All posts by yogaswole

Running, Yoga

Yoga for Runners

For me, yoga and running have always gone hand in hand. Yoga has many benefits on both a runner’s body (improved flexibility, range of motion, muscular strength, prevent injuries) and mind (more focus, less stress). Yoga is a great way to help runners improve performance and prevent injury. Yoga also helps to relieve soreness and tension in your muscles and restores range of motion so you can run better the next time you’re out on the road.

Many people often ask how I can run so much, while minimizing injuries. For me, the number one reason why, has been yoga. Yoga has helped me in countless ways over the years, both physically and mentally.  No one wants to get hurt; injuries are not only painful, but can sideline you for months. I couldn’t even imagine what I would do with myself if I couldn’t run. Therefore, it’s important we remember to be smart and train smart.  Smart training can help make sure that injuries don’t stand in the way of your training. Therefore, spending some time on your yoga mat might be your best bet and just what the doctor ordered, it certainly has been for me. Practicing yoga asanas (poses) can help keep muscles limber, and yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness can bring about increased focus and awareness. So why not practice? Today is a great time to start- no time like the present as I like to say!

So why strike a pose? Studies have shown that yoga decreases stress, helps with weight loss, eases pain, helps people stick to an exercise routine, and even improves running times.

Here are some other reason runners should try yoga….

Yoga is a great partner. Training for the NJ marathon? Yoga can help you stay injury free by cultivating a balance between strength and flexibility in the body.

Yoga helps you become more present and aware of what your body needs. One key way yoga can help prevent running injuries is by cultivating mindfulness. The more aware you are of how your body feels from day to day or from pose to pose, the more likely you are to notice tight or injury prone areas that need attention.

Competitive and endurance sports like running encourage us to override the internal voice that wants us to stop, especially when we hit the wall in a marathon. However, sometimes when we ignore this voice, we can get injured. However, when we start to listen, as we do in a yoga class we can align and support ourselves in a more kind and mindful way.

Build mind-body awareness. Runners can use yoga practice to balance strength, increase range of motion, and train the body and mind. Asanas move your body through poses while teaching you how to coordinate your breath with each movement. Eventually your body, mind, and breath will be integrated in all actions.

Yoga helps you stretch smarter. Yoga’s combination of active and passive stretching is one way to help keep injuries at bay.

  • Active stretching—moving and stretching the body dynamically creates warmth and mobility to the tissues.
  • Passive stretching—holding a posture for a minute or more in a way that’s relaxed, allows muscles to lengthen even more.

Yoga allows you to stretch your feet. Flex, point, or fl-ointing your feet, allow them to feel good! Hitting the pavement again and again can take its toll on your feet, so it’s essential for runners to make time to care for them. A typical yoga practice stretches, strengthens and brings increased awareness to the feet.

Yoga helps build strength in the body and allows you to conquer chronic injuries. Yoga helps you find a state of equilibrium in your body that helps prevent chronic injuries and illnesses.  In yoga, you’ll work your core, quads, hamstrings, hip flexors, & IT band (amongst other things, but these areas are extra important to runners). Working, stretching, and strengthening these areas will help you to run more efficiently and stay injury free.

Your hips will be happy. If your hips are tight, your mobility becomes limited, which can cause IT band pain, knee pain, as well as extra and unwanted stress to the back of your legs and feet.  Yoga will open your hips, keep your muscle in peak condition, and allow you to run pain free.

Yoga can help bring your body into balance. The pain most runners feel is not from running alone, but from imbalances that running causes and aggravates. Yoga can help you balance them out, so you can keep running long and hard for many years to come.

Yoga can be the ultimate cross-training for runners. Poses that mimic the running stride, for example, lunges, can help you stay flexible through the range of motion you use to run.

Yoga helps you to be humble. It can take years to learn and truly master yoga poses, so don’t go to your first several classes and expect to learn everything immediately. And certainly don’t go and worry about what the person next to you is doing. So what if you can’t do what they can, just focus on you. Yes, you may be a great runner, have had tons of PRs, have won races, whatever… but on your mat, none of that matters. Yoga is not about winning or being better than someone else, it’s about being the best YOU in that moment. Accept and appreciate your body and mind for where it’s at and don’t’ be so hard on yourself. Allow the movement and stretching to feel good.

When you’re ready and the time is right for you to start, be sure to shop around and find a class that is right for you. There’s no single style of yoga that’s best for every runner, but it’s important to find one you enjoy.  Find a studio (i.e. Empower Yoga) or class that makes you feel good, has a good vibe, good instructor, etc.. and just keep going and doing it.  Practicing yoga consistently is more important than what type of yoga you practice.

Namaste

 

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CrossFit, Running, Yoga

Feeling Fabulous at 35!

