday. I will try for a long run today or tomorrow.

Peace.

Back to school days

2008-09-01T11:11:00.007-04:00

Well, it's September 1. Even though it signals the end of the summer, I have very fond memories of returning to school when I was younger. My grandmother used to take me to the store every August to buy me a new lunchbox and it was always great fun to pick it out. I'd get my lunchbox, new clothes and pens, pencils and notebooks and I'd be all set. I was a very organized kid and I've never outgrown that. I recall my teachers marveling, even when I was in college, at how neat my notes were. It didn't always mean I understood everything but I always had very detailed, organized notes.

Being an athlete requires a bit of organization as well. Unless you're just in sport for the love the game, whatever it is, anyone training for any race or tournament or match or event has to plan the march towards the proverbial finish line. I use a notebook (of course!) in which I write out a daily running plan for the week. I do this on Sundays and it allows me to take into consideration what's going on in other parts of my life that week and plan my time on the road and in the studio accordingly. It also allows me to diary about aches and pains, good runs and dietary issues. It's always inspiring to look back at all the week of training that have been accomplished when you're feeling tired and worn out.

Today as kids start to collect their things to return to school this week, I look ahead to the next 6 weeks of training until the 19th of October: marathon day. I will continue to use my resources to train ( coaches, friends, books, weekly plan) but will also tap into what I loved as a kid; the unexpected, the feeling of a fresh start and the opportunity to do my best

Enjoy this, the last official day of the summer and write down some goals for the weeks ahead. It's never too late to start a plan.

Peace.

The Human Race

2008-08-31T11:23:00.003-04:00

I participated this morning in the "Human Race" sponsored by Nike. Click here for more information: http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/index.jhtml?locale=en_sg. While Boston was not an official city (NY was the closest official site) the run this morning brought out about a hundred runners from around the city. It was a beautiful day and people were in a great mood. If you're used to running on your own, take the time to do a few group runs. Races are a bit different because there's the added anxiety that comes with a race. But today was not a race; it was an attempt by Nike to get thousands of runners across the country to run the same distance, on the same day and all log their times on the Nike Plus website ( this website works in partnership with the ipod and Nike Plus technology that lets you record your distances and times on your ipod, then download them onto the Nike Plus website).

As most runners do, I typically run alone. But running with a group pushes you to keep up, as long as you have at least a few competitive bones in your body. I definitely do (see prior post) so I was having a blast. I also was able to run with a few people I know and that's always fun as well. I'm finding that taking a day off in between runs is a great way to push harder during your run days. I used to feel like I had to run every day and take one or two days off. But this past week, the days I ran were great and I felt faster having taken a day off in between.

On another note, with this being the last weekend of the summer, don't forget to say good-bye to the beach!

Are you competitive?

2008-08-29T21:07:00.003-04:00

I left on foot. He left in a car. I was actually hoping to beat him. Enough said?

We all have some degree of competitiveness in our bones. I like to think of competitive spirit as that which pushes you outside your comfort zone. That which drives you to try things you might not try and more importantly, that which pushes you to strive for greatness. Now, we're not talking Michael Jordan/ Tiger Woods greatness but hey, it's all relative. When I'm out there running, I'm trying to do the best that I can. But on some level, that's always somewhat hampered by the last performance I had, my perception of my abilities and how comfortable I am with pain. Not pain that would put me in the hospital, but enough that I feel like I'm being pushed.

Both Lance Armstrong and Michael Phelps have talked about hating to lose. As has Tiger Woods. These guys have a drive that is just as strong whether you're talking about playing their preferred sport or backgammon. I love that. I find it fascinating as well as inspiring.

So, the next time you're out for your run, don't think. Just push. Push yourself beyond the borders. Go into that space where you're not really sure what will happen. Re-set your performance threshold.

Be the best you can be. And then some. Every time.

Be well.

Five to stay alive

2008-08-28T07:04:00.001-04:00

Ran five yesterday to keep the week alive in terms of training. I've been resting the leg and yesterday morning went to physical therapy. Overall, things are going well. Come September 1, I need to hunker down for the last 6 weeks of training before the big day.

Heading into a holiday weekend! Yipee.

Over and out.

Share your passion!

2008-08-26T09:18:00.002-04:00

The past two days, as I've been resting my right shin, I've had opportunities to share my passion for yoga with others as well as learn about their passions as well. When you live what you love, it's infectious and some of the best teachers and coaches I've had are those that truly love what they teach. That is the best inspiration for a student and always will make up for other shortcomings in a teacher.

On Sunday, I had an opportunity to visit a beautiful golf course to ride around 18 holes and watch play. Never having been on a golf course but loving everything about golf ( it's one of the most meditative sports around) I was really excited about the chance to see it played up close. I rode around on the cart for the first few holes, taking in all the sights and sounds of the course. The banter between the players is totally amusing; a mixture of trash talk and comradery. I have always known there is a strong connection between yoga and golf from a biomechanical perspective, as well as a meditative perspective. Both yoga and golf require balance, breathing and focus, as well as strength and flexibility. Yoga helps golfers develop their less dominant side, learn to stand firm in their foundation as well as developing the flexibility needed to rotate and twist ( not unlike what you'd need in baseball). I made a few comments and my excitement about the connection between the two was evident. My partners were starting to ask questions and wanted to see a few poses. Pretty soon, we had decided that every hole was going to be dedicated to a yoga pose as well as learning about golf. I picked poses that were at a level equal to the nature of the hole; easier poses for easier holes and more challenging postures kicked off other holes, with a tri-pod headstand at 14!

It was a real illustration of what happens when you get people together that are passionate about their sport. I even learned a little golf and hit my first 3 golf shots on a real course ( meaning, one that doesn't have a clown at the end where the biggest challenge is getting the ball in his mouth!) It was so much fun and I can honestly say I haven't had that much fun in a long time. One of the pros joined us about halfway through our round and come to find out, he'd done a little yoga before and was already sold on the value of yoga for golfers.

Last night, I had an opportunity to try another passion of mine: tennis. While I don't play regularly, I grew up playing a lot and can hit it around to some extent. I love watching it played, love many of the players and enjoy watching the grand slams every year. Running around the court on a summer night brings up a lot of good memories for me and you can always entice me to get out there.

We'll get back on the road tonight for a 5 miler.

Take some time to share your passions with other. Spread the love.

Fellow Newtonians: Unite!

2008-08-23T17:18:00.006-04:00

While I was preparing for my run up at Crane's beach today, one of the Rangers that monitor the beach area stopped his ATV and said, "Hey, you're wearing Newtons! How do you like 'em?"

So, what ensued was a conversation about the shoes, how we like them, how they feel and how we heard about them. It was too funny, considering I just found them two weeks ago.

I am happy to report that my leg felt great! I did a 6 mile run in the Newtons and there was not a twinge in the shin. Not a blip. Not a crack, or a strain or anything. I felt like I was running with little wings on my feet, these shoes are just so wonderful.

After running, I went into the ocean and let it do it's thing. It feels amazing right now. Just like new.

The ocean heals everything.

Thought for the day

2008-08-23T10:41:00.003-04:00

"Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you get."

Garth Brooks

(yup, can you believe it?)

You find yogic thoughts and sayings in a lot of places. You might not think you'd find them in a song by a country singer, but my brother clued me into this inspiring thought above by country music singer, Garth Brooks ( the guy with the hat on all the time). It seems fitting for today, as I prepare to head to the beach. I plan on bringing my running stuff and after a bit of beach time and soaking my newly developed shin splint in the cold ocean water, will try a run. I took off from running the past two days and it still does not feel 100%.

The saying above fits things for me these days as the universe continues to throw me curve balls. There are some things I can address and resolve; others may take longer. They're all practical obstacles but they all have a bearing on my overall quality of life ( things like money issues, pending home construction.. that kind of thing).

So today, on this gorgeous day, I am grateful for the sun and the gift of being able to just go to the beach and be at one with the ocean. That is what I 'get' today, and for that, I am joyous.

Have a sunny day, wherever you are.

Yoga and Running Love on the Newton Website!

2008-08-21T23:20:00.005-04:00

How exciting!

I'm on the Newton Running website, with my testimonial about their shoes:

http://www.therunningfront.com/

Wearing pink, just like my shoes!

If you have a minute, read about their technology. Very interesting!

http://www.newtonrunning.com/overview

Being in the zone

2008-08-21T23:09:00.003-04:00

I had a conversation today with a co-worker who was struggling with meditation. He wanted very much to develop a meditation practice but felt that as soon as he tried to sit still, his mind would start wandering and he felt that was failure, so he'd give up. We discussed that for most people, this is the experience. We're urban athletes and yogis and it's hard to sit still at all, let alone sit and try to meditate. Once we let go of that as the 'end goal' and just be where we are, even if that means our mind is running around all over the place, we get some relief.

Have you ever run a race and felt like everything was firing at 100%? Or even just a run; it doesn't even have to be a race. Or have you ever been at the beach and felt like you had no sense of time, you were just having such a great time. Or taken a walk in the woods. Or been on a yoga retreat or in a great class or workshop, where, when class was over you realize you lost a sense of time?

All these experiences simulate what it's like to meditate. You're connected to the present. You're not aware of time. You're not void of thoughts but you're not focused on your thoughts. Athletes call it being in 'the zone' and make no mistake about it; they're in meditation. Sure, they're moving, but they're connected, anchored in the present and in their bodies more than their minds.

I sent my colleague home with the assignment to set a timer for three minutes and to sit on the floor on a comfortable cushion, or even in a chair and close his eyes and just "be." Let his mind do whatever it might , but sit for those 3 minutes. The journey of a perceived one thousand miles always must begin with a single step.

Today was a physical therapy day. My secret weapon, Chris, the therapist, is not thrilled with my description of my right shin but we're watching it. Wonderful. We will see.

Peace.

