Free your mind.

Today marks the the beginning of what may, in fact, be the most stressful week I've had in a long time. (Sigh). However, something that gave me such inspiration and peace of mind yesterday was my yoga class, taught by the lovely Jenna Knickerbocker. Since I ran 5 miles the day before, I decided to treat myself with this class because I was feeling in dire need of a spiritual lift; my mind was so cluttered that I needed to just dedicate an hour of my time to not only physical exercise, but also meditation, or as I like to call it, mental exercise. I've been doing yoga off and on for about 4 years now (oh how I fondly I remember my first class...) and I have to say it never fails to surprise me. Each class is totally different, yet the feeling I have leaving the room is always one of immense spirituality and peacefulness. It never fails to relax and focus my mind, something I highly recommend to those feeling tense or uneasy. It's a different kind of workout, yet even though you may not be gaining all the physical benefits that say running provides, you gain so much more mentally. It's a very appealing alternative to me and I highly suggest giving it a try if you haven't already.

A little background:

The core components of yoga are Poses and Breathing. Yoga poses, also called postures, are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses range from lying on the floor while completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits. Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. In yoga, breath signifies your vital energy. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind.

Some pointers for first timers:

You may want to laugh. It's normal, but it can come off as offensive to not only the instructor but also the other yogi's. Try to be respectful, but if you can't hold it in, you can always cover it with a cough!

Everyone can experience the class/session in their own way. There is no "correct" way to do yoga in the sense that no matter what level you are, the class is yours for the taking; don't let others dictate your experience. 

Bring your own mat. Unless you are broke (like me) and don't have one, in which case, BRING A TOWEL!
Have fun with it. Get into it. What you put in is what you get out, quite literally. 

How yoga can benefit you:

Stress reduction. With its quiet, precise movements, yoga draws your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and toward calm as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration.

Increased fitness. As you learn and refine new poses, you may enjoy improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. And this means you're less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavors or in your daily activities.

Management of chronic health conditions. Yoga might help with a variety of health conditions, such as cancer, depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia, by helping with sleep problems, fatigue and mood. Yoga also can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.

Weight loss. If you're overweight or have binge-eating disorder, yoga may help you make the healthy lifestyle changes necessary to gain control of your eating and drop those extra pounds.

In conclusion, yoga is great for you. 

Namaste. 

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yoga/CM00004)

To tread or not to tread?

Yesterday was my first day back in the swing of things; the Monday after Spring Break is always a rough one. Regardless, you'll be proud of me! I went to the gym and pushed myself to get a nice long work out. My arms are paying for it today, but it felt so good to run. Although I didn't go home over spring break, I went to a lot of different places and it felt good to finally be back on a schedule. 

My distance: 4 miles (eh, I'll take it)

Time: 45 minutes

Location: Treadmill

Considering I hadn't run in a couple of days, I was pretty happy. As I was working out, I got to thinking (as I often do when running long distances) about why I run longer and faster on the treadmill than I do outside. I did some research and generally, this is what I've found:

Running on a treadmill actually develops imbalances in your running style and muscular development, which will lead to improper form and increased risk of injury. If you place a foot on a moving treadmill it gets thrown back along the line in which the treadmill is moving – the treadmill is moving your foot back, not the foot moving itself back…

(I couldn't help myself)

As you run on a treadmill, the main difference your body experiences is related to the moving belt beneath you feet. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that running on a treadmill might seem easier since you don't have to deal with weather conditions, such as wind resistance, extreme heat and cold weather. 

Basically what I've been finding is, RUN OUTSIDE IF YOU CAN :)

Now that we've covered that, I want to share some exciting news with you! I am hoping to do another half (possibly full) marathon in the near future. I've been discussing it with my parents, and I've told my dad that if he does a half marathon, I would do a full. Seems pretty crazy. I think I would have a long road ahead of me if this were the case.....

Nothing set in stone yet, but I'll keep you posted.

That's all for now!

(http://jamieatlas.wordpress.com/2009/03/07/treadmill-running-vs-outdoor-running-which-is-better-the-debate-continues/ )

What are you gonna do about it?

Greetings friends,

After watching this incredible woman speak, I'm reminded of a saying frequently exercised in my home: "What are you gonna do about it?" Recently I've been feeling down about some unfortunate circumstances happening in my life, and today I was reminded that no matter what obstacles I encounter, I have the capabilities and the strength to overcome, persevere, and thrive in whatever situation life presents me with. What's happening to you isn't the priority, it's how you handle and react in that situation what will define your success and happiness. We alone have the power to control our lives, and simply hearing this woman's story is enough to get me out of bed and head on out to the gym.

So you watch, and excuse me while I go for a run:

 

"It's important to focus on a goal I think, but also recognize the progression on the way there, and how you've grown as a person. That's the achievement I think."

Aimee Mullins is a record-breaking paralympic athlete that has built a career as a model, actor and activist for women, sports and the next generation of prosthetics. She was born without fibular bones, and had both of her legs amputated below the knee when she was an infant. She learned to walk on prosthetics, then to run -- competing at the national and international level as a champion sprinter, and setting world records at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta. At Georgetown, where she double-majored in history and diplomacy, she became the first double amputee to compete in NCAA Division 1 track and field. She is an amazing woman who has gained my utmost respect.

P.S. HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!!!!

Do what you love.

Hello readers,

I'm currently posted in my dorm room, enjoying my early spring break! Yet it's raining outside, (sunny California my ass), providing me with ample opportunity to fill you in. So here goes.

Last week I slacked on the running, yet I made up for it by playing basketball almost every day. Basketball is something that without a doubt always clears my head. It's my absolute favorite sport and I'll always associate it with good memories because it makes me so happy.

My advice to you is to find something you love, more then anything, whether it be a physical exercise, a creative hobby, or any other passion. Figure out what it is. If you can do that, you'll be golden. I know I talk a lot about sports and running, yet any healthy way you can relieve stress is a good way. We all feel pressure at times and to me, basketball is my escape. It's my way of venting my emotions and simply getting away from it all. Figure out what it is that you love, and do it. Don't settle for anything less then what makes you happy, because it's your responsibility to make it happen.


We work so hard sometimes that we forgot about what's important: our happiness.

Take a look at this short clip of Gary Vaynerchuk, via TED talks. FEEL INSPIRED :)