Located in east Danforth village at Coxwell (informally Little Ethiopia), Legacy indoor cycling studio is a newer spinning facility, and one of only a few on the east side of town. Schwinn certified instructors teaching on top of the line Schwinn bikes, the studio offers dynamic classes that change every time. As a runner, spinning is an awesome form of cross-training, targeting the quads more than the hamstrings, and allowing for high intensity interval cardio training with no impact.
The pros:
Awesome sound system with good variety of tunes.
High energy teacher (who happened to be the owner). Not necessarily for everyone's style but definitely good as a motivator for spinning.
Good equipment and set up, and the space is equipped for TRX, personal training, and yoga.
They offer a one-day Schwinn certification, which I'll be doing in February. Whoot!
The cons:
Bathroom/change room, or lack there of.
Few mirrors for the spinning bit. Not that that's necessary but I guess I'd gotten used to using them for form.
If you're there to do weights or other type of workout during a spin class, you've got a spin class in your face.
Summary:
I got a five-class pass on Groupon and am so glad I got it. It made me realize how much I missed spinning and how good spinning in a dedicated spin studio can be. If you get a chance to try it (and TRX, which I can't wait to try!), do it, and let me know, as I'll join you!
Monday 26 December 2011
I'm dreaming of a green Christmas
I was sick with a chest cold returning from my trip to BC. I guess that's what you get for surfing in the north Pacific ocean in November. I opted to take sick days to recover and in my boredom, did some work in terms of research in my quest to have as green a Christmas as possible. This was one of 10 items on a household contract for my "BE GREEN" yoga project and turned into a major component of the project.
Many different tips and tricks can be found on the internet and many of them were original but not necessarily new to the household. The biggest question for me was the Christmas tree. Real or not real. I have a 4 foot fake tree which is on its last year and is a fire hazard. It was bought cheaply years ago and I found that the off gassing when the lights are on for a while was probably not a good idea.
Here were the arguments I found for what’s greener:
-Most Christmas trees are raised on established farms and for the sole purpose of being harvested for Christmas. Deforestation is not an issue but it could be shipped from a long distance, and could require pesticides and fuelled vehicles to maintain. They could also end up taking space in a landfill. If going real, tips include choosing something locally and organically grown cutting down on CO2 emissions and helping prevent the environmental degradation wrought by pesticides on big conventional operations.
-Most artificial trees are made in China from oil-derived and pollution releasing PVC. Some contain lead, the dyes used are toxic, and will last for centuries in landfills. Advocates of artificial trees point out that a one-time purchase for reuse can save gas for annual trips to buy a real tree, especially if the tree is kept in the family for many years.
-Most Christmas trees are raised on established farms and for the sole purpose of being harvested for Christmas. Deforestation is not an issue but it could be shipped from a long distance, and could require pesticides and fuelled vehicles to maintain. They could also end up taking space in a landfill. If going real, tips include choosing something locally and organically grown cutting down on CO2 emissions and helping prevent the environmental degradation wrought by pesticides on big conventional operations.
-Most artificial trees are made in China from oil-derived and pollution releasing PVC. Some contain lead, the dyes used are toxic, and will last for centuries in landfills. Advocates of artificial trees point out that a one-time purchase for reuse can save gas for annual trips to buy a real tree, especially if the tree is kept in the family for many years.
On balance, and based on where I live (close to a number of what could be considered “local” farms), I decided to go with real. I don’t know if the farm I chose was organic but I made sure the tree came from a farm close to the city and walked to pick up the tree and bring it home. The idea is to convert it to mulch or compost when done. I have yet to decide on how to dispose of the fake tree. Without lights, it would be fine in another household or could be donated for a shelter or church that needs a window display.
(I did find in the research that the most clear-cut “green” answer is the following: Buying a living, plantable "bulb" tree. Inside, the tree can wear ornaments and garland, and after Christmas it can be transplanted outdoors.)