Feeling your feet

2008-08-20T21:11:00.002-04:00

One of the things I have found about a regular yoga practice is that it allows you to really be able to feel your feet. Now you might say, "What the heck does that mean? Of course I can feel my feet!" Well, you'd be surprised how disconnected people are to their feet. In any yoga class I teach, there's always one or two students that despite how many times you suggest "bring your feet together" they just have no sense of how to do that. Now, there may be other things at work here, but the idea is to be able to sense the ground beneath you and to be able to feel your foundation.

I remember when I spoke to a yoga teacher who many years ago, when the Chicago Bulls were at their height and Michael Jordan was on the team, Phil Jackson asked her to teach them yoga once a week. She said just the aspect of being barefoot was foreign to these guys. They were so used to having their feet taped up and stuffed in heavy shoes and then wrapped again, it was at if they lacked any mobility from the ankle down. Once they were on their mats and barefoot, it was an amazing experience for them.

Running requires a sense of being grounded and the ability to step lightly but with consistency. It requires you have a sense of dexterity even when in shoes and often this only comes through developing that sense when you're not in shoes. Yoga is great for developing this physical intelligence as is walking on the beach or even just doing some exercises for your toes. One of my first private yoga teachers used to have me wear toe spreaders. You can buy them at Whole foods. They will give you wonderful flexiblity in your feet and toes.

One of the reasons I really enjoy running in my Newton Running shoes is they allow you to really feel your feet. They are lighter, so you step lighter. They have less fabric and are more breathable, so your toes can move. They allow you to feel the road beneath you and step with more consistency. I am really enjoying them. So much so, that I wrote to the company. They will be posting my testimonial and my blog URL on their site. I'll post the link here as soon as it's available.

Tonight was a five miler. Slow and steady as I have the pleasure of having develop a shin splint on my right shin. No, not my left leg. Just the right! Lovely. I am decreasing to every-other-day running and no, the Newtons have not caused this. It has been brewing for about a week. I am doing a cold treatment as we speak.

Have a great night.

Can better equipment really help?

2008-08-18T21:02:00.002-04:00

Much has been made of the new swimsuits that the competitors are wearing this year in the Olympics. Those full body suits make the little speedos of Mark Spitz's day look pretty ancient. But do they really make you faster? You'd have to ask the swimmers. Certainly, when you get to Michael Phelps' level, it's in large part genetics that makes the difference, but I'll bet Michael prefers the longer suits to the old little bathing suits they used to wear.

I bring this up because I've been trying out a new pair of shoes by Newton Running http://www.newtonrunning.com/009?s=009 and they are partly my favorite because they are in my favorite color: pink! Now, before you get all crazy about the price, I had a pretty hefty coupon to use in the store so I got them for a bit off retail. But, the kicker is: they are FAST! They are the fastest shoes I have ever run in and I can tell you I run the same route for the most part 2 to 3 times per week and they have shaved a minute or two off my time. They feel great, they are light, they are supportive and feel super comfortable. I would highly recommend them.

You can read about them in Inc Magazine: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20080801/keep-running.html.

I was on a plane recently, had the article and by the time I got home, knew I had to at least try them on. Keep in mind if you are a heel runner vs. a forefoot runner these are not the shoes for you. But if you run on your forefoot or flatfooted, they will be perfect.

Today was a very fast tempo 5 miler. Felt absolutely wonderful.

Peace.

The importance of recovery

2008-08-18T07:17:00.005-04:00

I have been watching, as most people have, the amazing feats accomplished this past week by Michael Phelps. His achievements are only topped by the fact that he had the vision to write down his goals and through looking at them every day ( on that infamous piece of paper), he ingrained them in his mind and then took "mind" and turned it into "action." In one of the interviews, he talked about his busy schedule of racing but almost as important, the recovery time and recuperative actions he took as well. If anyone of you saw his "work-down" between races ( some days, he had to race twice with only a short period of time in between) he was massaged, ate something, went in the recovery pool. These actions are as important as the training he does for the race.

After my long run on Saturday, I had to rush into a few other activities for the day. I was not able to really devote the time required to my cool down and recovery. I ate quickly, did a quick warm shower, followed by a quick soak in an ice bath for my calves. I would have wanted to do a longer shower, longer soak and then some gentle stretching exercises. I've been reading "Performance Nutrition for Runners" by Matt Fitzgerald ( find it on http://amazon.com/) and Chapter 7 talks about Recovery Nutrition. It talks about the importance of rest in between work outs and the steps necessary to ensuring you take care of yourself appropriately right after each hard work out. Pick it up. It's a great read.

Gettin' it freakin' done!

2008-08-16T19:14:00.002-04:00

This was the hardest week. I know, "wah wah wah!" Well, it was. I'm getting sick of hearing my story. So, I went for a long run today and decided to run away from my troubles. I have an ad from adidas in my house on my running bulletin board that says, " the longer I run, the further away my troubles become." That was definitely me today.

I did about 13 miles. Then, had to go teach yoga to 4 year olds. Barely had time to do my lobster pot cold treatment ( see prior post on that!) and eat some protein, but it was worth it. There's nothing like working with kids to get you inspired.

I passed some fast, serious runners today. You want to see them? Go out and run along the Charles in Boston on Saturday mornings. Get out there before 9 am. It's crazy. These are some fast people.

I passed a guy today who was running with a friend. He waved and said "Good morning!" I returned the greeting and I immediately heard him go, "YES!" Apparently, he and his friend must have had some kind of bet going to see who would respond in kind. I've noticed it's very inconsistent how regularly I get greeted by a passing runner, or get a wave or a head nod. I also notice I do it inconsistently. What's up with that? I always feel like if you are giving everyone the wave or whatever, you'll spend the whole run greeting people! But it is nice to say hello. It makes you feel like you're not alone out there.

I tried vanilla GU today. Must say, I'd rather eat a tube of frosting. We'll have to work on that.

Have a super night. I'm going to rest my legs.

Namaste.

How do you keep your focus?

2008-08-14T20:49:00.002-04:00

Has this been a trying week for you? It certainly has for me. I got an email today from the organizers of the Baystate Marathon and realized it's only two months away!

How do you keep your head about you when all around you are losing theirs?

I read that in one of my favorite books, "Harriet the Spy." It's a children's book about a little girl that keeps a journal ( sound familiar?) I read it 56 times in grade school. I had a contest with another kid in class as to who could read it more and I won. Anyway, in the book, her nanny, a very sophisticated older woman, quoted that to her and she loved it. It seemed to fit my life this week, as many things seem to crash around me and the universe was tempting me to fall on the floor in a heap and just start bawling.

So, instead, tonight, I donned my awesome running shoes and went for a run. At night. I usually run in the morning but with things being so crazy this week, it was just not possible. I felt great and all in all, things are progressing nicely. But I was thinking about the Olympic athletes as I ran. How do they keep their goal in sight when all about them, people are trying to distract them, things are competing for their attention and life keeps getting in the way? Surely it takes constant re-focus and reminding oneself of what's important.

This week has been filled with potholes and pitfalls. My nutrition has not been the best either. But I will use the weekend to try a longer run (13 miles) and eat healthy.

One of the core Buddist principles is the idea that you always can "begin again." Thank god for that.

Sleep well.

The first run "post" race

2008-08-12T20:46:00.003-04:00

The first run after a hard race is always interesting. Tonight I just did a 30 minute loop. Everything feels good.

Things are really hard these days to keep in balance. I had to wait to run until much later than I prefer. But I kept thinking that letting these other things get in the way of my goal is just so lame. So I decided to go out anyway. Today's planned run was a 30 minute run anyway, so I am right on track.

Before I left at 8 pm, I turned on the Olympics. I love having them on. It's like 24 hours of sports all the time. It just is so inspiring to have this available to us. It has really shifted my focus these days from some of the horrible crap in the news to only positive things. Did you ever realize how you waste your valuable energy on such things for which the return is so little? The majority of the news is like that, especially when you go on my local city's website. The headlines are just so depressing. Better to put your time into the positive.

Keep on keeping on!

A weekend in the magical land called Falmouth

2008-08-11T21:12:00.002-04:00

I spent the weekend in a magical land called "Falmouth." Now, it probably doesn't sound very magical; in fact, if you say it slowly enough, it actually sounds like "Foul" "mouth," but it's pronounced more like " Fawlmuth" than how it literally looks. Regardless, this was the host city of the 36 Annual Falmouth Road Race (http://www.falmouthroadrace.com/) and I had the very good fortune of not only running the race, but also staying for the weekend with a very dear friend and her family.

Now, so what you say? What makes that so magical? Well, Falmouth is a beautiful place, you see. It's a quaint New England town with all that you'd imagine (cue music from Angela Landsbury's "Murder She Wrote" television show from the late '80's). It has winding roads, cute shops, people who have lived there for years. Of course, it's a beach town, so you're never too far from the beach. But what made my trip so wonderful was that I was hosted by the wonderful family of my friend. Imagine a beautiful summer home ( her parents actually live there all year 'round) that has the most unique displays of collectibles in it; a magical, white fluffy japanese dog who steps lightly throughout the house; a pool surrounded by bamboo trees and vines; an outdoor shower where, without even a question, guests amicably agree to shower out-of-doors surrounded by teak and under a quenching showerhead; a garden where at any time, items are picked and assembled into the most delicious,healthy meals (we had kale soup one day) and best of all, a home where a family shared memories and laughs and supported each other to achieve heights of personal greatness in this most awesome of races. I went to bed after hours of learning about others, woke to the sound of birds singing, laughed harder than I have in years, ate better than I can remember ( and never once worried about the calories) and slept until 7 am ( which I never do!)

I was inspired by this weekend in ways I cannot even explain. The race itself was amazing. The course, as you can see on the website's video, is beautiful. A bit hilly at times and the flats are long and without any shade but the spectators are so supportive. I encourage you to run this race next year.

