It’s all in the hips

This morning, I chose to do Hip Opening Flow #2 from Yoga Download.

Taking my own advice from yesterday, I just turned on the sound and did not pay any other attention to the computer screen. I found this to be extremely helpful in concentrating on my practice!

Whether I am running or walking regularly, my hips have the tendency to get very tight and therefore a program focusing on hips is just what I need. This particular class I downloaded quite some time ago so I’m not sure that it is still available on the site.

My favorite things about this class were the pigeon poses (obviously) and the fact that I am “getting used to” the chatarungas (low push up) which I usually dislike very much. This is because my upper body is still not as strong as I would like it to be, but that just means I need to do these more often, not avoid them

For all you yogis out there, what pose is your favorite and what pose is your most challenging?

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The nearly 4 mile run

This afternoon, I headed out for my 4 mile run which I had written on my mini marathon training schedule.

I actually went through it today and wrote down exactly what I hope to do each and every day between now and April 24th, bearing in mind that life will inevitably happen and there will be some X’s over more than one day over the next three months.

The first two miles went by fast! So fast in fact, that I sort of freaked myself out, ha ha. Around mile 3.5, I started to feel like I might not make it to 4, so I started to turn around only to realize I didn’t know what I was thinking, I could totally make it so I went a little further hoping it would add up to 4.

Here are my stats –

Distance: 3.88 miles

Time: 37:42

Pace: 9:43/mile

I was so thrilled! I did not reach my four mile goal but I came pretty close and that pace is incredible (for me). I’m excited about my 4 mile race next month now

Tomorrow, I am planning on doing a quick 1-mile run and some weight training, I’m long overdue!

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Yoga for weight loss

This morning, I did the Yoga For Weight Loss #1 program from Yoga Download. It was my first video class!

While I am not doing yoga to lose weight, I do see how the flow of poses in this particular program can really warm up the body! I wasn’t sweating by any means, but I definitely felt like I got a mini-workout.  Some of the poses were quite challenging for me too (knee to nose comes to mind).

Since this is my first time trying a Yoga Download video, I decided to list some of the pros and cons of video yoga programs.

Pros

• You can see the postures being done and can correct yourself if necessary
• Easier than scrolling through a PDF while trying to do yoga
• Being able to put a face with the voice of the instructor

Cons

• Having to look up from a pose to see what’s going on (if I’m just going to listen, I might as well do audio only)
• There was some skipping and muffled audio at certain points
• Feeling distracted, unfocused

I think from now on I will go back to the audio programs. There are certainly plenty to choose from.

I also think it might be a good idea to study and familiarize myself with the poses of the program first, that way I am not glancing at a screen or a PDF on my computer. That can be very distracting, which takes away from the intention of yoga.

Do you do yoga videos? What do you like or dislike about them?

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Yoga Challenge: Week 2

Last week, I began a challenge to do yoga 4 times a week.

Last week, I did three Yoga Download programs: Gentle Hatha #1, Gentle Hatha #2 and Core Yoga #1. I really enjoyed them all: the first two were more stretching and relaxing, while the third was more challenging and made me aware of my core all day long!

Then on Saturday, I attended a Hatha class taught by my friend Carrie at Eternal Health Yoga. I was really impressed with the place and plan to go back soon

So, Week 1 of the yoga challenge was a huge success!

This week, I plan to do more download programs, likely more challenging ones this time. I was a little sore after the class on Saturday that it made me want to take it up a notch on my home practice!

Do you do yoga? What is your preferred method – at home, in a class setting, etc?

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Upcoming races

I just finished a 5K race on Saturday, but I am already looking forward to all the races I have coming up this year so far!

• February 13th – Snowman Shuffle 4-miler
• March 6th – Anthem 5K Fitness Classic
• March 20th – Rodes City Run 10K
• April 3rd – Papa John’s 10-Miler
• April 24th – Derby Festival Mini Marathon
• May 22rd – Run for the L of it 5K
• June 19th – Champions 4 Her 5K

By the middle of June, it is hot enough here that I don’t really like to run outside so racing season usually ends for me then. However, I’m hoping this year I will find ways to adapt to it, much like I have with the cold weather so far this winter.

*Edited to add : I think I’m going to try out the Southern Parkway Moonlight Mile & 8K Run, 8/21/2010, it is in the evening!

Got any tips for hot weather running? It will be here before we know it!

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Welcome to my fitness blog!

Hi everyone,

I have decided to start a blog that focuses just on fitness, while also keeping up with my food blog See Sarah Eat.

As my friend Kim says, there are times when these two worlds come together but it’s easier for me to organize my thoughts by separating food and fitness, for now.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned as I continue training for my half marathon and continue on my quest to have more yoga in my life!

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