Other green efforts relating to Christmas have been:
-Bought gifts were limited and all bought gifts transported home on public transportation. Wherever possible, the gifts were locally made or supporting local artists or homemade by me. I made little bags of homemade granola this year. After making them, I realized I should have used tins or jars but in the end, because the bags have a reseal on them, I hope they will be reused. I also limited the number of people I felt I needed to gift to, opting to give people my “face” and time instead.
-No cards, no waste.
-Bought gifts were limited and all bought gifts transported home on public transportation. Wherever possible, the gifts were locally made or supporting local artists or homemade by me. I made little bags of homemade granola this year. After making them, I realized I should have used tins or jars but in the end, because the bags have a reseal on them, I hope they will be reused. I also limited the number of people I felt I needed to gift to, opting to give people my “face” and time instead.
-No cards, no waste.
-I did not purchased new decorations for the house and reused what I had or made other things to decorate the home.
-I prepared a lot of different items for different potlucks and try to make things that are wholesome, shareable, and don’t create too much waste, if any. In addition, in preparation for a get-together at my house, I have asked some guests to bring small plates or wine glasses (whatever I am short on) and will use real cloth napkins or napkins that are compostable.
-I started a few “green Christmas” statuses on Facebook that got a lot of great (sometimes controversial) dialogue going about steps to take and some people, myself included, got a lot of good ideas out of that.
-I prepared a lot of different items for different potlucks and try to make things that are wholesome, shareable, and don’t create too much waste, if any. In addition, in preparation for a get-together at my house, I have asked some guests to bring small plates or wine glasses (whatever I am short on) and will use real cloth napkins or napkins that are compostable.
-I started a few “green Christmas” statuses on Facebook that got a lot of great (sometimes controversial) dialogue going about steps to take and some people, myself included, got a lot of good ideas out of that.
I also took the time at home to start going through that extra 10% of stuff that I was looking to get rid of. In addition to maybe 5-6 bags that have left the household in recent months, I loaded up another four bags during my day off. One is a bag of clothing and shoes and winter wear to be donated to a shelter. Others are “goods” like movies, cds, dvds, and those will be brought to a charity to sell for self-generated revenue. I also packaged about 15 bags of toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions etc) from samples I’d accumulated from hotels and donated them to a woman’s shelter. Not only does it feel amazing to de-clutter, but you’re ensuring that things find another home, one that needs it more than you do.
This is definitely something that I can keep doing and would love to hear your ideas on how to be even greener! Please feel free to share below and let me know what you do in your day to day to be green.
Inspired by Tofino
I never did do a write up on my first Tofino experience. That's December for you. It sneaks up on you and then you have very little time for yourself, and the time you do find is to ensure you're breathing deep breaths and staying grounded, not to write blog entries :).
While my whole trip to BC was fantastic, and seeing my family being the highlight every time, Tofino opened my heart and made a very deep impression on me. From the get-go -- my drive up island to Nanaimo to meet up with Dana -- I was overwhelmed by the natural beauty around me. I'd truly forgotten it, or took it too much for granted when I was younger, but the lushness of the trees, and the massiveness of the rocky mountains were breathtaking.
Seeing Dana and getting to practice in Nanaimo as my thirty day challenge was wrapping up was also deeply moving. There are certain people you just really connect with and I'm so glad to have found a kindred spirit like hers in my adult life. There was something about practicing in the Nanaimo space, with the deer watching us, that was grounding too.
The drive to Tofino was twist turny and like no other drive I'd ever done up island. Going to the west side of the island changes the scenery, and the stop at Cathedral Grove, was breathtaking. We got to the resort for the yoga and surf retreat (put on by OmTown Yoga - http://www.omtown.ca/ - check 'em out, such good peeps) and it was two and a half days of fat rain, strong wind good sleep and gorgeous wave crashing scenery. Oh, and relaxing yoga classes, invigorating and adrenaline rush-ing surfing, educational workshops, and tasty wine and cheese too.