My goal was to run it in one hour; I did it in 1:02:48. Not too bad. The achilles held up great. No pain during or after and even today, no discomfort. That is a very good sign. I also learned a very valuable lesson. A good friend and competitive athlete encouraged me before the race to "just have fun." I took his advice to heart and really took time to tickle the kids along the course, high-five the spectators that had their hands extended and just had a fun attitude. It really changed the whole experience. There have been races where I haven't talked to anyone, haven't looked around at the scenery, haven't shown any emotion until the end. And oddly enough, my times were not much better. I also stopped for water and had a few oranges. When I was done, I felt great. My recovery was a non-issue. I even ate two hot dogs afterwards with no repercussions! Now that's progress!

I watched handicapped runners run with guides; I saw kids run with their moms; my friend's mom ran the race after taking up running for the first time in her mid-forties; I heard stories of people in their 70's and 80's running; people who have run the course since it's inception.. the list goes on and on.

The biggest lesson I learned and one of the most inspiring things I took away from my magical weekend was that in the end, you must believe in yourself. Belief in yourself comes from you, your family, the love they give. The support of your friends, your memories of achievements. Your ability to bounce back from adversity. Your positive attitude despite adversity. All these things collectively join to give you a foundation of support. Of self-esteem. And when you have that solid foundation, you can do anything.

Be well. Run strong. Find a local race and sign up. Be inspired.

Get inspired!

2008-08-09T05:51:00.001-04:00

Wanna get inspired to run? Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pit0zG1vswM

http://www.nike.com:80/nikeos/p/nike/en_US/courage

The two links are to the same thing: The Nike Courage commercial. The first one is the ad on youtube; the second, on the Nike site.

On the eve of greatness

2008-08-08T18:39:00.003-04:00

Today was the first day of the Olympic Games. The "eve" of greatness has already happened in Beijing, what with the 12 hour time difference, but for those of us that did not watch the internet today, tonight's Olympic games ( which started at 8:08 on 8/8/08) will kick off a most special time. There will be triumphs, there will be heartbreak, but we know that there will be trials of the human spirit that many of us will never face. We may not face these trials on the track, or in the pool or in any athletic venue, but we may face challenges of the non-athletic kind. But the next two weeks are dedicated to the trials and tribulations of the athletes and can inspire even the most stolid spirit.

I ran last night only 3 miles, but it felt great. I took today off as a treatment day and attended my second session of Physical therapy. Things are progressing nicely.

Tomorrow I am off to the Cape and running the Falmouth Road Race.

Wish me luck!

Two days, four flights, two huge dinners ago.. I had a great run

2008-08-06T18:08:00.003-04:00

I arrived home from my business trip today exhausted but ready to get out there and do a light run. The weather in Boston compared to where I was in Memphis was downright cold and rainy but it was great to land and be in a familiar place. Despite my good intentions, I always have big dinners when traveling and while on some level it felt good to be eating such delicious food, it just does not agree with me as much and is not really worth it. I hit the pavement today feeling a bit heavier but for the most part, it was temporary. I kept the pace moderate and put more of the emphasis on just being out there. It was a drastic difference to how I felt just two days ago.

I have a race this weekend on Sunday so tomorrow will be a long run, followed by a day of light running, rest or swimming on Saturday and then the race. There is no goal for Sunday's race other than to have fun. The last thing I need to do is race hard and screw up my healing achilles. I have a few friends running and will look forward to having a great time.

On my trip, I did read a few great running articles. I promise in my next post, I will share them with you so you can partake in them.

A variety of thoughts- in no particular order

2008-08-03T21:04:00.002-04:00

Tonight was one of those stellar runs that don't happen all too often. I waited all day for a run, after having a massage this afternoon and teaching yoga this morning. To be honest, massages don't always feel so great to me, but I do them as part "treat" and part "treatment" and overall, it's a good experience. Today's massage was no different and with a little extra emphasis on my injured achilles, it did qualify as treatment.

I waited all day before running and stopped at a new sporting good store in my area. I picked up a Nike visor and a nice pair of light, black sunglasses. While I was out, it literally dumped buckets of rain for half an hour and I thought my hopes for a run were doomed. But by the time I got home, the rain had stopped. Unfortunately, the rain did some damage to my home, which is an ongoing issue. It's very stressful but I decided after some clean up, nothing was going to stop me. So, I donned my new visor and sunglasses and headed out.

Maybe it was the massage, maybe it was the rest I got last night, but I felt stellar. And I love the visor and the sunglasses. I highly encourage you to buy good equipment for whatever your sport may be. It serves a function but more importantly, it can just help you feel competent, and admit it.. when you look cool, you feel kind of good, no? Of course, you want to be able to deliver the goods but no one will fault you for having equipment that functions well as well as looks good.

On the back 2 of the five miler, I heard a couple close behind me. They encouraged me silently to pick up my pace, so for the last two, I had a nice tempo blast. The achilles feels great, I came home to do my favorite lobster pot treatment and some take out sushi.

I thought on my run today how many cool women I know that are just true inspirations to me. There are quite a few women in my neighborhood alone who are talented athletes. One has run tons of marathons and road races and has worked through a few injuries that would have sidelined Olympians; one I met this morning in the coffeehouse and she's doing yet another team triathalon; and a local gal I started talking to about marathons as she's running one also, lamented about her last run and how she struggled through it. I found out that recently she BROKE HER LEG! Yup, but no.... it didn't get her down. She recovered and was back on the road. Then there's my girlfriend who I'll run Falmouth with next weekend... she ran a 10 miler last weekend, is training for Falmouth and also the Reach the Beach Team relay in September.

These women inspire me, support me, give me great advice and are just all-around wonderful people. I am honored to have them in my life.

I am off the next two days focusing on a business initiative that will keep me from running. I'm actually looking forward to two forced days off. It will feel great to be back on the road next week, getting ready for Falmouth on Sunday.

Be well and remember.... inspiration is all around you. You just need to open your eyes.

Connecting the dots

2008-08-02T09:45:00.002-04:00

Sometimes after a yoga class, a student will comment to me about struggling through class. I think I wrote about this in an earlier post but it bears repeating. Upon further discussion, I usually find the student has either not eaten well recently, been through a change of some kind, hasn't been sleeping, is increasing their running frequency and distance, just added a new element to their fitness routine or some such change. We often don't see the connection between things we do but when you're in training, you're always trying to connect the dots. Good run? You think back to what you ate, how you slept the night before. Bad run? You run through the same list.

So today, my first long run since July 6th (9 miles) I started out feeling great. After about 6 miles or so, my arms were killing me. I could barely hold them in position. My legs were fine; but my upper body was shot. I scanned my memory.... no, I hadn't been lifting.. no, I slept ok last night.. I ate well yesterday.. then it hit me. Bingo! I spent all night on Thursday night cleaning out my basement. I was lifting, moving heavy items, packing garbage bags and then Friday morning, I lugged 10 bags of garbage to a trash receptable. That must be it.

This concept works well outside of athletic endeavors also and there are lots of parallels you could draw. But as it relates to athletic performance, always remember to connect all the dots, even the ones that are not so obvious.

Give up? Not quite yet

2008-08-01T19:10:00.003-04:00

I had my first physical therapy session today. If you want a great P.T, go to Sports and Physical therapy (http://www.sportsandpt.com/). I go to the Brookline group and see Chris Morin, who has become one of the secret weapons in my training arsenal. The place is local, the staff is knowledgeable, they work primarily with athletes and they are focused on supporting you on your path to not only wellness, but to your goals, whatever they may be. I have worked with athletes in my role as yoga teacher, most notably with the Northeastern Men's crew team, and have supported them through injuries knowing that unless it was severe, their primary goals of rowing would not change; it was the yoga that needed to support that goal.

Chris has the same sensibility and as we worked together this morning, and I explained my goal of running Baystate in October, he listened intently and gave me a treatment plan that would help me heal while also still allowing me to test the leg, within reasonable limits. "Patiently persistent" was how a friend described her suggested approach to me, when it came to testing my leg. I told Chris that as long as the leg held up through some longer runs over the next few weeks, I was good to go, but we'd continually assess it as time marches on.

So today is a rest day or treatment day, as you might call it. I have another session next week and look forward to trying a longer run tomorrow.

Have a restful night.

Peace.

Gettin' it done!

2008-07-31T07:11:00.003-04:00

When I was training several years ago for the Pan Mass Challenge, a 100 mile/2 day bike race, my dear friend, Will ,used to say after our training rides, " Gettin' it done, KF, gettin' it done." I loved it's simplicity. It basically said, "No drama, just the work."

So this morning, I got up, got out and ran 4 miles. Slow, steady, with a big hill in the middle and a little kick at the end. Gettin' it done.

Today, drop any drama, do the work and save that energy for having fun tonight.

Peace. Out.

Do you push yourself?

2008-07-30T07:29:00.002-04:00

Today's run was interval training. I was scheduled to do track work but I loathe it, so I decided instead to try intervals. Since my injury on July 8th, I haven't really pushed my leg, which makes sense. I've dropped my mileage, changed the content of my runs to more of a "slow, steady" pattern and added swimming, icing, advil and exercises. This week, I'll add in physical therapy.

But this morning I decided that since my leg does not seem to be getting any worse with running (somewhat of an interesting barometer) and at times it feels better than others, that I'd decided to test it's capabilities a bit.

Well, it did fine. I did somewhat of a " 3 minute tempo run/2 minute slow run" pattern and was lucky enough to be hitting the tempo sections while strong guys were passing me, so I was able to use them as pace setters. I started with a 1 mile jog and then did 4 miles of the interval pattern. I was very pleased that the leg held out fine and feels pretty much the same after that run as it did after yesterday's slow, steady pace.

