A New Addiction

So it's been over two months since I've been able to run after getting diagnosed with a stress fracture in my lower left hip.  Yes, it sucks and blows at the same time.  I was told by my doctor that I cannot do any kind of activity for at least 12 weeks, aside from yoga and Pilates.  I finally gave in and cashed in a Groupon I bought months ago for Bikram Yoga. It's 26 postures in 90-minutes in a room that's 105 degrees with 40% humidity.

I'm hooked.

I was very skeptical at first, not because I don't believe in the benefits of yoga, but I hate hot weather.  And I'm not flexible at all.  I knew I needed something a bit more challenging to help with my flexibility and I really believe I found it.  My first visit was a bit tough. I showed up early like they suggested but ended up talking to the instructor outside so long that I wasn't able to get a spot in the back of the room like she suggested.  I ended up in the middle which didn't hurt me as much as not making sure I could see myself completely in the front mirrors.  No, I'm not that vain, but it helps to see yourself to make sure you're doing the poses correctly.


One day I'll get there!

The first couple of poses were okay but right away I could see how unyielding my body was.  I wasn't embarrassed but encouraged that I had a long way to go and this could help get me there.  The heat didn't really bother me until about 20 minutes in (that's a guess to the time, there were no clocks and I didn't have a watch) and I had to lie down a few times after feeling a little light-headed.  I think it was a combination of the newness as well as not eating at all that morning for a 9:30 class.  The website suggests not eating for 2-3 hours before class.  However for my second class, I did eat some oatmeal about 90 minutes before and made it through the entire class.  It's a matter of personal preference and what your body can handle.

The poses are a progression, each one getting you ready for the next one.  I took a look at some of the poses and really thought a few of those images were the work of a Photoshop wizard.  But sure enough, there were some pretty hard-core students (yogis) in there that were pretty amazing.

When I walked out of that first class, I can't tell you how relaxed and calm I felt.  The combination of poses and breathing really seemed to have a positive effect on me. I was already looking forward to the second class which felt just as great.  The recent icy weather knocked out my last attempt at a class but I'm ready to go as often as I can.  It feels like running to me now.  Not that I'm giving up running, in fact, the opposite.  I expect this to help keep me even healthier to run even better in the future.  Yes, I was a skeptic, but I am now a believer.  Try it out.  I'm sure you'll love it!

Keep on runnin'!