Hey Everyone!
Looks like there will be no outdoor running for a little while, we're getting hit with the snow HARD today. It's all very beautiful and whatnot, but times like this sure make me wish that my bedroom window would close all the way...Tough Mudder training?
On Day 52, I had what I've fondly been referring to as my #fitnessfatassfail. Yea, hashtag included. I was all kinds of wiped out on Sunday and left my jog for the latter part of the day. It was perfect Winter-Spring weather and very sunny, so skipping this jog was out of the question. However, my bed was just so cozy...in the end, I convinced myself to hit the pavement with the promise that I'd run by a convenience store on my way back and pick up some Ben & Jerry's Frozen Greek Yogurt( for those who are curious, my preferred flavor is the raspberry fudge swirl- can't beat it). Anyway, after so little running the past few weeks, my shins were pretty achy from the impact of hitting hard ground again. It really was a gorgeous day to be outside, but the only thing that kept me lifting my feet off the ground was the knowledge that frozen yogurt was in my future. As I approached the store, I noticed there was a lot of of construction happening all around the curb. In order to reach the front door, I had to make a loop around the block- add 1/4 mile to my regular jog. I finally made it into the store and scooted my boot up to the register with my pint in hand. To my dismay, the cashier told me they had a ten dollar charge requirement for cards and I needed 50 cents more to pay in cash, so I left empty handed. For a split second I considered buying ten dollars worth of ice cream, but I felt like I wouldn't be doing my LuluLemon runder unders justice if I caved that hard. So overall, this was obviously for the best because I ran more and didn't eat ice cream, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I'm actually still dying for a few scoops- what can ya do?
For Day 53, I was very well behaved! When my alarm went off at 5:15, I actually got right out bed and made it to my 6AM HPF class. It was an interesting class; definitely easier than most I had been to- and that's not a bad thing. For some reason, the room wouldn't heat up as much as it normally does and I found myself having a lot more success with the balancing poses. There are times when I LOVE the heat, but I do wonder if it distracts me so I can't balance as well. I was really pleased with this practice because I was really able to let myself go both mentally and physically- that release is one of the best gifts that yoga can give you.
Off to face the storm and head to class!
Peace,love, sweat xoxo SR
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
FIFTY! and 51 :)
Hi Everyone!
I can't believe I'm posting this late for Day 50 ( aka my half way point!!), but this weekend there was beer to drink, yoga to do, and Downton Abbey to watch so I lost track of time. I celebrated Day 50 by attending one of those vaguely evil hot yoga sculpt classes. The class was Friday evening and before heading to the studio, I wondered what kind of crowd goes to a torturous class at 7:30pm on the weekend. Yoga Sculpt isn't quite like an invigorating vinyasa flow class. There's less chakra, and more boot camp.
As soon as I walked into the steaming room, I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore. I had officially left behind my fellow beer gut bearing yogis for the big leagues. There were four other women, who appeared to be regulars. I noticed, with horror, that one of the woman was wearing a long sleeved black jacket and long pants. I fervently hoped that I wouldn't witness one of those yoga seizures I've been reading about in Hell-Bent. Immediately, it became clear that humidity was cranked way higher in this class than in others I had been in. I don't know if the class requested that or if the instructor is just secretly sadistic...I'm such a baby. ANYWAY, the first half of the class was fine. I was fascinated by the absolutely animalistic way that the other women tackled their SUN B. I thought I had a pretty good grip on the class, but then the mood shifted. The instructor went from being tough teacher to Head Bitch. Next thing I knew, we were flying through never ending squats and lunges. Everything became I blur as I wildly swung my weights in the air, while trying to somehow to touch my knees on the floor. The teacher kept pulling that fitness crap where she would fake a count down to one then restart from ten during our reps. So basically, in my dehydrated, heat-addled brain, it felt like there was no end in sight. During a particularly unpleasant set of mountain climbers- squats- jumping jacks, the speakers broke and we were given a water break while the teacher stepped out of the room. I couldn't believe that the five of us had made the mirrors sweat so much, my heart rate was off the charts from the humidity, and I just wanted to turn to my classmates and ask," why are we doing this on a Friday night? You, you in the jacket, why? Why? WHY?" Reflecting back on this class, I wonder why I didn't just walk out when the humidity became too oppressive. During savasana, I wanted to get up and leave because my heart was pumping too intensely for me to enjoy lying on my back. I've noticed that the better shape that I get in, the more I'm willing to test my ability to suffer. I suppose this is a quality that will come in handy during my half marathon, but even then, I don't think I'll be despairing at mile 12 as much as I do in a bad hot yoga class.
Day 51 was pretty much the opposite of Day 50. J and I left for Glencoe early in the morning and attended Reach Yoga's Yoga for Runners workshop with my dad and her mom. It was a really perfect way for me to recover from the day before. Steph, the teacher, spent the first quarter of the class explaining how yoga can benefit runners. She made a point to emphasize the relationship that muscles have with each other and how that can affect knees and joints. I have terrible knee and hip pain that I've always chalked up to my tight IT band, however, she explained that along with stretching the IT band, it's important to stretch the bigger muscles around it because those could be contributing to my pain even more than the actual IT band itself. We spent the rest of the class slowly going through basic poses that all runners should be familiar with. It was nice to go back and micro focus on poses like downward dog. Sometimes during a fast flow, it's easier to lose the posture in the pose, so I found this workshop incredibly beneficial. After class, my dad and I worked on our head/hand stands. I'm not quite there yet, but I think if I keep practicing, I'll have the pose down in a few months.