It got me to thinking about other times in my life when I was pushed beyond what I thought was my edge. Certainly many times in my training as a yoga teacher, times in my professional career and certainly my personal life... there have been many instances where I've had to step out of my comfort zone and see what was possible. And I can honestly say that in most instances, I had a lot more to give than I thought.

How about you? Are you living in your comfort zone? Training in your comfort zone? Is your career in a comfort zone? What more do you have to give that you could?

All food for thought ( with no calories!)

Namaste.

Apparently, I'm not the only one soaking their leg in a pot of water!

2008-07-29T23:10:00.002-04:00

I read an article today in Boston's Improper Bostonian that was interview with Alicia Sacramone, the Olympic Gymnast (http://www.aliciasacramone.net/).

In the article, she was asked: "Body part that hurts the most after competing?" and her answer:

" I think my ankles. Pretty much from the knees down. We stand in a trash bin filled with water and ice. It's actually my favorite part of practice."

Pretty neat, huh? I also remember reading about the late Ryan Shay(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Shay), a world class runner, who tragically died in the men's Olympic marathon trials last November in New York City. It was said by his colleagues that he was as tough as nails and after practice, he would often soak his legs in a river.. in the middle of winter!

There is no doubt that completely submerging your injuries in cold water beats wrapping them in ice packs. I am feeling better and better about my post-run lobster pot soaks. It's the most use my lobster pot has ever gotten!

"How not to want what you don't have"

2008-07-29T07:12:00.004-04:00

.....otherwise known as: "How to be at peace with what you've got."

I started my run this morning wishing I had another body. My achilles was tight and overall I just did not feel good. This is not uncommon for morning runners or yoga students and a morning routine requires a bit of faith that in a little while, you will start to feel better. But as I started running, I looked at those who passed me, with a spring in their step and I started to feel sorry for myself. Why did I have to get injured? I started to remember just a few weeks ago when my morning runs were filled with joy because I was feeling strong and healthy.

Then I stopped. I looked around at the scenery, the birds, the sun, and yes, the morning runners too. I decided enough is enough.

It's easy to fall into a game of comparison. Geez, we rank each other as runners at the end of the race.. you're first, your second, and so on. Yoga may not have first, second or third place, but make no mistake about it, students and teachers alike get caught up in the comparison game. When we run past someone, or practice next to someone it's easy to think that that person is taller, shorter, prettier, in better shape, more flexible, faster, thinner, more muscular.. the list goes on and on.

But what a waste of energy. Why not take that energy and put it into yourself. Being grateful for what you have. Even if you're walking instead of running. Or you're a beginning yoga student and you have no idea what you're doing.

So, today I ran five miles. All in all, not too shabby.

Have a nice day.

Do you listen to your body before you get out of bed?

2008-07-28T07:21:00.002-04:00

The morning is a great time to assess how you're feeling. Just before you rise, take stock of it, both physically and emotionally, and see how you're doing. I used to find it so interesting to teach early morning yoga classes; you'd see people come in like sleepy little lambs and over the course of a ninety minute class, they'd open up like a flower.

I woke this morning with the full intention of running but once I assessed things, decided against it. I have not run since Friday, when my leg was really bothering me and I spent Friday night, Saturday afternoon and yesterday afternoon as well doing a combination of yoga and swimming. My knee actually hurts a bit also, from a bit of an intense yoga class I taught yesterday. I usually don't "do" any yoga when I teach but I was demonstrating a sequence and it was a bit of an odd stretch of the left knee. So, this morning when the alarm rang at 5:30, I took stock of what I was dealing with, and decided against it. I swear it had nothing to do with wanting to sleep! I actually have some new running stuff to try (top/shorts) and odd as it may seem, was excited about trying that as well as just running after two days off.

But, I, more than a lot of my runner friends, have to really be smart about the next 2 plus months of training leading up to the October 19th marathon. I can't push myself too hard or these little nagging injuries will get worse. I see my physical therapist on Friday morning and am looking forward to starting treatment.

So, today as you begin your day, take stock of where you're at. Remembering always, though, to be grateful for what you have in your life now and being optimistic for your future.

Have a great day.

Have an injury? Get in the pool!

2008-07-26T17:38:00.002-04:00

Today was my second swim. I must say, if I stay off the leg for a few days and just swim, it will really help heal it. If you are dealing with an injury, either from training or maybe a chronic pain of some kind, I highly encourage you to find a pool. Plus, if you swim in a pool, you'll have to go out like I did today and buy a cool bathing suit, goggles and a cap. You'll feel like an Olympian!

It feels great!

Jump in! The water's great!

2008-07-25T21:59:00.002-04:00

I joined a gym recently, to give me something else to do besides running. Especially with my achilles being tender and sore, it's important that I cross train.

One of the great things about this gym is they have a pool! Yes, a wonderful, big, clean heated pool. When I went tonight, I did an hour of yoga on my own and then jumped in the pool. It was the best.

I have met people recently who don't know how to swim. I am so grateful to my mom and dad for teaching me and for putting me in swimming lessons. I honestly don't remember the last time I swam freestyle or breast stroke but tonight it was just like riding a bike. It felt great. Better even, after an hour of yoga.

This has been a trying week. And, on top of it all, the leg is not healing as I would like. But it feels great after 20 minutes in the pool. Tip: If you have one nearby, get in it! Especially if you are dealing with injuries.

After my yoga and my swim and some delicious healthy take-out and a glass of wine, I can honestly say, despite the events of this week: All is well with the world.

See? Buddha was right. Things are always changing.

Hope floats.

Have a good run

2008-07-25T07:31:00.002-04:00

Nothing was more applicable this morning than that somewhat trite saying, "Have a good run." We say it alot, we runners, to each other, just like people say, " Have a nice day" but sometimes it just rolls off the tongue without a lot of meaning. When a friend of mine said that to me at 6:15 this morning, it really sank in. This has been a trying week. What with my post of Tuesday night and then the torrential downpours in Boston here all day yesterday. Rain is fine, but not so fine when it affects your living space. Enough said.

So, this morning when I awoke, I decided despite everything, to go for a run. Yes, within a mile or two my left achilles was screaming at me, but I kept on, slow and steady and decided to just do it and love it for what it was: a great way to be outside and moving my body.

The next two days I will rest the leg and I've decided to re-connect with my therapist... my PHYSICAL therapist, that is. He's the best and at this point, my self-treatment is not enough. Plus I have Falmouth coming up on August 10, so I need to be in good shape for that.

Be well.

At this moment, I feel ($)&%)(W*%W) !

2008-07-22T20:47:00.002-04:00

Part of my intensive initial and ongoing training as a yoga teacher was a great deal of self-exploration. I can't say I always agreed with the techniques used but I do believe that collectively, they shaped my yoga teaching in a positive way because through them I learned quite a bit about myself. Knowing myself better has helped me be more open as a teacher and more comfortable working and sharing with others.

One of the things we used to do is identify where we were as individuals in terms of our 'current state' ....mainly, so we could identify the feeling and name it. I do believe that so many of us pass by opportunities to do that, and instead cover up our feelings in other ineffective, unhealthy ways and it leads to deeper problems. Being in touch with how you feel in any particular moment is healthy and when you start to do this, you start to also see how transient feelings can be-- which, when you are feeling like crap, gives you faith that this too shall pass.

I won't go into how I am feeling at this particular moment and why, but let's just say the warmth and love in my heart last night (see post) has been replaced with something more on the flip side of those feelings. Yes, things happen that are out of your control; yes, things will pass and everything happens for a reason, and if things weren't meant to be they won't be, and the universe is sending you a message, and on and on I could go with the sayings that one hears when they've hit a rough patch, but ultimately, you feel what you feel and sometimes those feelings are things like sadness and anger and loss and hurt and things like that and all the sayings in the world won't really change how you feel.

So, this was the energy that fueled my run tonight. I wasn't supposed to run; and my leg was telling me that as I pounded through it. So, as I type this, I have my leg in the lobster pot (see prior post re: lobster pot) and I will force myself to take the next two days off and do nothing or go swim. But as I ran tonight, I thought of the Dr. Suess movie about The Grinch. In the Grinch, he steals all the presents, food and decorations of the Who's in Whoville, but yet, the next morning, Christmas morning, he still hears their joyous singing. He is confounded as to how they could still be so joyous and going on with their Christmas morning routine when he expected them to be home sulking. So, as I ran tonight and in my heart there was a heaviness, I took solace in the fact that I was sticking to my routine and showing my body and my heart that this too shall pass. I was acting to show the universe that I honor myself and my overall goal to run this marathon and even though there was a bump in the road, I wasn't going to let it get me down.

That is all for tonight.

Rest well.

Back to the old routine

2008-07-21T20:17:00.002-04:00

I was up a bit late last night so I decided to sleep in today. I really needed it and as I left work, I was looking forward to running as I used to---after work--- as opposed to my new schedule of running in the mornings.

It was great to see some of the evening people just as in the mornings now, I see the same faces and have started to recognize them as 'the morning runners.' Tonight, the 'after work/night runners' were out and I felt the warmth of the comradery even though we didn't speak a word to each other but just exchanged glances or maybe a wave or nod of acknowledgment.

The leg felt the best it's ever felt, but still not 100%. Despite being tired, my body felt more fluid than it's ever felt before. Running in the evening in the summer can do that; the sun and the humidity has the whole day to warm up the city and the heat rising from the pavement tends to make the body more fluid as does the warmth in the air. For those of you who have never practiced yoga, or never practiced with heat, it's the same principle. A warm body moves with less resistance than a cold one.

I joined a gym this weekend and on Sunday did my own variation on cross training; 45 minutes on the elliptical and 45 minutes of yoga. Next time, I'll try the pool.

Tomorrow, to the gym. Wednesday, back to the new morning routine..but with warmth in my heart for my night runs.