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| tea making workshop photo by echutter (c) |
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warming up surya namaskar styles photo by echutter (c) |
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| pop up, damn you! photo by echutter (c) |
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Tacofino in my Tofino write up. Especially since I stopped there twice in my three days there. Fish tacos. No more needs to be said.
On our way out and back to Nanaimo, gazing up through the tall trees, rainbow after rainbow could be seen. I'll soon be back.
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| Tacofino! |
Monday 19 December 2011
January Running and Classes!
A long delay since my last post! I've got drafts for many entries and loads to update you on during the holidays!
For now, just wanting to share my January yoga and running schedules!
See you on the pavement or on the mat!
YOGA!
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester)
Monday January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30: 6:30am - 75 minute Moksha class
Sunday January 15 and 22: 1:30pm - 60 minute community class
Moksha Yoga Downtown (Bathurst and Wellington)
Tuesday January 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31: 9:45pm - 60 minute Moksha class
Moksha Yoga St Clair (at St Clair and Oakwood! New Studio!)
Monday January 1: 2:00pm (90 Moksha) and 4:00pm (60 Moksha)
Saturday January 7: 12:15pm (60 Moksha) and 2:00pm (90 Moksha)
Saturday January 21: 12:15pm (60 Moksha)
RUNNING!
Run Club - Lululemon Eaton Centre every Thursday nights at 6:30pm (approx 5km) and Saturday mornings at 8:45am (or meet at the North West corner of Queen and University at 9am). Various paces, various distances! Do it!
Running with Commerce Court Running Room with the 1/2 marathon then marathon clinic Sunday mornings at 8:30am! Distances gradually increase!
For now, just wanting to share my January yoga and running schedules!
See you on the pavement or on the mat!
YOGA!
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester)
Monday January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30: 6:30am - 75 minute Moksha class
Sunday January 15 and 22: 1:30pm - 60 minute community class
Moksha Yoga Downtown (Bathurst and Wellington)
Tuesday January 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31: 9:45pm - 60 minute Moksha class
Moksha Yoga St Clair (at St Clair and Oakwood! New Studio!)
Monday January 1: 2:00pm (90 Moksha) and 4:00pm (60 Moksha)
Saturday January 7: 12:15pm (60 Moksha) and 2:00pm (90 Moksha)
Saturday January 21: 12:15pm (60 Moksha)
RUNNING!
Run Club - Lululemon Eaton Centre every Thursday nights at 6:30pm (approx 5km) and Saturday mornings at 8:45am (or meet at the North West corner of Queen and University at 9am). Various paces, various distances! Do it!
Running with Commerce Court Running Room with the 1/2 marathon then marathon clinic Sunday mornings at 8:30am! Distances gradually increase!
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echutter (c) Partner work |
Movement makes me float inside.
beautiful.
just stunning.
breathe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcqvlJIjh9g&feature=player_embedded
just stunning.
breathe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcqvlJIjh9g&feature=player_embedded
Wednesday 7 December 2011
Reflections on my 30-day challenge
As November ended and the sweet month of December swept in, I ended my 30-day yoga challenge... by continuing my daily practice. Unfortunately, not something I'll be able to keep up when I'm back in Toronto, post-vacation, but something I'm gonna milk till I get back!
November is such a perfect month to do a 30-day challenge. Fall is officially among us, with cool days and shorter days beckoning you to the mat and the hot room. It is also a shorter month, one that usually falls really well with an automn detox (which I did earlier in the month of October), and there's usually less travelling for work (I find this to be generally the case, clearly not this year). I'd made myself some general terms of engagement for this 30-day challenge going into it http://hogtownbunny.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html) and decided to not be critical towards myself if things didn't go according to plan.
I practiced asanas a total of 33 times over the month, missing two days (where the lack of cloning made it impossible for me to be in more than one place and the impossibility of adding more hours in the day made it difficult to pretend I could) but making up those practices by banking classes. I was very aware of how my body felt after having missed one of those days and appreciated what the daily practice did for me. I practiced off the mat as much as I could, only encountering one incident where I was very unlike me and acted in a non-yoga way and caught it right away, felt remorse, and aimed to make things right (I was impatient with a hotel concierge who couldn't get me my checked bag in a timely manner when in a big rush to get back to a work function. Clearly still reliving the guilt and feeling inclined to write about it). I also meditated as much as I could and tried to find peace and compassion in myself to be able to cultivate more peace and compassion around myself.