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
I can't believe I'm posting this late for Day 50 ( aka my half way point!!), but this weekend there was beer to drink, yoga to do, and Downton Abbey to watch so I lost track of time. I celebrated Day 50 by attending one of those vaguely evil hot yoga sculpt classes. The class was Friday evening and before heading to the studio, I wondered what kind of crowd goes to a torturous class at 7:30pm on the weekend. Yoga Sculpt isn't quite like an invigorating vinyasa flow class. There's less chakra, and more boot camp.
As soon as I walked into the steaming room, I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore. I had officially left behind my fellow beer gut bearing yogis for the big leagues. There were four other women, who appeared to be regulars. I noticed, with horror, that one of the woman was wearing a long sleeved black jacket and long pants. I fervently hoped that I wouldn't witness one of those yoga seizures I've been reading about in Hell-Bent. Immediately, it became clear that humidity was cranked way higher in this class than in others I had been in. I don't know if the class requested that or if the instructor is just secretly sadistic...I'm such a baby. ANYWAY, the first half of the class was fine. I was fascinated by the absolutely animalistic way that the other women tackled their SUN B. I thought I had a pretty good grip on the class, but then the mood shifted. The instructor went from being tough teacher to Head Bitch. Next thing I knew, we were flying through never ending squats and lunges. Everything became I blur as I wildly swung my weights in the air, while trying to somehow to touch my knees on the floor. The teacher kept pulling that fitness crap where she would fake a count down to one then restart from ten during our reps. So basically, in my dehydrated, heat-addled brain, it felt like there was no end in sight. During a particularly unpleasant set of mountain climbers- squats- jumping jacks, the speakers broke and we were given a water break while the teacher stepped out of the room. I couldn't believe that the five of us had made the mirrors sweat so much, my heart rate was off the charts from the humidity, and I just wanted to turn to my classmates and ask," why are we doing this on a Friday night? You, you in the jacket, why? Why? WHY?" Reflecting back on this class, I wonder why I didn't just walk out when the humidity became too oppressive. During savasana, I wanted to get up and leave because my heart was pumping too intensely for me to enjoy lying on my back. I've noticed that the better shape that I get in, the more I'm willing to test my ability to suffer. I suppose this is a quality that will come in handy during my half marathon, but even then, I don't think I'll be despairing at mile 12 as much as I do in a bad hot yoga class.
Day 51 was pretty much the opposite of Day 50. J and I left for Glencoe early in the morning and attended Reach Yoga's Yoga for Runners workshop with my dad and her mom. It was a really perfect way for me to recover from the day before. Steph, the teacher, spent the first quarter of the class explaining how yoga can benefit runners. She made a point to emphasize the relationship that muscles have with each other and how that can affect knees and joints. I have terrible knee and hip pain that I've always chalked up to my tight IT band, however, she explained that along with stretching the IT band, it's important to stretch the bigger muscles around it because those could be contributing to my pain even more than the actual IT band itself. We spent the rest of the class slowly going through basic poses that all runners should be familiar with. It was nice to go back and micro focus on poses like downward dog. Sometimes during a fast flow, it's easier to lose the posture in the pose, so I found this workshop incredibly beneficial. After class, my dad and I worked on our head/hand stands. I'm not quite there yet, but I think if I keep practicing, I'll have the pose down in a few months.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
47&48&49s
Hey Everyone!
Sorry for the delayed posts. I was going to blog yesterday, but ended up napping instead...gotta catch that shut eye when I can!
On Tuesday, I had a funny, little workout. I went into one of the empty offices at work after hours and performed my own vinyasa flow. It felt a little silly, but also different and fun. It was cool to see how much I've retained from all these yoga classes. I was actually able to challenge myself, and though it wasn't as fun as being in class, I definitely got a workout and I liked focusing on what I needed ( hip openers, hip openers, and more hip openers). I also did a little headstand against the wall- probably would have weirded a lot of coworkers out if they'd seen that.
Yesterday, day of my magnificent nap, I slept through reasonable late afternoon jogging hours and decided to go to candlelit hot power fusion. I'm torn about this class. On one hand, I love the detoxing effects. I practically float out of the studio. On the other hand, I have a lot of trouble balancing in the dark, though I love the atmosphere for meditative purposes, and I also wonder why we start the balancing poses so early in class. I was raised on a series that started the first hour with Sun A and Sun B then moved into balancing poses after everyone was stretched out. This class is only an hour, but we start balancing before Sun B and my hips, calves, feet, and IT band, are never warmed enough to create a supporting standing leg. It's frustrating because I KNOW that I can nail every one of these poses- I just need my body to be as open as my mind. However, during half-pigeon, the teacher did give me an amazing adjustment that eased so much tension in my body, so I'm very glad that I went!