The Sum of the parts makes up the Whole

2008-07-19T09:27:00.002-04:00

I started this morning and I felt awful. My leg felt a little tight but that wasn't it. My whole body felt heavy and slow. So, I started to add things up in my head: a really tough week at work; a really big cheeseburger for lunch yesterday ( I was craving protein), staying up late talking with friends at one of our favorite hangouts. Bingo! No wonder I felt like crap!

Sometimes after a class, I am approached by a yoga student who says he or she struggled with practice that day. I start to ask a few questions and pretty soon I'm hearing stories of injury recovery, sickness, personal loss, dietary issues.. all sorts of things. The best was the guy that came up to me after class and told me he'd had open heart surgery a month before! Oddly enough, he wasn't coming up to lament over a less than stellar practice- he was actually coming up to tell me that he'd walked by the studio for years and always seen students pouring out of the studio looking hot but refreshed and he always wondered what we did " in there." It took his open heart surgery and subsequent recovery to give him the final push he needed to take the first step.

But, back to the topic at hand. My story today is not unlike the story of so many of us. We tend to live the parts of our lives in isolation, not realizing that there is a sum of all the parts that make up our lives. We're not one person at work, then another at home or around friends and family. We can't make decisions in one part of our life and not think that it will have a ripple effect on the whole thing. So, if you don't feel great about some part of your life, look at the whole. Try to add up all the individual pieces that are effecting that one piece and shore up those parts.

The run today was a bit longer; around seven miles. Leg feels pretty much the same. My day off yesterday was nice and it was good for the leg to have a day off. I will take tomorrow off and go back to the beach!

Namaste.

Do you love your routine? If not, change it!

2008-07-17T07:07:00.004-04:00

For those of you who are regular readers, you recall my post from yesterday when I saw this woman and got so caught up in her story, that I almost tripped on my run. Well, I saw her at the exact same place this morning! I laughed to myself, thinking how funny the universe is. I said, "Nope, you're not gonna get me twice in one week!" As I continued on my run, I thought how much I love my new morning routine. That woman is not the only person I regularly see. There are many people I regularly see on my morning runs, just as when I taught four 6:30 am classes per week, I would see the same yoga students in my class day, after day, after day.

Sure, there are some parts of routine that feel like a drag, but you must infuse your day with routine things that you love. Exercise is one of my favorites but it could be anything; your favorite coffee, your favorite jam. Your favorite morning show, your favorite morning shower routine. Whatever it is, love it. Don't just trudge through it. Let it fill your heart with love and gratitude.

My leg is the same; still about 70%. The interesting thing is running is not making it any worse, which I consider a good sign. I ran a slow to moderate 5 miles this morning and felt good. Tomorrow will be a day off for me.

For those of you who are giving me feedback about the colors of the blog: thank you! I continue to play with new colors to find something that not only looks good but isn't too bright or hard to read. I appreciate all your thoughts.

Be well.

Stay in your own space!

2008-07-16T06:56:00.002-04:00

I was on my run this morning and at the start, I was running up behind this woman. She was dressed as if she was going to the gym but had a bunch of perfume on ( which I smelled as I approached her) hair, make-up, the whole bit. I started wondering why someone would get all dressed up before going to the gym and as I started wondering this.......trip!! Yup, I tripped right in a small pothole in the sidewalk with my already injured leg!!!! For a second there, I thought 100% for sure my marathon hopes were done. I stopped running, shook the foot around, walked a few steps and then gingerly started running. Ok, so good, a few more steps..then a few others.. then I kept running and ok, deep breathing.....I'm going to be ok.

So, I said a little thank you prayer to God, and on the rest of my run I started kicking myself. As soon as I stopped paying attention, I almost got hurt. As soon as I started thinking about someone else's story and got all involved in their business, that's when I almost got really hurt. It reminded me of the time I was in yoga class and the guy next to me was twisting to the opposite side of the rest of the class so he ended up facing me instead of turning to the same side. I started thinking, " What is the deal? Doesn't he realize that he's turning to the wrong side?" and all of a sudden the teacher boomed, " Karen, stay in your own space!" I realized he was talking to me and he caught me and knew exactly what I was thinking! And at that moment, I felt like such an idiot! Why should I care how this guy is doing his pose? It's his business.

So, as you move through your day today, stay present, eyes open.

Run was good today. Blisters all gone, leg is 70%.

Sweat Every Day!

2008-07-15T06:56:00.002-04:00

When I logged into my computer this morning, the lead story on MSN is titled, "What makes us happy?" I had this thought in mind as I left for my run this morning. (yes, I know Mom, that I said I would only run three days this week and now I'm running two days in a row!) Needless to say, my leg is not 100%, but it's feeling better so I decided, yes, to go out again today, for a short 1/2 hour run, even though I had gone just yesterday.

As I started running, loving my new morning exercise routine, I started to think about what makes me happy. In the summer, it's something as basic as waking up and seeing the sun and feeling it's warmth on my skin. In the winter, it's so much harder and you have to dig deeper, especially in the morning, to find happiness ( that's why a heated yoga practice is so great in the dead of winter!). As I ran, I thought about my family, my dog, my cute little condo, my health, my friends, Hello Kitty, Howard Stern ( can you have one follow the other in a sentence?), the color pink, the beach, horses, yoga... the list goes on and on. And I also thought about running and just exercise in general and it's affect on your overall health and well-being. There is no doubt that exercise has a documented physiological affect on one's health, well-being and just overall happiness quotient. I have no material evidence but all I need to do is watch yoga students as they leave class and I can see that they've had a shift. And that has nothing to do with my teaching; it has everything to do with the fact that they were moving their bodies and shifting their overall attitude.

You'll notice that not many of the things on my list really cost a lot. Sure, my condo, maybe, but in the overall scheme of things, pretty cheap. It's more about just being grateful. I recall a recent yoga class and one of my favorite teachers was talking about his anticipation to try a new jam he bought that day ( he's Scottish so for him, this is happiness!) I thought as I listened how wonderful to be grateful for what seems like such a small thing.

I truely believe that exercise helps us access a better, healthier part of ourselves so that we are more able to tap into "what" makes us happy. One of my favorite companies ( read: one to watch!) is Lululemon Athletica. They are the makers of yoga clothing and products and are based in Canada. They have a wonderful marketing program and have some of the more positive messages out there. You can check them out at www.lululemon.com. One of their marketing slogans is "Sweat every day!" and I very much subscribe to that.

So, get out there today and move your body!

The Prize is in the Process

2008-07-14T06:59:00.002-04:00

One of my yoga teachers used to say this, and you may have heard this saying as well. It was so applicable to my run this morning. Coming back after this injury, or rather, trying to run somewhat through this injury, is really cause for me to re-evaluate my goals. No, I haven't trashed my idea of running Baystate, but today, it was more about just getting out there than how far or how fast I was running.

I wore my new Adidas Boston shoes and they were fabulous support. I set my intention for a 30 minute run, massaged some Ben Gay into my calf before leaving and went out. Initially, it felt 80% better, then it felt pretty much the same, then as I got moving and my body got warmer, it was about 60% overall. Not too shabby.

I will continue with my home based therapy program ( I'm even icing my leg at work!) and will take tomorrow off. Wednesday, I'll try another 30 minutes.

I think this just might work.

Runners: To the beach!

2008-07-13T17:21:00.002-04:00

After my post-run lobster pot treatment yesterday, I figured today I'd one-up that treatment by doing the ultimate in foot soaking: the beach! I went, not with intentions of lying leisurely, iced tea in hand and book under my nose, but with the intent to heal my leg.

I remember a yoga teacher training I attended in Mexico and for days on end we practiced for hours in a thatched hut right on the beach. One day, about 2 days in, our teacher said after a particularly grueling 3 hour practice, " Now go out and jump in the ocean!" We all were so tired but he'd ordered us and so off we went. We all ran and jumped in and after a few minutes just started laughing and swimming around. It was one of the most therapeutic, healing soaks I have ever taken. I had that in mind as I walked in the water, sat in the water, read in the water and just stood there. I spent the entire two hours in the water up to my thighs ( this is New England, you know.. only crazy people go all the way in!). After two hours, I must say, my leg felt considerably better.

Now, I only share this because as runners, yoga students and teachers and just all around athletes, we sometimes forget that the most basic of things can heal us. Yoga is perfect example of this. You don't need anything really, to practice; in our commercialized society we've created a perceived need for all sorts of yoga products, but truely you can be on a beach, on the floor anywhere and regardless of what you're wearing, practice yoga. It's exercise in it's purest form. As I was on the beach today, watching kids yelp for joy at the sight of cool shells in the sand, watched people chatting as they strolled, watched babies splash around for the first time in what to them, must seem like the world's biggest bathtub, I realized we don't need iphones.. we don't need ipods, we don't need Tivo, we don't need high speed internet. At the end of the day, we only need the sun, the sand, to relax and enjoy the beautiful gifts that are all around us.

Afterwards, I stopped in at a local running store, http://www.nerunningco.com. If you haven't visited Dave and his knowledge staff, make it a point. They are wonderful and I had another consult about shoes and ended up picking up a replacement pair of Adidas with inserts. This will give me a much more stable pair than the flat Mizunos and give me a good alternate pair to run in.

This week, I'm only scheduling 3 days of short runs to test out the leg. We shall see.

Help Dogs left homeless at freekibble.com

2008-07-13T08:43:00.002-04:00

I heard a story on the Today Show yesterday and had to share it. A little girl in Oregon who works in pet shelters has created a unique way to donate food to shelters for dogs and cats. It's a website called www.freekibble.com and it's a wonderful way to spend two seconds a day and have an impact on the life of dogs and cats abandoned and in shelters. It's based on the premise of www.freerice.com which donates food to people.

You visit the site, take the daily poll question and Bang! That's it. There's a counter on the site that will show you how much food has been donated and there's an adorable dog that barks when you move your mouse over him.

