Some kind of yoga lover.

Wow, you all are really into the yoga! Thanks for your comments yesterday -- now I feel even more convinced that this yoga thing will be good for my marathon training.

And the changes in my flexibility and strength have me convinced as well.

Last night, for example, I did 45 minutes of Power Yoga on Exercise TV. About halfway through the session, we move from Warrior 1 into Warrior 3 and then into Half Moon Pose and Revolved Half Moon Pose. Looks a little like this:

Warrior 3

Half Moon Pose

Revolved Half Moon Pose

Yeah, it is tough. For me, at least. The first time I did it, my supporting leg was quite bent and pretty unstable. Last night, I was able to completely straighten my right leg and just about completely straighten my left leg. I'm rockin' the power yoga!

Watch out, yogis!

Today, though, I'll be happy to run. And maybe sneak in a quick post-run yoga session.  Who am I, some kind of yoga lover? Sheesh.


Happy Tuesday!

~ Felice

Pre.

I'm not talking Prefontaine.

Or precalculus.

Or even preschool.

Right now, I'm all about pre-marathon training.

That's right. Because 18 weeks of training just isn't enough! Heh, heh. 

I'm calling December my pre-marathon training month and hoping this period will accomplish two things. First, it will (I hope) stop me from slacking off during this whole holiday season, allowing me to start my training plan with a decent mileage base. Second, it will (I also hope) stop me from running too hard (too fast, too much), so I can begin training refreshed, recovered, and no longer injured.

A fine balance.

The loose plan for the month is to run 2-3 times during the week (4-5 easy miles each run), long on Saturday (8-12 miles), easy on Sunday (4-5 miles). I'll supplement my runs with 2-3 yoga sessions (thank you, exercise tv!) and specific strengthening/rehabbing exercises for my left hamstring/knee/calf.

Five days in to the month, I'm on track. Yoga has been treating me well and showing me where my (very obvious) imbalances of strength and flexibility are. I ran 8 enjoyable miles with my friend Amanda on Saturday morning. Even though it was really cold, and our route was really hilly, we had a good time. I haven't run with her in ages so it was great to catch up!

Sunday was a nice-and-easy 4+ miler and today I have my sights set on an hour of yoga after the kids go to bed. Unlike the (many) other times I've tried to get into yoga, I'm actually looking forward to it!

What about you: Do you enjoy yoga? Do you think it helps with your running?


Thanks for stopping by -- have a great week!

~ Felice