During these hot classes, I now have the words of Hell Bent floating in my mind. I think yoga is crucial to my exercise regime for so many reasons, but I'm starting to wonder about the heat. It's incredibly addictive, but that doesn't mean it's necessary for a strong practice. I'm leaving for a trip to Israel in June and I may use that as my transition from a hot yoga studio to one with cooler temperatures. Or I may join a gym. Something different to spice things up- we'll see!
Today, Day 49, I had an epic workout planned, but my body wasn't having it. I had a list of boot-camp activities to do in the backyard, all with jump roping intervals. Within the first time minutes of all that slamming, my It-band, shins, and feet all began hurting in a troublesome way. I'm used to my IT band feeling sore, but I have had shin splints or plantar fasciitis in years. With half marathon training right around the corner, I can't risk picking up those two nagging injuries. I left the boot camp work for another day and spent some much needed quality time with my foam roller. I could not be looking forward to Yoga for Runners workshop at Reach Yoga this weekend!
Peace, love, Sweat xoxo SR
Sorry for the delayed posts. I was going to blog yesterday, but ended up napping instead...gotta catch that shut eye when I can!
On Tuesday, I had a funny, little workout. I went into one of the empty offices at work after hours and performed my own vinyasa flow. It felt a little silly, but also different and fun. It was cool to see how much I've retained from all these yoga classes. I was actually able to challenge myself, and though it wasn't as fun as being in class, I definitely got a workout and I liked focusing on what I needed ( hip openers, hip openers, and more hip openers). I also did a little headstand against the wall- probably would have weirded a lot of coworkers out if they'd seen that.
Yesterday, day of my magnificent nap, I slept through reasonable late afternoon jogging hours and decided to go to candlelit hot power fusion. I'm torn about this class. On one hand, I love the detoxing effects. I practically float out of the studio. On the other hand, I have a lot of trouble balancing in the dark, though I love the atmosphere for meditative purposes, and I also wonder why we start the balancing poses so early in class. I was raised on a series that started the first hour with Sun A and Sun B then moved into balancing poses after everyone was stretched out. This class is only an hour, but we start balancing before Sun B and my hips, calves, feet, and IT band, are never warmed enough to create a supporting standing leg. It's frustrating because I KNOW that I can nail every one of these poses- I just need my body to be as open as my mind. However, during half-pigeon, the teacher did give me an amazing adjustment that eased so much tension in my body, so I'm very glad that I went!
During these hot classes, I now have the words of Hell Bent floating in my mind. I think yoga is crucial to my exercise regime for so many reasons, but I'm starting to wonder about the heat. It's incredibly addictive, but that doesn't mean it's necessary for a strong practice. I'm leaving for a trip to Israel in June and I may use that as my transition from a hot yoga studio to one with cooler temperatures. Or I may join a gym. Something different to spice things up- we'll see!
Today, Day 49, I had an epic workout planned, but my body wasn't having it. I had a list of boot-camp activities to do in the backyard, all with jump roping intervals. Within the first time minutes of all that slamming, my It-band, shins, and feet all began hurting in a troublesome way. I'm used to my IT band feeling sore, but I have had shin splints or plantar fasciitis in years. With half marathon training right around the corner, I can't risk picking up those two nagging injuries. I left the boot camp work for another day and spent some much needed quality time with my foam roller. I could not be looking forward to Yoga for Runners workshop at Reach Yoga this weekend!
Peace, love, Sweat xoxo SR
Monday, February 18, 2013
45/46
While stuffing a giant chocolate heart into my mouth today, I wondered why I was almost half way down with this challenge, but haven't lost a noticeable amount of weight at all.... THIS is why I have a blog- so that the obvious becomes, well, painfully clear. To this revelation, I say WUTEVER! February has brought on two curvy queens, Beyonce and Kate Upton, and looking at them makes me realize that I'm actually more than thrilled to be muscular and curvy. I may not move as fast or look as bendy as the 100 lbers in my yoga classes, but, hey, my body type is the same as the chick on the SI swimsuit issue's cover- no complaints there.
As far as exercise goes, Sunday was a bit disappointing. I did this cool abs workout by lying on my back and writing the alphabet with my legs straight in the air, but unfortunately, didn't make it out for a jog.
Today, I got my ass royally kicked in another completely sadistic hot yoga sculpt class. Sure, I feel like two million bucks afterwards, but sometimes I think the instructors may be a little evil. I definitely am much stronger than I was when I started, so it isn't too bad, but without fail, after every floor ab routine, I lose a lot of momentum and basically start to weep a little. Okay, I don't actually cry, but I definitely think about it. JUST HURTS SO GOOD...sure.
I've started reading a fascinating book, Hell-Bent, about a man's journey through the wild world of Bikram yoga. It's very similar to the epic ode to ultramarathon running, Born to Run, but a little more snarky ( so obviously I completely love it). I'm only halfway through, but the author has really got me thinking about the pros and cons of hot yoga. Right now, I'm in a hot studio sometimes up to 5 days a week, and this book is really making me take a step back. Throughout his research, the author met many yogis who were almost constantly in pain, and would even have frequent seizures. I don't think I practice hard enough to inflict that kind of damage on my body, however, it is interesting how I continue to go to a class like Hot Yoga Sculpt, and justify my discomfort. I need to finish the book and read his conclusions about hot yoga, but overall I definitely recommend it to anyone who frequently practices in the heat.
