This week was all about the Half Marathon race on Sunday. A week before a race you supposed to taper down, that means you reduce the milage on each training session. In my case, I would have needed another week of training, I just did two more runs to work.
I keep myself busy and sometimes, I tend to do too much. Oh, I was glad that I set myself a goal to go 3x a week to Fierce Grace Brixton. (I booked the introductory offer)
Overall it looked like a crazy busy week at work and training, yes it was but I needed Yoga to calm me down, give me grounding, relaxation and happiness at the end of the day.
Hot Yoga compliments my running training. The stretching and strengthening from Yoga felt really beneficial to me. My first class experience was intense but I went back.
This was my 2nd week:
Monday: Hot Yoga after work
Tuesday: Run to work 8.5km
Wednesday: Hot Yoga after work
Thursday: Run to work 6.5km
Friday: REST
Saturday: Run 3km
Sunday: Half Marathon Race 21km
I was remembering how my first few classes felt, especially the challenge with the heat. I sweat so much, unbelievable how good I felt afterwards.
So in my second week I went to the same classes and I knew what to expect. Now I could enjoy the stretching and exercises even more. Every class was different for my body (depending on what and when I last ate, how much water I drank) and although I felt I knew, I took all poses with respect.
I wanted to go more often but I couldn’t. Life is too busy! It’s so important to make time for exercising though! My lower back pain was a bit better but it’s still there. I’m trying to figure out what I have to change to improve it, but I guess I ask the physio.
What if it’s also stress related? Since a couple of months I feel more stressed and emotionally different. What if this was also causing a tightness in my body? Well I don’t know! Who knows? But what I do know is, that it only can improve if I do something. Exercising is the right thing. I tend to do too much plus stress and bad sleep = moody Sabine!
Just LOVE my new yoga mat!
Looking at the schedule of FGB I actually found a relaxation class in between all challenging hot yoga ones. NITRA it’s called. I have to admit I didn’t do it during my last 2 weeks. I so regret it! It was amazing! I’m just back while writing this up!
Candle lit, we were all lying in a circle rather than facing the front mirror. A big cushion was under my back and a small one underneath my knees.
This one hour class was about meditation and relaxation. We started with a breathing exercise as this was the key to focus on and forget all about what was happening around me.
“Listening to the voice, I will take you in and out of your conciseness.”, the teacher said while music was playing in the background.
I was not so sure what that meant until afterwards. While listening to the voice to learn which part of my body to relax, I realised that sometimes I can’t remember that I was listening to anything. But I remembered moments when I recognised her voice again. Some people in the room felt asleep. I think I didn’t but I don’t know. The feeling of the mind being present and moments of silence, was interesting to experience. Wow, it was so relaxing. I actually lay still on my back for 1 hour. I never do that at home. Anyways, I really can recommend this class. After wards I took my time and sat down and had a tea.
What a perfect way to finish off a week. Feeling refreshed to start a new one…
After the Nitra class enjoying a cup of tea.
My final HOT YOGA summary will follow in a weeks time.
Namaste,
Sabine