Practicing at different studios all month had pros and cons too:
-it made me realize what studio is "home"to me and how much the sense of community builds when you can practice in one physical space with other people who have the same intention as you, month long (this was something I wish I could have been more of a part of).
-it made me so appreciative of different studios, yoga traditions and styles, and teachers to practice in different cities and different places, with different energy. I learned a lot from this.
-The feeling of being a wandering yoga-bond made me realize how little you need to do yoga. Just a small space, a mat, and your breath. And the opportunity to connect follows you there. Very cool to know just how big the yoga community is and how its benefits can translate to everyone.
Looking forward to my next challenge, which will likely be in March or June (have to plan it around training, races and recovery). Wanna join me for it?
November is such a perfect month to do a 30-day challenge. Fall is officially among us, with cool days and shorter days beckoning you to the mat and the hot room. It is also a shorter month, one that usually falls really well with an automn detox (which I did earlier in the month of October), and there's usually less travelling for work (I find this to be generally the case, clearly not this year). I'd made myself some general terms of engagement for this 30-day challenge going into it http://hogtownbunny.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html) and decided to not be critical towards myself if things didn't go according to plan.
I practiced asanas a total of 33 times over the month, missing two days (where the lack of cloning made it impossible for me to be in more than one place and the impossibility of adding more hours in the day made it difficult to pretend I could) but making up those practices by banking classes. I was very aware of how my body felt after having missed one of those days and appreciated what the daily practice did for me. I practiced off the mat as much as I could, only encountering one incident where I was very unlike me and acted in a non-yoga way and caught it right away, felt remorse, and aimed to make things right (I was impatient with a hotel concierge who couldn't get me my checked bag in a timely manner when in a big rush to get back to a work function. Clearly still reliving the guilt and feeling inclined to write about it). I also meditated as much as I could and tried to find peace and compassion in myself to be able to cultivate more peace and compassion around myself.
Practicing at different studios all month had pros and cons too:
-it made me realize what studio is "home"to me and how much the sense of community builds when you can practice in one physical space with other people who have the same intention as you, month long (this was something I wish I could have been more of a part of).
-it made me so appreciative of different studios, yoga traditions and styles, and teachers to practice in different cities and different places, with different energy. I learned a lot from this.
-The feeling of being a wandering yoga-bond made me realize how little you need to do yoga. Just a small space, a mat, and your breath. And the opportunity to connect follows you there. Very cool to know just how big the yoga community is and how its benefits can translate to everyone.
Looking forward to my next challenge, which will likely be in March or June (have to plan it around training, races and recovery). Wanna join me for it?
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| Photo by echutter (c) - Tofino |
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| Photo by echutter (c) |
Wednesday 30 November 2011
Lululemon Ambassador Photo Shoot!
Here are the best pics from my fun shoot with Lululemon. It was a chilly yet sunny day and we shot around UofT, starting of course, at the finish line of the Goodlife marathon, which is why that location was so meaningful to me!
Not sure which one will be blown up (hopefully there's one that is good enough to do that!) for the store; we'll wait and see :)
Not sure which one will be blown up (hopefully there's one that is good enough to do that!) for the store; we'll wait and see :)
Cathedral Grove
Still out west in B.C. so won't take too long to write about my trip as I want to savour every moment of my time here with my family.
On our way up to Tofino last week, Dana and Ed were nice enough to stop by Cathedral Grove (McMillan Park) so I could experience it. It was my first time going to this old old old forest to soak in this coastal wonder. My breath was taken away when walking through the trails, gazing up, waaayyyy up, at these giant 800 year old Douglas firs, covered in moss, meters large at the trunk's circumference. Serious beauty in such a majestic place.