One of the casualties of these difficult economic time are pets; dogs, cats and even horses. As people foreclose on their homes, they abandon their pets and give them to shelters. It breaks my heart, along of course, with the human tragedy that is also experienced by the owners and they struggle to make it in this tough economy.

It's a little thing you can do but it will make a difference!

Bark! Just do it : )

Doesn't everyone soak their feet in their lobster pot?

2008-07-12T18:34:00.002-04:00

I found a great new use for that big, red, enamel lobster pot that I only used once two years ago. I came home from my run, filled it with ice and cold water and stuck my injured foot in it. I know, gross. Well, whatever. I only used it once and I don't expect to be running out to buy lobsters any day soon. My priorities have shifted from lobsters to getting my leg healthy. Yes, today I went out for my first run since Tuesday when I got injured and developed achilles tendonitis. Well, I should say it was more like a run/walk which kills my pride, but I promised myself that I'd listen to my body and use this run as more of an experiment. Well, my body was definitely giving me feedback and I listened to it. This means that I felt the leg, like a constant pulling on the left achilles. It's definitely not 100% and the worst thing I could do is continue to run as regularly as I was before. So, I'm only going to run 3 days a week for two weeks and continue treating it with ice, massage, gentle stretching and see how it goes.

I also had a great revelation at Marathon Sports today. We realized that because I had inserts in my other shoes but did not put them in my new Mizunos, and the new shoes already are flatter than my old Adidas Supernova's, I was most likely causing a problem due to the flatter shoes, thereby putting more of a stretch on my achilles. So we put my inserts into my new shoes and we'll try that. I'm also considering buying a new pair of Supernova's and switching between the two shoes.

I might also join a gym this week for a few months so I can swim and have an alternate to running and yoga.

It's always better to have information than not and I will work through this and stay on course for Baystate 08. I decided to drop out of my plans for a July race next week and get completely healed for Falmouth on August 10.

Have a great night.

Doing what is healthy for your body

2008-07-11T06:35:00.002-04:00

Today I will refrain again from running. Even though my achilles feels 80% better, I know in my heart that an extra day will make give it that much more time to heal. It's hard; when you get used to doing something every day, you want to keep going. When you set a goal ( at least when I do) you want to continue to strive towards that goal. I took yoga again yesterday morning, continue to ice, take advil and apply healing ointments (Arnica). They all seem to be working great. The best thing, I know, is that I am not aggravating it by continuing to run. Tomorrow I will try a short run in my old shoes. I'll go back to Marathon Sports with the new shoes and the old and see what they say. And I'll start back gently. Listen to my body and see what happens.

Are you doing what is healthy for your body? As a yoga teacher, I see the affects of stress and strain on people's bodies all the time. They say your body tells your life story and in any yoga class, you see so much of the personal history of your students without their having to say a word. To think that years of stress and strain can have an actual physical effect; well, it's more evidence that you need to take care of the body you've got, or it will show in your muscles, your bones, your posture, your body composition.

Take care of your body today. Eat well. Drink lots of water. Take a breather in the middle of the day at work to stop, take a few deep breaths and re-set your stress level. Take a quick walk. Eat food that is as close to the earth as possible ( fruits, vegetables, fish) Read something inspiring. Spend time with those you appreciate.

Have a great day.

Yoga- the perfect exercise

2008-07-09T19:02:00.002-04:00

This morning I took an early morning yoga class. Getting up at 5:15 and taking yoga before many people have even brushed their teeth takes a bit of discipline but it it one of the best times of the day to practice. Being relegated to "alternate" forms of exercise since my injury, I was eager to move my body in yoga class.

Since I have been running so much more, I haven't been taking as many classes as I usually do. But taking class this morning, I was struck by how perfect a practice it is. It's really all you need. It's cardiovascular, it builds strength. It increases balance, it decreases stress. It increases focus, it provides one with a better ability to breathe and deliver oxygen to the muscles. I could go on and on, but really you just need to try it. I assume if you've found my blog, you love running, love yoga or love both, or perhaps you love either one but not both. Well, today the message is this: If you have never tried yoga and especially if you are a runner, you must try a class very soon! It is one of the best ways to keep the body in shape and to keep your "inner body" in shape. Now, I know what you'll say. "My body is too inflexible to do yoga." Well guess what?! That's what yoga is meant to do! Get you more flexible! Do you think continuing to use that as an excuse is doing anything to increase your flexibility? Nope. So, stop using that for what it is: an excuse.

There are plenty of classes these days and lots of styles. Take the time, do some checking with friends. Get some recommendations. Then take a class and see for yourself.

If you have questions, feel free to drop me a note.

I promise. You will not be sorry!

And, as for the injury: it's 20% better!

Keeping the "Positive Factor"

2008-07-08T20:09:00.002-04:00

When Raffa Nadal beat Roger Federer on Sunday in their epic final match of Wimbledon 2008, he was asked by a stunned and grateful John McEnroe afterwards how he kept going, especially when, after being up two sets to none, he found himself tied at two sets a piece. " I just kept the positive factor," he haltingly, but beautifully, said.

All day today I kept trying to "keep the positive factor" as I deal with this new injury. I'm angry that it could be my new shoes that caused it. I'm angry that I can't run for the next few days but I know it's the best thing if I ever stand a chance at healing. So, as I wrapped my ankle in ice for the umpteenth time today, I just kept saying to myself, "Keep the positive factor."

There are some great articles about achilles tendonitis on the Runners World website. It's also a great resource to runners and makes a great read even to non-runners as well. Also, it really pays to reach out to your friends and supports when you're hurt. I got a great referral today to a physical therapist and got a lot of positive words of encouragement from friends and family. Better to reach out then to suffer in silence.

Tonight is more resting, icing, massaging, light stretching.

Keep the positive factor!

Knowing when to say "when"

2008-07-08T07:00:00.002-04:00

Well, it happened. The inevitable? Perhaps. I was hoping not. I now have developed tendinitis in my left leg. I have had this before and it's real challenge to treat. It's one of those things that you just have to let rest, and yes, resting means NO RUNNING. I was out today for a hill work out, which starts with a 3 mile run and sure enough, mid-run, there it was. Now, I am running in new shoes and they don't have the heel lifts in them as I had in my other shoes. I had heard once that this was helpful for those that develop tendinitis. So, perhaps I will put the heel inserts in the new shoes and see if that helps.

But right now, my real challenge is to let it rest. If I run for the next few days straight, I could really put myself out of the race completely. As someone told me recently, " all the work outs in the world don't mean a damn if you don't get to the line healthy."

So, on my run today, I listened and said, "Ok, I give." I stopped ( which I never do) and walked the rest of the way home ( I was almost there but it's a big deal to me).

I will ice, rest and do some gentle yoga for the next few days. I can take a few days off now.. it's only July.

Take care of your body!

Be well.

A day of sports for the Ages

2008-07-07T06:48:00.002-04:00

Today I am listening to my body and taking a rest day. After my long run yesterday late afternoon, I woke up with soreness in my calves. I took a long walk with the dog this morning and did a little bit of light yoga.

I am still so inspired by the sporting events this weekend. Dara Torres, who, at 41, is going off to her fifth Olympics; Michael Phelps securing his way into five Olympic events in Bejing and who will ever forget the epic match yesterday between Raphel Nadal and Roger Federer. I taped the final minutes and the ceremony afterwards and will watch it several times again. It is a true picture of two people giving all that that have, and more, and then afterwards, showing nothing but grace to not only each other, but to their family and their supporters. It was truely a gift to watch and an inspiration to everyone who saw it.

Tomorrow I will be back on the road but today is a day to take care of my body.

Getting back to business

2008-07-06T19:38:00.002-04:00

I'm home back in Boston today from the long holiday weekend. I did a long run today and felt like it was back to business, being in my own area and running the paths that are so familiar to me. I did about 10 and felt okay but my body feels tired. I started getting feedback from a running coach associated with the Baystate marathon. I confessed to him in an email that I'm only taking one day off per week and I worry that I should be taking at least two days off but I feel panicked when I don't run. I know, not a healthy feeling. It felt good to 'admit' it in my email to him, almost like I was admitting I had a problem of much more serious consequences. Regardless, I will await his reply and will take his words to heart.

Tomorrow is Monday and back to business in full force.

The Run at Home

2008-07-05T09:36:00.002-04:00

I'm visiting my family this holiday weekend and I have a regular route when I am home. It's not very long; only about 4 miles, but it gets the job done and keeps me running. Right now, I feel like it's more about running regularly than necessarily running long distances ( although I have built that into the plan regardless).

My runs at home are usually not very fast because for some reason I eat huge amounts of food and lots of sweets when I am there! So, the runs usually reflect how my body feels and today was no different. There's something about being home that is comforting and I just feel comfortable and, well, who cares if you have dessert? So, usually, there are movies to see, popcorn to eat, dessert to have, barbeques, italian food.. the list goes on and on. There's a popular Boston chef, Jasper White, and his motto is " Food is love." It's not the only kind of love, but certainly cooking and eating together is an expression of love in my family-- but in a healthy way, mind you.

The other thing I discovered when I was home yesterday was the joy of doing nothing. I watched men's quarterfinals of Wimbledon, sat by the pool, went in the pool, did some yoga outside, read my books and magazines and it was just delicious. I felt a little guilty at first, but then quickly gave up that feeling. The other thing I discovered was a foot bath. Yes, my blisters I've developed are concerning me, and my dad had one of those bubbling foot baths you can buy at Bed Bath and Beyond. We put a epsom salt based foot soak powder in it and three times yesterday I soaked my feet and afterwards, put special blister band-aids on the sore spots. It worked miracles. I have never had blisters before, am running in new shoes ( but they appeared before I started using the new shoes) and am using body glide on them and have great socks. So it's a mystery why I have developed them but I am hell bent on getting rid of them. So, lesson learned- invest in a foot bath, even if you don't have blisters. It just feels heavenly.