35As most of you know, especially if you read my blog last week, I am 35. I am happy to say that at 35, I am in the best shape of my life.  Growing up I played sports, but after high school I pretty much stopped working out. In college, I only used the gym as a way to meet people, particularly guys.  It wasn’t until my late 20’s that I started working out again and once I hit 31, I became an avid workout and health enthusiast. Because of my hard work and dedication to fitness and health these last several years, I have to say that I believe that I look and feel my best and am in the best shape I have ever been in. While I still have goals for myself and I continue to push my limits in order to see what I am truly capable of, I know that I am in good shape and it feels great! Continue reading Feeling Fabulous at 35! →

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Happy 35th Birthday to Me!

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As my birthday approaches, I am excited to say that I will be 35. I am happy to admit it and am looking forward to celebrating it. I know that birthdays for a lot of people can be scary. Not everyone likes to admit it’s their birthday, they hate admitting how old they are, they don’t want to celebrate, and it’s all because, for whatever reason, birthdays have a tendency to make us feel bad about ourselves. I think most people feel that they aren’t in the place they thought they’d be at their age which is why, as we turn another year older, we start to feel down. It seems to some, that time continues to pass, but they’re standing still. Common things I’ve found that people are often unhappy about are: how their body looks, their weight, their job, their relationship, or the fact that they aren’t in one, they haven’t started a family, etc… So birthdays tend to be a reminder of all the things we don’t like about ourselves or what we don’t have in our lives, so I’d like to change that. Continue reading Happy 35th Birthday to Me! →

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Yoga

17 Reasons to Do Yoga in 2017

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Yoga is an ancient practice with origins stretching back thousands of years in India. It was designed as a way to help the yogi achieve a more positive outlook on life and a focused, more permanent sense of serenity and peace. Nowadays we also use yoga as a way to help build strength and increase our flexibility. If you think yoga might not be for you, I urge you to reconsider. Continue reading 17 Reasons to Do Yoga in 2017 →

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Creating Successful Resolutions

With the new year upon us, it’s time to reflect on the year that’s passed and begin thinking about the year ahead. Whether or not you have taken the time to think about your goals and aspirations for the next 12 months, a new chapter is here. So it’s important to ask yourself, what do you want to accomplish in 2017? What are you satisfied with in your life, and what changes would you like to make? Continue reading Creating Successful Resolutions →

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Running

Thoughts You Have During & After a Marathon

A friend of mine recently posted a funny article they found in Runner’s World about the crazy things runners think about after running a marathon. This made me think of some things that have gone through my head both during and after a race; so I decided to create my own list 😉

Running a marathon is an incredible feeling and an awesome sense of accomplishment, but while you’re running it, you don’t always recognize in that moment how truly amazing it is and how strong you are because you’re battling some crazy thoughts that are going on in your head.

According to Running USA, the average male’s finishing time is 4:19:27 (9:54/mile pace), and the women’s was 4:44:19 (10:51/mile pace). That is a long time to be in your own head. As you run, you’ll notice many thoughts that pop up, some good and some not so good.  For this week’s blog, I’ve decided to share some of my own. This is by no means meant to discourage you from running a marathon (because I think everyone should run at least one in their lifetime), it’s more of an insight into what runners, myself in particular, think about during a race. The most recent marathon I ran was the NYC marathon in November. Here are a few of the things that I thought about. I started by breaking it down according to my miles of the race and then how I felt after. Enjoy!

Here’s what goes down during and after a marathon: 

  • At the beginning of the race you’re so excited. You’ve been training for several months  and now the day is finally here. You’re overjoyed and ready to run.
  • Miles 1-3: What’s my pace? Am I going too fast? Should I slow down? Remember the warnings… don’t go out fast, stay back, you’ll pay for it at the end.
  • Mile 3-6: Ok, I am getting into a groove. Love this Eminem song, I am crushing this. I feel like I am on top of the world, only 20 miles to go.
  • Miles 6-9: Make sure you’re fueling, look a water station, drink up, are we at the ½ yet?
  • Miles 9-12: Still not halfway, ok I am on pace, trying to be under the 4:00 mark. Only one more mile to the half, keep your chest up, shoulders down, and remember to breathe.
  • Miles 12-15: Finally, the first half is done, you’ve got this, try to speed up for the second half, skip to the next song, yay Beyonce, smile- there’s a photographer, pretend this is fun.
  • Miles 15-18: I think my foot hurts, I’m thirsty, is that a banana?  Where’s my husband? Wait I think I see him. Can I lift my hand high enough to give him a high-five?
  • Miles 18-21: Why did I sign up for this? Why do I think running is fun? Shit, I slowed down, can I still hit my goal? Why aren’t my legs moving? MOVE legs- whats wrong with you? Shit a hill!  What’s that smell? Is that me or the person next to me? I’ve run 20 miles, only 6 more… stop doing math.
  • Mile 21-23: Ok, not too much longer. Is this what hitting the wall feels like? When will this be over? I can’t believe I paid for this. When is the next water stop? Hold your pace, that person’s walking and it looks so good, should I walk? If I get through this alive, I am never running another marathon.
  • Mile 23-26.2: You are almost there, pull yourself together, you can do this-you can do anything, one foot in front of the other, is that the finish line ahead, pass the women in the orange shorts, let’s go, last little push, let’s get to that line, smile when you cross.
  • Yes, I did it!! Glad that’s done! That was great, I think! Where’s my damn medal?
  • Should I sit, nah keep walking to the family meeting area. Wow my feet hurt, I am not sure they ever hurt so bad, oh no a curb how am I going to step down, find your family, find food, find a drink, find a shower.
  • Find a shower, stand there for 20 minutes then ask your husband to help dry you off and get you dressed.
  • Eat everything in site.
  • Allow your head to hit the pillow, Good night!

