I am not sure exactly how this runner girl ended up on a yoga streak but once I started, I was determined to challenge myself to keep it up for a week. A week led to 10 days. I did a combination of Vinyasa, hot yoga and restorative yoga. So here I am, after my 10 day yoga streak sharing some lessons learned from my mat.
What I learned during my 10 day yoga streak
Some days I could touch my toes, some days not so much
I was surprised by how much my flexibility varied from day to day. Some days, I was so stiff everything felt like a challenge. Other days, I was able to reach way past my toes in a forward fold.
You have to go with the “flow”
During my 10 day yoga streak, there were practices that I felt a “warrior” gliding through the Vinyasa flow effortlessly. Other days, I was an awkward mess losing my balance.
Trust yourself
I learned to be willing to trust my instincts and “take a leap” literally. Surely, not every pose is for everyone and if it’s safe for you to do so, take that leap. You might be surprised what happens. Like most things in life, if you believe you can, you are halfway there.
Falling isn’t failing
I used to be afraid to try certain poses because I did not want to fall. Falling out of pose happens to everyone from time to time-even the instructors. Falling is a step in learning.
Clear your mind and the answers will come
Literally twice during my 10 day yoga streak, an answer to a problem randomly came to me during my practice. Specifically, I had been agonizing early in the day about an answer to a crossword puzzle that I could not get. Yup I love to do crosswords. Resting in my child’s pose, the answer just popped into my head. I don’t even know why but there it was!
Breath matters
Only recently, did I make the connection between breath and movement in yoga. Practicing the Ujjayi breathing )in and out through the nose) allows your body to access the poses on a deeper level and stay balanced. I still have a long way to go with this one.
Don’t worry, I am not giving up running to become a full time yogi but I have enjoyed taking a deeper plunge into more yoga. My tight running body has appreciated the deeper stretches I am practicing during class and I am learning where I need to stretch more. Most importantly, my 10 day yoga streak has taught me to arrive without expectations and accept what my body offers me that day. I have come to appreciate all that my body can do and not dwell on the things I believe it cannot do. Namaste.
PS-Also came up with a genius way to clean my yoga mat. Tune in Friday for a quick post on how to do it.
Linking up
Coach Debbie Runs, Running On Happy, Train with Marc,
That’s awesome you did 10 days of yoga! Yoga is something I feel like I need to get into but there are no studios near by. I’d love to know some of your favorite poses to stretch out tight muscles that you do at home, if you do yoga at home.
I sometimes do yoga at home but I know I personally get a better stretch by going to a class.I need the discipline. Down dog is really a great stretch and going through high plank, low plank, up dog is a nice sequence. The half pigeon stretch is fab for runners. I am not a yoga instructor but these are some of my favorites
It’s been years but I’ve done yoga streaks and they are always learning experiences. Yoga has a lot to teach us.
It sure does. I know I cannot keep up this frequency forever but I do feel so much better with yoga in my life
Bingo!!! Earlier this week I posted my picture of reclined hero pose. So many people commented on my ‘flexibility’ when in fact last week, I couldn’t even sit in hero pose without a blog under my butt. I don’t understand it, but flexibility seems to come and go. What a fun experiment–I may need to try this over the winter!
It has been a learning experience indeed. I know my body and my mind are happier when I have yoga in my life.
I definitely could benefit from doing more yoga – specifically for the benefits of meditation. Maybe once the kids are back in school I’ll find a class to attend during the day 🙂
I am really enjoying it!
Trust yourself. I love that you learned that because that can 100% apply across the board! So can GOING WITH THE FLOW 🙂 Yoga certainly sounds like it has a lot of life lessons tied to it!
Absolutely! I could definitely benefit from trusting myself a little more. Sometimes, you do just have to go with the flow
I try to do a short yoga practice most days, but of course it doesn’t always happen! The changing flexibility is definitely true.
It is interesting how that happens isn’t it?!
LOVE this Deborah! I love all the benefits of yoga from the physical to the mental, and how easily those things can be applied to every day life – work, relationships, running, etc! Happy yoga-ing!
Yes I agree! I learned a lot during my little streak and I hope to keep it up on some level. I just feel better all around when I have yoga in my life
I feel like I should commit to something like this so it becomes more of a habit! I don’t stretch enough, and yoga would be a great way to get it in!
I don’t stretch enough either on my own. Going to a class forces me to do more stretching and I am so much happier when I do
I admit, I haven’t done any yoga in a really, really long time. It feels good to stretch but it’s just not my gig. I’m glad you enjoyed your 10-day streak!
I used to think it was not for me either but I am so happy I found a place for it in my workout routine
Great tips! The falling thing is something I have to remember. I’ve definitely avoided a lot of poses because I’m afraid of falling but I guess I should learn to embrace that instead.
Everybody falls! It’s how we ultimately learn how to do things
I definitely need to incorporate more yoga in my life! Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks and hope you find a place for it in your routine as well
Oooh! Tips on cleaning my yoga mat. I need that! I love to do yoga. I once participated in a 40-day yoga challenge. It included dietary restrictions (a fruit fast, among other things). I really enjoyed it. I felt great. Unfortunately, I had registered for the Cleveland half marathon during those 40 days. It was one of my worst half marathons ever. Concentrating so much on yoga threw off my running. I had to work to achieve a balance between the 2.
How interesting! I probably would not be able to do a fruit fast. Yes, it is all about achieving balance. For me, yoga helps with my running as it gives me the extra stretching I need.
This is so encouraging to hear!!!!! Like you, I struggle with the frustration of doing some poses with ease on certain days, then constant wobbling/tipping on other days. I really need to just embrace what each moment can bring me.
It’s very hard to do but I am learning and I am glad that I gave it a try
I love this! It’s so true about flexibility and falling. Some days our bodies are all there and sometimes it takes work. Yogi breathing is a HUGE deal for me because it saved me when I was working at a super stressful job. I think it’s the main reason I can control my breathing during a hard workout now. Yoga is truly great for everyone!
The yoga breathing does not come naturally to me and it’s definitely something I need to work on. Glad yoga has helped you so much with your stress
I’ve learned SO much from adding yoga into my life. It’s made a big difference in my health.
I agree it really can make a big difference
I love this! Yoga has so many benefits physically and mentally which can be applied to everyday life!
Yes it sure does!
Reading this makes me want to get back to yoga class. I need to work on breathing to help with anxiety. Way to go for getting ten days in a row!
Thanks it felt really good! Hope you get back there soon
Some good lessons learned! I’m trying to find my way back to my mat for just a couple of sessions a week as I know my very tight hammies will benefit 😉
I saw you made it this week too!
I love these lessons – I haven’t tried yoga but I have recently returned to pilates and have managed 2 sessions a week in the last 2 weeks. What I find is I walk out of class so much taller and more confident. Before yesterday’s class I was so frustrated with some stuff at work, but my mind just cleared and I left with a new perspective of the day’s events.
Yes I am sure pilates has many of the same benefits! Keep it up
I’m glad that you got a lot out of your yoga streak! I love practicing yoga but I haven’t been on the mat in several weeks…I miss it! It’s true, some days the flexibility is there and other days you’re stiff as a board!
Very true!