So much to write on Tofino too, next time!
On our way up to Tofino last week, Dana and Ed were nice enough to stop by Cathedral Grove (McMillan Park) so I could experience it. It was my first time going to this old old old forest to soak in this coastal wonder. My breath was taken away when walking through the trails, gazing up, waaayyyy up, at these giant 800 year old Douglas firs, covered in moss, meters large at the trunk's circumference. Serious beauty in such a majestic place.
So much to write on Tofino too, next time!
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Alive
My mom suggested this video might be good for my blog. I'd seen it before and it touched me then, but after my weekend in Tofino, and driving around the island seeing how amazing this coast is (and the whole country really), it's resonating in a different, much more powerful way.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Victoria! Vancouver! Tofino! Nanaimo! Saltspring! OH MY!
A few days and I'm off!
If you're in Vancouver on the 23rd, Nanaimo on the 24th, Tofino on the 25-27th, Victoria from the 28-December 2 and Vancouver again on December 3-4, let me know! Let's yoga! Chat! Have coffee! Run!
Looking forward to:
-celebrating my brother's birthday
-seeing the Burnaby studio
-going to the Lululemon lab
-seeing my nephews and nieces
-seeing Dana
-surfing and yogaing in Tofino
-seeing my parents
-hanging out with my sister
-teaching in Victoria
-practicing in Victoria
-taking time off work!
Yippee! :)
If you're in Vancouver on the 23rd, Nanaimo on the 24th, Tofino on the 25-27th, Victoria from the 28-December 2 and Vancouver again on December 3-4, let me know! Let's yoga! Chat! Have coffee! Run!
Looking forward to:
-celebrating my brother's birthday
-seeing the Burnaby studio
-going to the Lululemon lab
-seeing my nephews and nieces
-seeing Dana
-surfing and yogaing in Tofino
-seeing my parents
-hanging out with my sister
-teaching in Victoria
-practicing in Victoria
-taking time off work!
Yippee! :)
Reflections on week 3 - 30-day challenge
Day 20, getting up to the last week!
A few interesting observations this past week.
-With running and a lot of Moksha practice, the yin practice is especially beneficial to me these days.
-Day 18 I started getting that "yoga elbow" feeling I got last time I did my 30-day challenge. It's like tennis elbow but from too many chatarungas.
-Home practice with pup is almost impossible. He thinks I am playing. Also, I get very jealous of his downward dog.
-After practicing at a number of different studios, when I went to Danforth yesterday, it was like this big exhale feeling of warmth, love and home. Love this.
-Making the time for a daily practice gives me more time in life.
A few interesting observations this past week.
-With running and a lot of Moksha practice, the yin practice is especially beneficial to me these days.
-Day 18 I started getting that "yoga elbow" feeling I got last time I did my 30-day challenge. It's like tennis elbow but from too many chatarungas.
-Home practice with pup is almost impossible. He thinks I am playing. Also, I get very jealous of his downward dog.
-After practicing at a number of different studios, when I went to Danforth yesterday, it was like this big exhale feeling of warmth, love and home. Love this.
-Making the time for a daily practice gives me more time in life.
Friday 18 November 2011
December yoga schedule and races
YOGA!
Back from BC December 4 and will be teaching at various Mokshas and a few classes in private spaces. Hope to see you out there! Moksha schedule is:
Saturday, December 10, Moksha Yoga North York, 3-4:30pm
Saturday, December 17, Moksha Yoga Uptown, 3-4:30pm
Sunday, December 18, Moksha Yoga Danforth, 7-8:15pm
Monday, December 19, Moksha Yoga North York, 1:30-2:30pm
Monday, December 26, Moksha Yoga Stratford, various classes (9:30am, noon, 5:30pm, 7:30pm)
Tuesday, December 27, Moksha Yoga Downtown, 4:30-5:30pm and 6pm-7:15pm
Wednesday, December 28, Moksha Yoga Downtown, 8-9:15pm, 9:45-10:45pm
RUNNING!