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
As far as exercise goes, Sunday was a bit disappointing. I did this cool abs workout by lying on my back and writing the alphabet with my legs straight in the air, but unfortunately, didn't make it out for a jog.
Today, I got my ass royally kicked in another completely sadistic hot yoga sculpt class. Sure, I feel like two million bucks afterwards, but sometimes I think the instructors may be a little evil. I definitely am much stronger than I was when I started, so it isn't too bad, but without fail, after every floor ab routine, I lose a lot of momentum and basically start to weep a little. Okay, I don't actually cry, but I definitely think about it. JUST HURTS SO GOOD...sure.
I've started reading a fascinating book, Hell-Bent, about a man's journey through the wild world of Bikram yoga. It's very similar to the epic ode to ultramarathon running, Born to Run, but a little more snarky ( so obviously I completely love it). I'm only halfway through, but the author has really got me thinking about the pros and cons of hot yoga. Right now, I'm in a hot studio sometimes up to 5 days a week, and this book is really making me take a step back. Throughout his research, the author met many yogis who were almost constantly in pain, and would even have frequent seizures. I don't think I practice hard enough to inflict that kind of damage on my body, however, it is interesting how I continue to go to a class like Hot Yoga Sculpt, and justify my discomfort. I need to finish the book and read his conclusions about hot yoga, but overall I definitely recommend it to anyone who frequently practices in the heat.
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Headstands in unusal places...
43+44
Good Morning!
Hard to not be in a good mood when my Sunday is technically a Saturday today, thanks to all the US Presidents out there :)
On Friday, I went back to my parents' house in the suburbs and had a great workout. All I did was run on the treadmill for a few miles, but I GOT TO WATCH DOWNTON ABBEY THE WHOLE TIME! I think if I could watch Downton Abbey whenever I ran, I'd probably be racking up ultras right about now.
Yesterday, was a really special workout. I went with my dad to our favorite class - Yoga for Athletes. It's taught by this amazing woman, Liza, who really understands yoga on a whole other level than most instructors that I practice with. She combines the spiritual aspects of yoga with a great understanding of the human body. She has the ability to see if you're an inch away from crunching your back. Practicing with her is really rewarding because you can trust that she'll make sure you don't injure yourself while significantly pushing your practice further. After a fantastic class, I went back to my parents' house and, of course, jogged to Downton Abbey.
Peace, love, sweat! xoxo
SR
Hard to not be in a good mood when my Sunday is technically a Saturday today, thanks to all the US Presidents out there :)
On Friday, I went back to my parents' house in the suburbs and had a great workout. All I did was run on the treadmill for a few miles, but I GOT TO WATCH DOWNTON ABBEY THE WHOLE TIME! I think if I could watch Downton Abbey whenever I ran, I'd probably be racking up ultras right about now.
Yesterday, was a really special workout. I went with my dad to our favorite class - Yoga for Athletes. It's taught by this amazing woman, Liza, who really understands yoga on a whole other level than most instructors that I practice with. She combines the spiritual aspects of yoga with a great understanding of the human body. She has the ability to see if you're an inch away from crunching your back. Practicing with her is really rewarding because you can trust that she'll make sure you don't injure yourself while significantly pushing your practice further. After a fantastic class, I went back to my parents' house and, of course, jogged to Downton Abbey.
Peace, love, sweat! xoxo
SR
Friday, February 15, 2013
42 :)
Back in action!
Was not feeling good this week, but finally made it back out yesterday. Has a nice little jog, which felt great because Chicago weather is finally back to normal( 30 degrees never felt better), but I also felt like a creaky tin lady. It was really difficult for me to get any speed and for the first time in ages, my ITBS has been acting up. I'm going to Yoga for Athletes tomorrow at Niyama so hopefully that will clear up my problems.
Last night, I had a funny little workout at the batting cages at Sluggers. True, that's not exactly physically demanding, but hey, I think I swing pretty hard!
Enjoy the sun,
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Was not feeling good this week, but finally made it back out yesterday. Has a nice little jog, which felt great because Chicago weather is finally back to normal( 30 degrees never felt better), but I also felt like a creaky tin lady. It was really difficult for me to get any speed and for the first time in ages, my ITBS has been acting up. I'm going to Yoga for Athletes tomorrow at Niyama so hopefully that will clear up my problems.
Last night, I had a funny little workout at the batting cages at Sluggers. True, that's not exactly physically demanding, but hey, I think I swing pretty hard!
