What me? Worry?

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!

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

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

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

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!

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?

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?

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!

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?

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!

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?

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

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

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

Just do it.

Talk to you post-marathon!

Love and peace.

Get Inspired!

( 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?

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

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!

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

"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!

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

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

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?

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

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!

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?

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

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

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.