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Running

26 Reasons why you should run the NJ Marathon

2016-header-nj_marathon_homepageRunning a marathon is one of the most challenging and rewarding events that any of us will ever experience.  The human body imposes natural limitations on the distance we can run easily.  Twenty miles is about the furthest we can go comfortably.  After 20 miles, we begin to run out of fuel and our muscles begin to hurt.  Therefore, the marathon distance is designed to take us beyond our comfort zone, to a place in which we confront the limitations of our bodies and our minds.  I could not think of a better place to be, to learn, and to grow.

I firmly believe that anyone with the right training, preparation, and mental discipline can complete a marathon. However, you need to know that there are no shortcuts or easy ways out.  Marathon training can be tough, but you need to remember, so are you! After you’ve run your first one, there is no better feeling in the world.  Knowing your hard work has paid off and what you’ve accomplished as a result of finishing is something that no one can take away from you.  

2013njmcoursemapIt is so worth it in the end. If you’re someone who’s debated about doing one for a while, now’s your chance (no time like the present). Join me in signing up for the NJ marathon and get yourself ready for a challenge that will take you into an unknown zone, where you can confront your true self and discover your inner strengths and limits. But, be careful, running a marathon can become an addiction. After it’s done, you can’t wait to sign up for the next one.

This marathon will mark my 10th and I could not be more excited nor could I think of a better place to run!

26 Reasons why you should run the NJ Marathon:

  1. Its close to home! The point-to-point marathon course starts in Oceanport at Monmouth Park and ends on the oceanfront Promenade just north of Pier Village and opposite the stage on The Great Lawn. And if it’s not close to your home, it’s definitely an awesome place to visit and great excuse to head to the Jersey Shore.
  2. The course is virtually flat. It has a few gentle rolling stretches and bridge crossings, but overall, it’s fast and flat.
  3. Flat and fast = many participants will obtain new PRs!
  4. Great Boston Qualifying course!
  5. You get to run through the diverse neighborhoods and business districts of Oceanport, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Deal, Allenhurst, Loch Arbour, Asbury Park and Ocean Grove.
  6. You can achieve a life-long goal. Many people have “run a marathon” on their bucket list, but few actually follow through with it.
  7. Training for a marathon helps keep you motivated to run!  You can’t get away with not training with a marathon, so having training runs marked on your calendar will keep you motivated and force you to stick to your schedule.
  8. Running keeps you healthy and strong!  Running regularly strengthens your heart and also helps keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal levels. It also improves your immune system.
  9. Get into better shape! By the time you’re done training you may possibly be in the best shape of your life.
  10. You’ll get a medal, cool shirt, and an awesome finishing photo as a recognition of your achievement.
  11. You’ll meet new people. Joining a running group is a great way to make new friends. The friends you meet and the bonds you form are like none other.
  12. You’ll sleep better.  Marathon training can be tiring on your body, so you’ll definitely find yourself getting to bed earlier and sleeping a lot more soundly.
  13. You’ll have a lifetime of bragging rights. Once you become a marathon finisher, you’re always a marathon finisher. No one can ever take that away from you!
  14. You’ll have a great excuse to buy new running clothes. You’ll be running a lot, so you need quite a few outfits.  Picking up some new running clothes and gear is a great way to reward yourself for sticking to your training.
  15. You’ll be a great role model and be setting a great example for your friends and family.  It’s hard not to respect someone who is dedicated and determined to complete a large goal like running a marathon.
  16. People will make signs for you.  A marathon is definitely a sign-worthy endeavor and friends and family always love to come up with creative signs to show their support.  It’s so fun to read the signs along the course on race day!
  17. Running is a good stress reliever. Running helps take your mind off your troubles and get lost in the run.  
  18. Running can be euphoric. You’ll get to experience the runner’s high that everyone talks about.  
  19. You’ll gain confidence you never knew you had. After you’ve logged a 20-miler, you’ll feel like you can conquer the world.
  20. You’ll find new places to run. Since you’ll be running a lot more, you may get bored with the same routes. Check out MapMyRun.com to create new routes. You can also find runners in your area on FB or visit your local running store (i.e. Pacers) to ask for suggestions on where to run.
  21. You will most definitely be inspired along the way.  Whether it’s the double-amputee wheelchair racer, the 75-year-old grandmother running, the person completing their 50th or 100th marathon, people running in honor of loved ones who’ve passed, the charity runners, or the kids holding the signs that say  “We Love You, Mom/Dad!”, there are inspirations everywhere.
  22. You can indulge a little after your long runs.  During your very long runs, you’ll be burning thousands of calories, so it’s OK to be a little indulgent after. You can run hard, and celebrate hard.
  23. You’ll better understand runners’ lingo and find yourself talking more about running.
  24. You have an excuse to get a massage.  While training, you may find that you have tight muscles, so regular massages can help you feel comfortable and stay injury-free. Treat yourself to a massage or two during your training to help relieve some of that tightness.
  25. You’ll have an amazing feeling of accomplishment.  Although you’ll experience rough patches during marathon training and during the race, it’s all worth it once you cross that finish line. You’ll feel proud knowing that you set a goal of finishing a marathon and you followed through with it.
  26. The experience will change you. You’ll forever know that you have the mental and physical strength to persevere, even during times when you think you can’t and won’t succeed.