Enjoy the sun,
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
41
I'm making a post for day 41 even though it was definitely a flop. I was feeling pretty weird all weekend, I blamed coffee deprivation, but on Monday I woke up and felt like my brain was jello. Gross. My throat was sore and I was pretty much in LaLa land. My boss was nice enough to let me leave early and work from home, so I scooted my boot straight back to Lakeview and after some failed wifi attempts, passed out. Okay, here's the thing: I know I'm on a 100-day challenge, but I think that yesterday taught me what my rules are. With school and work, I can't really afford to physically push myself when I'm under the weather because I'm risking prolonging the illness and then, not only do I suffer, but the people I work with, and to some extend study with, suffer too. I started this challenge as a fun way to give myself some high quality ME time and I definitely don't want to feel wildly guilty if I take a sick day here and there. Maybe I'll extend the challenge to 102 days or something- like what schools do when there's an unexpected snow day!
On another note, anyone know some great, healthy soup recipes? Also, what is the opinion on juice detoxes?
Peace,love, sweat xoxo SR
On another note, anyone know some great, healthy soup recipes? Also, what is the opinion on juice detoxes?
Peace,love, sweat xoxo SR
Monday, February 11, 2013
39/40
Good Morning Everyone!
Sorry for the late post. I was swamped this weekend.
Saturday, I was really busy so I put off exercise until the end of the day. Instead of attending a class, I practiced inversions in my living room! I can finally do a decent teddy bear pose, but haven't quite gotten my legs in the air yet. Something notable that did happen, was that I finally went and got a massage! It was nice to be pampered like that, I guess only time will tell if it was beneficial to my workouts.
Yesterday, I woke up early and went to spin. The instructor was so funny- he had a vendetta against Valentines Day and the whole playlist was centered around jaded pop songs. Great workout as always.
Sorry for the short post, but unfortunately, duty calls! Too bad I can't make a living off of going to yoga classes....
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Sorry for the late post. I was swamped this weekend.
Saturday, I was really busy so I put off exercise until the end of the day. Instead of attending a class, I practiced inversions in my living room! I can finally do a decent teddy bear pose, but haven't quite gotten my legs in the air yet. Something notable that did happen, was that I finally went and got a massage! It was nice to be pampered like that, I guess only time will tell if it was beneficial to my workouts.
Yesterday, I woke up early and went to spin. The instructor was so funny- he had a vendetta against Valentines Day and the whole playlist was centered around jaded pop songs. Great workout as always.
Sorry for the short post, but unfortunately, duty calls! Too bad I can't make a living off of going to yoga classes....
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Saturday, February 9, 2013
38 TGIF
TGIF, couldn't say that enough today. For some reason, this week was just a little too long for my taste! I woke up Wednesday thinking it was Friday, corrected myself by thinking it was Thursday, then harsh reality slapped me in the face and I realized it was merely hump day...so yeah long week. Today I slept through THREE separate alarms, and so very luckily, I awoke from a deep sleep about twenty minutes before I catch the train. J and I had a really fabulous steak dinner last night, and I don't know if it was the protein or what, but I was actually remarkably calm about my oversleeping disaster. Today, work was surprisingly quiet and I got out of the office quite a few times. Just being able to catch some daylight makes a huge difference on my attitude towards my job. Also, my boss tossed me a women's running magazine today, so you know things were pretty good.
WOW, I just took a ten hour break on this post. We all went out to a bar we've dubbed "pajama bar" and I woke up this morning feeling like, "where am I'? I have a feeling that doing intense hot yoga right before drinking isn't really a wise strategy. Well, ya can't be perfect, right?
Last night, I went back to that amazing C2 class with the instructor, Emma, who plays beautiful classical music. It's such a physically demanding class, but it's hard to feel anything but serene when your body is shaking in plank to the swelling sounds of an orchestra. I actually fell asleep during savasana and was unbelievably calm for hours after. Self-medicating with yoga; it could be worse!
Heading back to bed!!
Peace,love,sweat xoxo SR
WOW, I just took a ten hour break on this post. We all went out to a bar we've dubbed "pajama bar" and I woke up this morning feeling like, "where am I'? I have a feeling that doing intense hot yoga right before drinking isn't really a wise strategy. Well, ya can't be perfect, right?
Last night, I went back to that amazing C2 class with the instructor, Emma, who plays beautiful classical music. It's such a physically demanding class, but it's hard to feel anything but serene when your body is shaking in plank to the swelling sounds of an orchestra. I actually fell asleep during savasana and was unbelievably calm for hours after. Self-medicating with yoga; it could be worse!
Heading back to bed!!
Peace,love,sweat xoxo SR
Thursday, February 7, 2013
36+37
Brrrr,
I hope everyone isn't hitting the wall this winter like I am. For a few months, I thought I could handle the harsh Midwest weather, but today was a little much. We've now progressed from freezing snow to some evil rain-snow hybrid. Not so great on cowboy boots. Today, whether I wanted to or not, my real workout was battling the urban jungle. Let's call it "Get Built like a Skyscraper" class. From 7AM to 10PM, I was running around town, slipping and sliding, and hoping for the best. Along with the basic cardio elements, I got a great ab workout and even practiced my balance and twists every time I dramatically skated down the sidewalk. At one point, I reached a sidewalk with a deep downward slope- safely manoeuvring down that little number, with no hands, was a core workout worthy of boot camp! Unfortunately, I did tweak my knee a little, but I'm sure that it will be fine tomorrow. J is helping me whip up some steaks, courtesy of my dad, and I think all that iron and protein will revive me.