I am back to Boston tomorrow and looking forward to the Men's finals of Wimbledon and a long run.

Be well.

When you wish upon a Star

2008-07-03T08:44:00.002-04:00

My running today ( a 1 hour moderate pace run) took me through the streets of Boston. I decided I needed good scenery to keep me engaged in the process. I ran by a women's boutique with a window display of three pink tulle dresses under a banner with the message "When you wish upon a Star." Disney created some of my favorite movies and pink is my favorite color, so I found myself smiling. Wishing is a beautiful thing. I can remember when I was a little girl, I wanted this doll. I think it was called Baby Tender Love. At the time, I was very into watching "Bewitched." I used to walk to a local mall in my neighborhood and wiggle my nose and wish that when I got around the corner, I'd see the box with the doll inside. Even though it never happened, it didn't stop me from wishing. Then, as I got older, the wishes changes from thoughts of dolls to thoughts of other things; things about life, love and family.

Wishing is really another way of saying, " I believe." I believe in a lot of things. I think of that speech that Kevin Costner's character says in Bull Durham to Susan Sarandon's character..all the things he "believes in." And believing is another way of saying, " I have faith." Faith that things will work out, faith that you can do what you believe you can, faith that good things will come to you if your heart is in the right place.

I have faith that I can run a marathon in the fall. I have faith that some of the things I wish for in my life will come true. I believe that things are perfect just as they are and that on this sunny morning,before the fourth of July, that all is well with the world.

Tomorrow is a holiday. It will be a day of rest from running for me. Take time to relax and rest, eat well and have fun. Enjoy some festivities. Happy Fourth of July.

How to give when your cup is empty

2008-07-02T07:19:00.002-04:00

I woke up today with no intention of running. I was so tired I didn't think I could. I thought of taking a day off, which I will, but with the holiday this week, I am expecting with my travels my running schedule may get a bit challenging. I figured I'd get in a run today, even if it was slow and steady.

I figured a recovery type run would make sense. After the hills yesterday, I deserve it. So I started slow. As I started going, after about a mile I felt good. Then, two miles... felt better. Then 3 and I was in tempo pace (I know, running coaches out there, I should be taking it easy). I ended up doing negative splits ( faster second half of the 5 mile run then the first) and felt great. It reminded me of a quote from well known yoga teacher BKS Iyengar, " Yoga students do their best postures when they are the most exhausted." I've never seen him say that, but one of my favorite yoga teachers often quoted Iyengar and worked with him directly. I thought of that quote as I started to run. In the context of yoga, we talk about how when the resistance of the body and mind is broken down ( not the spirit, mind you) the body can move in a more fluid way. The same for running or any athletic endeavor, really. Take away the resistance and you get flow. In yoga , it's called "vinyasa," or the sanskrit word for "flow." You've probably felt it in your life.. think of a time when you were doing something and time stood still, or you weren't even thinking of time at all. For many people, it comes with times when they were in nature, or performing in some sporting event, or watching sports or some other kind of amazing performance.. or being with someone you love, or watching a child..all these things can bring you into flow.

The next time you don't think you can give anymore, just try it. See what you can give. Sometimes you have more to give then you think. And as they say, often it's the "thinking" that gets in the way. Get out of your head, into your body, and just do it.

Friends

2008-07-01T07:08:00.002-04:00

Today was a hill work out day. One of my favorite runs takes me around the river and then down Charles Street and up the steady incline to the State house. I then run back to my neighborhood and run one of the big hills there 3-5 times. Today as I was doing the hill intervals, I saw one of my friends and local yoga colleagues. She is also training for a marathon in the fall. Even though we didn't say much ( she was off to do her track workout) it was great to see her up and ready to go. We both share a love of yoga and running and I felt a kinship to her as I saw her off to her morning workout and I continued with mine.

After my last incline, as I was walking down the hill for the short run home, I saw one of the local moms with her daughter and son. Her daughter comes to my kid yoga class and is one of my favorites. She was walking with her doll, Catherine and she amicably chatted with me as we all walked down the street. "Mom," she said with authority, "Sally asked me if we could get together today for a play date." " Well, that sounds like a nice idea," her mom said. ( Keep in mind this is coming from a 4 year old). It made my heart just swell with joy to hear her speak so clearly and express so honestly a desire to see her friend.

Friends are a wonderful thing. Take some time today and connect with one of yours.

Be well.

Would you pursue excellence at the exclusion of all else?

2008-06-30T07:14:00.002-04:00

This morning was for a recovery run. My long run on Saturday tired me out, despite the rest I had yesterday. So today was slow but it is more about just doing it on days like this. I had my new sneakers which felt great.

I was watching the Olympic trials this weekend in track and field and swimming last night. Watching Michael Phelps made me think about excellence and the pursuit of it. Certainly as he turns 23 today, he has given up so much for his love of the sport. Watching his mom in the stands made me wonder all that she has sacrificed as well. But the love of the sport is what drives him and her love of him is what drives her. Bob Costas compared him to Tiger and Jordan in the post-race interview and again, there are names that have sacrificed so much for their pursuit of excellence.

In today's world, it's hard to make a sacrifice or committment to that degree. We all have jobs, families and other responsibilities that make it hard, if not impossible, to fully commit to one thing. But even if we have a taste of it, to whatever degree we can, we start to shift, start to move, start to understand not only how hard it is, but how rewarding it can be.

Before last night, I wasn't really looking forward to the Olympics. As Charlie Brown once said about Christmas, "It's gone commercial." But when you boil it all down, when you remove all the media personalities and the commercials and the hype, it's really about giving those who have committed, despite all else, a chance to shine. And that is truely an inspiration.

Namaste.

Sunday- the day of rest

2008-06-29T08:43:00.002-04:00

Today is a forced rest day. I call it that because I always start to get antsy when I have to rest. But it's so important to marathon training to work in total rest days. This is what I have read and when I follow the plan religiously, it truely feels great when you go out for a run the next day.

So, today I will teach a yoga class and relax. Do you spend time relaxing? For many of us, life is filled with things to do. We feel guilty ( I know I do) when we "hang out and do nothing." Even when I go to my favorite local coffee house, I bring lots of books. The owners there, who see me running around the neighborhood, teaching yoga, running errands, always look at me in disbelief when they see me just relaxing and reading. The first time it happened, one of them walked over and said, " I can't believe it! You've been here for over an hour and you're still sitting still!" Yes, indeed, I love "getting it done" but sometimes "getting it done" means resting.

There's a lot of evidence to explain what happens to the body when you increase your exercise intensity. Whether it's training for a marathon or practicing yoga, starting a new fitness routine or lifting weights, your body literally breaks down on a cellular level in order to grow new muscle fibers. So it's only natural that one or two rest days each week gives your body time to build that new muscle and renew itself.

Yoga is a wonderful way to do this and there are many yoga poses that are more focused on this restorative quality then building fitness. Just lying on your back can feel great and even better if you scoot your butt up to a wall and slide your legs up the wall. Yes, for the disbelievers, this is a yoga pose! It's called "Legs up the wall Pose" or "viparita karani" and it's especially good for runners because it encourages the legs to rest and moves metabolic waste out of the legs. So, today, maybe lie for a few minutes on your back, or try this pose and see how it makes you feel.

Be well.

Time heals all wounds- the Long Run

2008-06-28T11:02:00.002-04:00

Today I did my second long run. I'd say it was about 3 miles longer than last Saturday- probably about 9 overall- and I feel good. Slow and steady but it's just about building my endurance. I finished reading " Four Months to a Four Hour marathon" ( I recommended it in an earlier post) and it provides you with a week-by-week schedule. I was psyched to realize that tomorrow is exactly 4 months until the Marathon I'm running so I can start the formal training schedule in the book on Monday.

I have developed a blister. Like the heading of this post, "Time Heals all Wounds," I know it will eventually go away but I'm wondering why I developed it. Today I'll be going to Marathon Sports to buy new sneakers. I deserve them. I've put hundreds of miles on my current pair and it's sure to cost me an injury if I keep running on them.

I was talking to someone last night who went through a relationship break-up a month ago. We were talking about how he was feeling and he's not doing so well. I said, "Well you know what they say, "Time heals all wounds," and he shook his head and said " Well, I don't believe that." I was thinking about that on my run today. How time does indeed heal all wounds. The path I take around the river is the same path I've been running for over 20 years. I went to college in Boston and have stayed since then. While I run different routes, that's my regular route and if that pavement could speak, it'd tell quite a story of all the ups and downs of my life. Running around the river has been a meditation for me and I 've grown in countless ways as I've run around that river. I was thinking this morning that only when you're in the midst of pain do you doubt that time will heal, but when you have the perspective of looking foward clearly, as well as looking back, you can see that it really is a true statement.

In yogic theory, we speak of the impermanence of all things. The Buddha teaches us that no things stay the same and the human condition is to suffer if we fight the reality that all things change. Just ask Andy Roddick or Maria Sharapova ( who used to date, ironically enough) who both lost in early rounds of Wimbledon this week( as did James Blake) . Both formerly at the top of their game and now, struggling with their performance. Impermance in action.

Thank god things change. If I thought that things were going to stay the same, I'd never have faith that I could run this thing. But I know with regular training, a good diet, healthy rest and positive people supporting me, I will do it. I'm not sure how fast I'll be, but I will run this thing.

If you're running today, have a good run. Stay off the pavement. Rest well tonight. Enjoy the weekend.

Peace.

What's your inner coach saying?

2008-06-27T07:05:00.002-04:00

When I was running the other day, I ran over the Memorial Bridge which goes over the Charles River ( I offer this direction only for our out of state readers!). As I ran over the bridge, underneath were members of a local rowing ( crew ) team in their boat. Their coach was beside them in his boat and I could hear him yelling direction to the team. " Lift more, smooth!" or whatever specific suggestion he was providing.