Let’s get ready to run!!

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Cultivating Gratitude

What are you grateful for? Have you thought about it? Do you show gratitude in your daily life?

At times, I often feel that we take so much for granted and forget about all the good that is present in our lives. Instead, we think about all the things our lives are lacking. However, when we stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing and we have so much to be grateful for.

In an effort to remind myself and others of all the things we should be grateful for, I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s blog to the idea of gratitude! Enjoy 🙂 Continue reading Cultivating Gratitude →

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Keep a Contented Heart

happiness-projectA couple years ago my husband and I read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  I recently revisited this book because I’ve begun to find myself needing a few reminders about what happiness means and how to find happiness in our life, especially when things become difficult for us.  

So I decided to pull the book back out and revisit the chapter, November. Keep a Contented Heart is the heading for this chapter.  I started reading and thinking about this idea. What does “keep a contented heart” mean? Well literally, according to the dictionary, “contented” refers to happy and at ease, and “heart” is the organ that pumps our blood and is also the central or innermost part of something.  So having a contented heart means to be happy at your core.  Would you say that you have a contented heart right now? My immediate answer is no, but after some more thought, I would answer yes and I am sure you might too.  At first, keeping a contented heart can feel like a giant task, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact I think it can be easily attainable.

I think one of the most important things that leads to happiness is attitude; which Gretchen writes about in the chapter.  I believe attitude speaks volumes about how to achieve a contented heart.  If you can master a good attitude about whatever comes your way, good or bad, it can go a very long way to building your happiness level. I work daily on keeping and maintaining a positive attitude about life, even when I feel derailed or when life gets hard.  I awake each day with the mantra, “It’s a great day to be alive” and work hard to live up to that mantra by trying to achieve greatness each day.

And when I refer to greatness, I do not mean having power or wealth.  To me, having greatness can mean something a little different every day. It can include setting small, attainable goals that I set for myself.

For example:

attempting a new arm balance

running a faster mile

PRing my deadlift

complimenting someone

acknowledging someone’s hard work

It can also mean having the courage to stand up to injustice and the ability to help and be kind to all (i.e. people, animals, the environment).

For example:

being a vegan or vegetarian

not polluting our environment

offering support to someone who needs it

being a voice to the voiceless

As a former learning consultant and now yoga teacher and studio owner, I have spent my career caring for and teaching others. I believe in the importance of helping, supporting, and being kind to all beings and share that belief with my students through my words and actions.  I try to not take anything for granted and appreciate the small gifts in life.  This positive attitude, will, and desire to live a good, strong, and kind life has helped me to work towards achieving a contented heart.  I believe that it is important to be grateful for the things we have, tell the people in our lives that we care about them, and do something each day that will challenge us and help to make us better, because we never know if this day will be our last. Live it up!

November after all is the month that contains Thanksgiving, and it is a great time to work on having a contented heart. It’s a month that focuses on gratitude, thankfulness, and counting blessings both big and small. What better time to work on this?  There is no time like the present!

What can you do today to help you have more of a contented heart tomorrow?

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