Yesterday, I attended the most difficult sculpt class I've been to so far, and you know what, it actually went well! I had planned on going to class at my usual Roscoe Village studio, but train delays threw me off schedule. I was determined to get my butt kicked and made the trek over to CorePower's Lakeview location. Something about that journey really motivated me when the class was tough. If I could ride five trains to make it to one class, then I could definitely squat down an inch lower or lift my arms a little higher! The vibe at the Lakeview studio is so different than what I'm used to. It was so packed that I wasn't even sure that I was going to find a spot for my mat. I've never been in a class like that, where there's truly only an inch or so of space between every mat. On one hand, it made me feel a little uncomfortable, but it also motivated me to keep moving. You don't want to half-ass a workout when you've got 4 rows of people behind you!( Yes, lucky me, I was front and center).
Tomorrow, I'm hoping to make it back to sculpt class in the morning. Lately, I've really been craving that kind of challenge. However, there's also a great power flow vinyasa class offered at CorePower on Friday evenings that I love. The instructor plays classical music and lights candles, but definitely encourages us to push our bodies. It's this amazing balance between physical challenges and inner serenity. Only time will tell where I go...something tells me that my bedtime tonight will determine that.
Stay safe, stay warm!
Peace,love, sweat xoxo SR
I hope everyone isn't hitting the wall this winter like I am. For a few months, I thought I could handle the harsh Midwest weather, but today was a little much. We've now progressed from freezing snow to some evil rain-snow hybrid. Not so great on cowboy boots. Today, whether I wanted to or not, my real workout was battling the urban jungle. Let's call it "Get Built like a Skyscraper" class. From 7AM to 10PM, I was running around town, slipping and sliding, and hoping for the best. Along with the basic cardio elements, I got a great ab workout and even practiced my balance and twists every time I dramatically skated down the sidewalk. At one point, I reached a sidewalk with a deep downward slope- safely manoeuvring down that little number, with no hands, was a core workout worthy of boot camp! Unfortunately, I did tweak my knee a little, but I'm sure that it will be fine tomorrow. J is helping me whip up some steaks, courtesy of my dad, and I think all that iron and protein will revive me.
Yesterday, I attended the most difficult sculpt class I've been to so far, and you know what, it actually went well! I had planned on going to class at my usual Roscoe Village studio, but train delays threw me off schedule. I was determined to get my butt kicked and made the trek over to CorePower's Lakeview location. Something about that journey really motivated me when the class was tough. If I could ride five trains to make it to one class, then I could definitely squat down an inch lower or lift my arms a little higher! The vibe at the Lakeview studio is so different than what I'm used to. It was so packed that I wasn't even sure that I was going to find a spot for my mat. I've never been in a class like that, where there's truly only an inch or so of space between every mat. On one hand, it made me feel a little uncomfortable, but it also motivated me to keep moving. You don't want to half-ass a workout when you've got 4 rows of people behind you!( Yes, lucky me, I was front and center).
Tomorrow, I'm hoping to make it back to sculpt class in the morning. Lately, I've really been craving that kind of challenge. However, there's also a great power flow vinyasa class offered at CorePower on Friday evenings that I love. The instructor plays classical music and lights candles, but definitely encourages us to push our bodies. It's this amazing balance between physical challenges and inner serenity. Only time will tell where I go...something tells me that my bedtime tonight will determine that.
Stay safe, stay warm!
Peace,love, sweat xoxo SR
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
35
Hi!
From the time my alarm went off at 5:30 to this very moment, it's just been nuts! It was destined to be a fifteen minute ab night. After finishing all my homework, I quickly got down on the living room floor and busted out some old pilates moves I learned in college. Not that I enjoyed scissoring my legs in the air, but I did get a kick out of how much it easier it was to do now!
Tomorrow should be much more interesting. I've got a 6:30 AM sculpt class to look forward too :). I recently downloaded a new app called Sleepcycle that's been helping me wake up in the mornings. The app tracks my sleep cycle, making notes based on my movement patterns, and wakes me up at my lightest moment of sleep during a 30 minute time cushion centered around the alarm I set. The app records your sleep on charts and keeps track of factors like caffeine intact, so you can really see how well, or poorly, rested you are. The alarm sound options are really gentle and the past few days I've felt way more energetic in the morning.
On another note, I finally scheduled that long awaited massage I keep daydreaming about! Today on the train, my back was so uncomfortable I could barely stand up straight. When I got to work, I shut my cube door and lay down on my back with my legs in the air to relieve some of the tension. Lately, I can feel an old back injury nagging me and that's a little scary so I think it's time to ask for help. I made my appointment at Massage Envy and will be getting a simple one hour sports massage. Hopefully, this will keep my back muscles from yelling at me, at least for a few weeks.
Time to hit the hay. I want to be full of energy tomorrow when I take on sculpt!
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
From the time my alarm went off at 5:30 to this very moment, it's just been nuts! It was destined to be a fifteen minute ab night. After finishing all my homework, I quickly got down on the living room floor and busted out some old pilates moves I learned in college. Not that I enjoyed scissoring my legs in the air, but I did get a kick out of how much it easier it was to do now!