As I continued my run, I began to think of my own running in that moment and what suggestions might be helpful. " Relax your shoulders, breathe" or " be in the legs, breathe." It became a great way to stay in my body ( and out of my head) and keep the meditative flow of running driving me.

When you run, what is your inner coach saying? Or is it your ego that drives you when you run? How's that working for you?

On another note, I read recently that running on pavement is "poison to your legs." It's got me thinking about the fact that right now, 90% of the running I do is on pavement. I'll be shifting more to the paths around my running routes instead.

I also bought a great book: Four months to a four hour marathon, by Dave Kuehls. I'm only mid-way through but it seems excellent. Check it out on www.amazon.com.

Oh, and for those of you who wondered where yesterday's post was: I was in yoga class!

be well1

Who inspires you?

2008-06-25T07:05:00.002-04:00

Today was the day for a tempo run. I love them when I feel good and fast. You just feel like your limbs are liquid and you can move like the wind ( even if you're not going super fast). You get that familiar feeling of a little tweak or strain in your side and you just know you're in that working zone.

This morning on my run I was fortunate to run behind ( I can't keep up with her but can keep pretty close behind her) this woman that I have seen before. She keeps up a great pace and has great body mechanics. As a yoga teacher, I see all kinds of bodies and try to teach people how to bring their bodies into alignment. When you run, keeping your shoulders relaxed, your shoulders over your hips, your legs moving on one plane, your arms moving forward and back, bent at the elbows and hip height or a little higher- these are all the hallmarks of good running mechanics. This woman has all of that. So, she makes for a great inspiration when running.

But I also saw others that inspired me as well. The two older women, who must be in their 70's, whom I see walking together and speaking what must be Russian every morning. The guy that I saw get out of his truck to unload a recumbant bike and I noticed he was a below-the-knee amputee. The woman I see every morning, who must be struggling with her weight as she runs, but yet she's out there every day.

A friend sent me a link the other day to the story of Will Power, the two legged dog. It's an amazing story about a dog born only with his hind legs and he walks on them, upright, like a human. That's inspiring. The story of Tiger Woods, playing this past week on stress fractures and a knee a few weeks post-surgery. Smarty Jones, Barbaro, Big Brown.. race horses that inspire. Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Lance Armstrong ( the bike racer, not the serial dater!), rescue dogs.. these are all inspirations to me.

One of my yoga teachers used to say, "when you die, will you be an example, or a warning?" Today, think....are you an inspiration? Who inspires you?

Protect your goal

2008-06-24T07:02:00.002-04:00

When you set a goal, whether it's running a marathon, losing weight, changing a behavior or pattern you don't like or doing well at your job, sometimes you need to protect your goals from people or situations that will sabotoge it. Sometimes all it takes is to surround yourself with positive things and people when you're going for a particular goal. The positive energy will support you and keep you in a positive space.

But other times you need to be more specific. You need to take action. You need to remove yourself from being around people that distract you from the task at hand, or tempt you with things that are counterproductive. One of the hardest things when you're trying to change a behavior is to realize that sometimes those around you need to change as well, or unfortunately, maybe for a short time, maybe forever, you need to gently ( or not ) sever those ties.

Sometimes it's even something as simple as changing where you are. If you are trying to lose weight and you love a particular place for lunch, it might be a real bummer to have to avoid that place. If you are trying to save money and you love going out on Friday night for dinner, maybe you can only meet your friends afterwards and you make spaghetti at home. If you're trying to get in better running shape and you know you're too tired at night to get your runs in, maybe you need to get up early and run. Again, only you will know what is lacking and through creative thinking, you can find ways to protect your goal.

In most cases, it's not everyone around us that's the problem. It's us. We are the only ones that can control our own behavior. We need to be honest with ourselves when we're off course and be patient but truthful about when we fall off the wagon.

How are you selling yourself short? How are you sabotoging your goals? What is your goal? Do you have one? Something that you're passionate about? Maybe that's the best place to start. Find it. Then protect it. Go for it.

I am a morning runner!

2008-06-23T07:11:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am a morning runner. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but to me, it's a big achievement. I never used to think I had time to run in the morning. I have to get ready for work, have to walk the dog, don't like morning running, my back hurts, the list goes on and on. And finally, one morning a few weeks ago, I just set my alarm clock one half hour early, walked the dog a bit earlier, went for a run, and came home. Took a shower, got ready for work and found that I was only 15 or so minutes behind my normal schedule. What the heck was I doing with all that time before??

When you make something a priority in your life, you have the makings of creating a new habit. Unfortunately, this work in the reverse as well-- you make eating a priority, you gain weight. You make going out a priority, you may end up drinking to excess regularly. But we're talking about making healthy habits. The universe just seems to support positive energy and if you can just take that first step, you literally start to change things and create new habits.

What habits do you have that you'd like to change? What habits would you like to develop? Pick one and write it on a post it. Stick it on your bathroom mirror so you see it each day. Let the idea start to sink in. And then one day soon, maybe you will find yourself taking that first, crucial step.

Good luck!

My first long run

2008-06-21T18:45:00.000-04:00

Today was my first long run. It's amazing when you're motivated to do something, you really can tackle things that your thinking might tell you are not possible ( just ask Tiger Woods about his achievement in winning the US Open this past week). I was actually very excited to see what was possible this morning, and I was pleasantly surprised. My run of 9 or so miles ( I'll track the mileage in the car tomorrow) was slow/steady but I only stopped a few times (had to fix my hair- I sometimes wish I could run in a bathing cap!). I was on my feet for about 90 minutes ( like I said, slow/steady!) but right now, I'm working on just being on my feet for longer periods of time than my daily five mile runs. I did my first Half marathon in just two hours last May and I'm looking forward to working up my endurance again.

As I ran around the river, I was so moved by the scenery. I am so lucky to live in a wonderful city. The sun was out, there were crew boats on the river and the weather was perfect. I was just about moved to tears (I know, sounds a bit sappy). But being in nature and inspired by nature is, for many people, the closest they get to meditation or at least connecting to the feeling of gratitude. We need to add more gratitude to our individual days.

I met a good friend after my morning run at my favorite local coffeehouse, Zumes. He's someone whose opinion I respect on many levels and he's an amazing athlete, having completed triathalons and many other pretty hard core events. I shared with him my new blog and my new endeavor of running the Baystate Marathon in October. I told him of my current running schedule with excitment along with my completion today of my first long run. " You're going to take the day off tomorrow, right?" he said. "Well... no.... should I?" I said. "Yes! My god, you just ran your first long run, you ran 20 miles already this week before today- yes, take the day off tomorrow!"

I need to remember that moderation is the key to preventing injury. Mixing up running with yoga and even some other low impact activities will not only prevent overuse injuries but will keep my interest level up for the hard training that is sure to come in the future. Sometimes you need to reach out to others and listen to their perspective.

Is there something you're pushing yourself towards? A goal or a vision? What's driving you? A healthy desire or a unbalanced passion?

A morning yoga class

2008-06-20T09:23:00.000-04:00

I remember when I started taking yoga classes, I totally submerged myself in them. I went to class early, to be sure I got a good spot in line. I took a book, read while waiting and when they opened the door, was sure to get my favorite spot in the studio. I took class a lot ( read: 5-6 times a week) and my body responded with great changes as did my mind and just my overall sense of well being.

But then slowly, over many months, I realized that I was started to resent yoga. I started to feel like it was too much, too often and started to mix in some other things as well. This was when I began running more again ( which, oddly enough, I had dropped entirely when my committment to yoga began).

So, what's the point? Well, there's a school of thought that says that whatever you point your attention towards can become your whole focus. And just like cake, there's only so much you can eat before you start to feel sick ( or insert whatever food stuff you feel suits you for this metaphor to work). So, one might not think running or yoga or exercise in general can be like that, but if you put all your eggs in one basket, it's likely that you'll burn out.

Why write about this today? Because today was my first yoga practice in five days, the past five days being focused on daily runs. During this marathon training, it's going to be impossible to deny that running will take the prime spot in terms of my time, but I have to remember to keep a balance and mix in yoga as well. Outside of the wonderful benefits that yoga has for runners (stretching, breathing, balancing, relaxing) it's so important when you set a goal like running a marathon ( or any goal) to give your body and mind a rest from the goal and a chance to process all that has been done to date.

So, as I practiced this morning with my early morning yoga colleagues in the 6:45 am class, in the same spot on which I placed my mat those nine years ago when I first arrived at the studio, I smiled to myself and realized that I knew about balance all along. I just needed to remind myself. And I can't wait now to go out for a run tomorrow!

The perfect run......

2008-06-19T07:10:00.000-04:00

Today was one of the perfect run days. The days you go out and expect to drag yourself around and instead are pleasantly surprised by a fluid body, light legs and smooth breathing. Running and yoga both share the same concept of impermanence; things never stay the same. You can get on your mat one day and move like liquid and other days, your legs feel like lead. But as the prophet Nike says, " Just do it." Find the energy to move inertia and once you get moving, things start to shift.

I never thought I'd be a morning runner. I'm actually not a morning person. My father used to call me "Lucy " ( from the Charlie Brown comic strip) at breakfast because I was so grumpy in the morning. But through a regular yoga practice that sometimes takes place in the morning, I've learned to shift my perspective and recently I started running at 6 am just to be sure I can get in my daily runs. I've found the time to be invaluable for setting a wonderful tone to my day. It's peaceful, meditative, brings me in touch with nature ( I run around the river and regularly see ducks, dogs and birds). It's amazing how I used to think I never had the time to run in the morning and really, all I needed to do was get up one 1/2 hour earlier, and it works. And the benefits to my overall health and wellness are enormous.

What's a health habit that you have developed or that you'd like to develop? What's stopping you? Time? Money? Lack of knowledge? Maybe today's the day to make a change.