Yoga!
Today I finally reunited (fitting since last night at bar trivia I discovered the meaning of “yoga” is union—though one among many) with one of my passions. It has been tough going without it for more than a month, but even tougher to fit it in and not overexert myself with too many aerobic vinyasas.
But I have missed the stretch, elongation and bodily peace I receive from my practice, and would complement my running as the schedule gets tougher and injuries are more likely. Hopefully I can continue to squeeze in a class every once in a while, even if it’s just every two weeks. My greatest incentive today was knowing my favorite instructor at the gym, who had been on vacation for about as long as I had been from my practice, was back. Handstands (with support from a partner) and balance poses were a little shakier after my hiatus, but that only confirms what my formerly steady practice had been doing for my body. And when I finish the marathon in November, I can fully dive back in.
After class today I ran my 3 miles on the treadmill. They were a little lighter and easier trio than usual, probably due to my relaxation; however, with less than a mile left I got a bad cramp in my lower right abdomen that I was forced to breathe (and run) through. As I had increased my pace to 6.4 mph up until then, I brought it down to 6.2 and concentrated on breathing. In another quarter mile it had dissapated. My panic had been mild, and I dealt with it rationally. Not saying that will happen the next time because cramps scare the eff outta me.
My 5 miles yesterday were pretty routine. I am a wimp even in lower 70s weather when the sun is shining, so I retreated once again to the gym, where I expressed some of my fears about Friday’s 10 miler to my boxing class instructor, whom I ran into. It might rain. Or it might be too hot. Or I might not survive! Even on my way over there yesterday I was more consumed with thoughts about Friday than that day’s task.
I really will be testing myself, and I feel like I need a manual. How will I hold/carry my water? Will I eat enough beforehand, or too much? Will my GPS hold up? It’s a little frightening.