Tomorrow should be much more interesting. I've got a 6:30 AM sculpt class to look forward too :). I recently downloaded a new app called Sleepcycle that's been helping me wake up in the mornings. The app tracks my sleep cycle, making notes based on my movement patterns, and wakes me up at my lightest moment of sleep during a 30 minute time cushion centered around the alarm I set. The app records your sleep on charts and keeps track of factors like caffeine intact, so you can really see how well, or poorly, rested you are. The alarm sound options are really gentle and the past few days I've felt way more energetic in the morning.
On another note, I finally scheduled that long awaited massage I keep daydreaming about! Today on the train, my back was so uncomfortable I could barely stand up straight. When I got to work, I shut my cube door and lay down on my back with my legs in the air to relieve some of the tension. Lately, I can feel an old back injury nagging me and that's a little scary so I think it's time to ask for help. I made my appointment at Massage Envy and will be getting a simple one hour sports massage. Hopefully, this will keep my back muscles from yelling at me, at least for a few weeks.
Time to hit the hay. I want to be full of energy tomorrow when I take on sculpt!
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Monday, February 4, 2013
33+34
Slowly creeping up to the half way mark :)
Yesterday, before Superbowl Festivities, I went to a quick 45 minute Real Ryder class. I never enjoyed spinning, but something about those bikes makes that class such a joy for me to attend. I can never go during the weekday, since they aren't offered at a location near my apartment, so I feel like Real Ryder is my special weekend treat...geek much? It was a great choice to kick some ass before the game, because after a big sweat sesh I'm not that keen on stuffing my face with chips and other salty snacks. I stuck to carrots, salsa, and yeah,yeah,yeah happily helped myself to some delicious chicken wings and mac&cheese made by J.
After all that Super Sunday snarfing, I decided that today was the perfect time for a HPF class. Lately, I've been struggling with my balance poses. I have the physical capabilities to nail my poses every time, however, if my brain is a mess that's just not going to happen. I tried to focus solely on living in the presence and enjoying the detox from the heat. I still slipped up a few times, but this class was a vast improvement to the last HPF I attended.
Work and school have been incredibly stressful lately, so I brought the balance board in to the office today so that I could shake out some my anxieties. It's nice to have something fun to turn to when I start to feel overwhelmed or trapped in my cubicle.
Peace, love,sweat xoxo SR
Yesterday, before Superbowl Festivities, I went to a quick 45 minute Real Ryder class. I never enjoyed spinning, but something about those bikes makes that class such a joy for me to attend. I can never go during the weekday, since they aren't offered at a location near my apartment, so I feel like Real Ryder is my special weekend treat...geek much? It was a great choice to kick some ass before the game, because after a big sweat sesh I'm not that keen on stuffing my face with chips and other salty snacks. I stuck to carrots, salsa, and yeah,yeah,yeah happily helped myself to some delicious chicken wings and mac&cheese made by J.
After all that Super Sunday snarfing, I decided that today was the perfect time for a HPF class. Lately, I've been struggling with my balance poses. I have the physical capabilities to nail my poses every time, however, if my brain is a mess that's just not going to happen. I tried to focus solely on living in the presence and enjoying the detox from the heat. I still slipped up a few times, but this class was a vast improvement to the last HPF I attended.
Work and school have been incredibly stressful lately, so I brought the balance board in to the office today so that I could shake out some my anxieties. It's nice to have something fun to turn to when I start to feel overwhelmed or trapped in my cubicle.
Peace, love,sweat xoxo SR
Sunday, February 3, 2013
32
Happy Superbowl Sunday!
I'm writing this from my favorite homework spot- First Slice Cafe in Lill Street Art Center. Great food, great vibes, and plenty of table space. If you've got the munchies after a sweat sesh, I definitely recommend grabbing a piece of pie at this joint.
Yesterday, I had an unexpected workout. I thought I was going to go snowboarding, but Saturday morning my sister woke up and didn't want to play on the slopes. We ended up compromising with one of my favorite activities EVER: snow shoeing. In the past, the suburbs where my family lives, usually gets dumped with snow. We used to love snow shoeing on the golf course near their house. However, this winter the snow scene has left a lot to be desired. Yesterday, was the first time all season that we've had a chance to make a snow trek. It was so wonderful. When I'm out on the golf course, I feel like I'm in a completely different state. Sometimes it's nice to know that nature is just few blocks away. Normally, my parents and I snowshoe for an hour or two, but my younger sister wasn't up for it. I probably didn't blast a ton of calories, but I had a ton of fun so who cares.
Snow shoe nerd! Please note the shark mittens.
I'm writing this from my favorite homework spot- First Slice Cafe in Lill Street Art Center. Great food, great vibes, and plenty of table space. If you've got the munchies after a sweat sesh, I definitely recommend grabbing a piece of pie at this joint.
Yesterday, I had an unexpected workout. I thought I was going to go snowboarding, but Saturday morning my sister woke up and didn't want to play on the slopes. We ended up compromising with one of my favorite activities EVER: snow shoeing. In the past, the suburbs where my family lives, usually gets dumped with snow. We used to love snow shoeing on the golf course near their house. However, this winter the snow scene has left a lot to be desired. Yesterday, was the first time all season that we've had a chance to make a snow trek. It was so wonderful. When I'm out on the golf course, I feel like I'm in a completely different state. Sometimes it's nice to know that nature is just few blocks away. Normally, my parents and I snowshoe for an hour or two, but my younger sister wasn't up for it. I probably didn't blast a ton of calories, but I had a ton of fun so who cares.
Snow shoe nerd! Please note the shark mittens.
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Friday, February 1, 2013
Runners' Yoga Workshop- Reach Yoga
Just wanted to give a workshop shout out! This is not to be missed if you live in the area.
On Feb 23, Glencoe's Reach Yoga will be offering a Runners' Yoga workshop taught by the fantastic Steph Metz. I will definitely be attending, and reccomend it to any runners who are feeling a little creaky this winter. The class will focus on hips, feet, and all the other parts that seem to ache 24/7 when you're a runner. This is perfect timing since racing season is just around the corner...
For more information, click here: Runners' Yoga Workshop
On Feb 23, Glencoe's Reach Yoga will be offering a Runners' Yoga workshop taught by the fantastic Steph Metz. I will definitely be attending, and reccomend it to any runners who are feeling a little creaky this winter. The class will focus on hips, feet, and all the other parts that seem to ache 24/7 when you're a runner. This is perfect timing since racing season is just around the corner...
For more information, click here: Runners' Yoga Workshop
30 & 31 :)
Woohoo!
Made it past day 30 and kicked day 31's ass! I had this realization today that I've sweat once a day for over 30 days. I don't often feel that accomplished, but today I am very proud of myself for sticking out this challenge.
Yesterday, I celebrated 30 with a slightly torturous evening jog through Millennium Park. I had been sitting in front of a computer all day, working on my Illustrator moves, so stretching out felt really good. It was also one of my favorite times of day, dusk, so the city looked beautiful. What I could have lived without was the not-so-groovy 15 degree weather. Not that I didn't feel like a total badass cruising while people walked around like zombies, but I'm not going to hate it when Springtime rolls around.
Today was AWESOME! I had promised myself that I'd go to at least one sculpt class this week so,naturally, I put it off until Friday and psyched myself up all week. I've been having a really tough time waking up in the morning, so I prepared ahead of time last night for an easy wake up. I laid out my workout clothes, office outfit, shower kit, and put coffee in the machine so that when my alarm went off at 5:30AM I wouldn't have any excuses or troubles getting ready. I'm happy to report that this worked out great and I had no issues getting ready for class this morning. Having some coffee in mah belly definitely helped. Anyway, if you've been following this blog, then you know that sculpt is kind of my arch nemisis. I hate it, yet respect it. I can't believe that I'm writing this, but HALLELUJAH, I've turned a new page and actually, sort of, kind of, enjoyed myself today. Okay, there were definitely moments where I felt like my biceps were going to fall off, but instead of wishing that I was anywhere else in the world but my mat, I channeled that pain into desire to grow stronger. It ended up being a really satisfying and positive class. Maybe my chakras have finally become unblocked! What I'm learning from this is that when a workout is uncomfortable I should try it at least three times before ruling it out. I may not have six pack abs yet, but no doubt that I'm growing stronger!
Have a great weekend!
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Made it past day 30 and kicked day 31's ass! I had this realization today that I've sweat once a day for over 30 days. I don't often feel that accomplished, but today I am very proud of myself for sticking out this challenge.
Yesterday, I celebrated 30 with a slightly torturous evening jog through Millennium Park. I had been sitting in front of a computer all day, working on my Illustrator moves, so stretching out felt really good. It was also one of my favorite times of day, dusk, so the city looked beautiful. What I could have lived without was the not-so-groovy 15 degree weather. Not that I didn't feel like a total badass cruising while people walked around like zombies, but I'm not going to hate it when Springtime rolls around.
Today was AWESOME! I had promised myself that I'd go to at least one sculpt class this week so,naturally, I put it off until Friday and psyched myself up all week. I've been having a really tough time waking up in the morning, so I prepared ahead of time last night for an easy wake up. I laid out my workout clothes, office outfit, shower kit, and put coffee in the machine so that when my alarm went off at 5:30AM I wouldn't have any excuses or troubles getting ready. I'm happy to report that this worked out great and I had no issues getting ready for class this morning. Having some coffee in mah belly definitely helped. Anyway, if you've been following this blog, then you know that sculpt is kind of my arch nemisis. I hate it, yet respect it. I can't believe that I'm writing this, but HALLELUJAH, I've turned a new page and actually, sort of, kind of, enjoyed myself today. Okay, there were definitely moments where I felt like my biceps were going to fall off, but instead of wishing that I was anywhere else in the world but my mat, I channeled that pain into desire to grow stronger. It ended up being a really satisfying and positive class. Maybe my chakras have finally become unblocked! What I'm learning from this is that when a workout is uncomfortable I should try it at least three times before ruling it out. I may not have six pack abs yet, but no doubt that I'm growing stronger!
Have a great weekend!
Peace, love, sweat xoxo SR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)