No races but here are some run activities you should come out to! Free!
Run Club - Lululemon Eaton Centre every Thursday nights at 6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 8:45am (or
meet at the North West corner of Queen and University at 9am). Various paces, various distances! Do it!
Resolution Run - volunteering and cheering on runners - December 31! Come on out for some hot chocolate and brunch post race!
Back from BC December 4 and will be teaching at various Mokshas and a few classes in private spaces. Hope to see you out there! Moksha schedule is:
Saturday, December 10, Moksha Yoga North York, 3-4:30pm
Saturday, December 17, Moksha Yoga Uptown, 3-4:30pm
Sunday, December 18, Moksha Yoga Danforth, 7-8:15pm
Monday, December 19, Moksha Yoga North York, 1:30-2:30pm
Monday, December 26, Moksha Yoga Stratford, various classes (9:30am, noon, 5:30pm, 7:30pm)
Tuesday, December 27, Moksha Yoga Downtown, 4:30-5:30pm and 6pm-7:15pm
Wednesday, December 28, Moksha Yoga Downtown, 8-9:15pm, 9:45-10:45pm
RUNNING!
No races but here are some run activities you should come out to! Free!
Run Club - Lululemon Eaton Centre every Thursday nights at 6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 8:45am (or
meet at the North West corner of Queen and University at 9am). Various paces, various distances! Do it!
Resolution Run - volunteering and cheering on runners - December 31! Come on out for some hot chocolate and brunch post race!
Sunday 13 November 2011
Saturday 12 November 2011
I WILL be your new run club ambassador!
I have fantastic news. I was proposed to. And I accepted!
Let me explain a little before you get carried away...
I was asked to be the new Run Club Ambassador for the Lululemon Athletica Eaton Centre store and I (of course) accepted.
This is something that is extremely meaningful to me in many ways. To think that someone who, seven years ago, didn't have a sense of who she was, who didn't make time to be part of a community, and who didn't value her body, mind or life is someone who now wants to (and is recognized as being capable of) inspire others to find inner strength, to help people see the worth and beauty of accomplishing goals and having support, and mostly, to really be able to relate to where people are coming from - from whatever place they're starting from - and taking each and every breath of life with gratitude and amazement at what the human body and mind can do.
Being an ambassador, to me, means representing the Lululemon manifesto - its guiding values - in my daily life - on and off the mat, during a run, during a stretch, while riding my bike, when at work, even in line at the supermarket. It also means being involved in the community and sharing in every victory, from a first kilometer to a tenth marathon or from a first asana class to a ten-day silent meditation retreat.
I am looking forward to what the next year will bring. As I was told when I accepted this opportunity, I'll get as much out of this as I'm willing to put in. And I can't wait to turn the potential into amazing discoveries and experiences.
Let me explain a little before you get carried away...
I was asked to be the new Run Club Ambassador for the Lululemon Athletica Eaton Centre store and I (of course) accepted.
This is something that is extremely meaningful to me in many ways. To think that someone who, seven years ago, didn't have a sense of who she was, who didn't make time to be part of a community, and who didn't value her body, mind or life is someone who now wants to (and is recognized as being capable of) inspire others to find inner strength, to help people see the worth and beauty of accomplishing goals and having support, and mostly, to really be able to relate to where people are coming from - from whatever place they're starting from - and taking each and every breath of life with gratitude and amazement at what the human body and mind can do.
Being an ambassador, to me, means representing the Lululemon manifesto - its guiding values - in my daily life - on and off the mat, during a run, during a stretch, while riding my bike, when at work, even in line at the supermarket. It also means being involved in the community and sharing in every victory, from a first kilometer to a tenth marathon or from a first asana class to a ten-day silent meditation retreat.
I am looking forward to what the next year will bring. As I was told when I accepted this opportunity, I'll get as much out of this as I'm willing to put in. And I can't wait to turn the potential into amazing discoveries and experiences.
Last race of the season - Road2Hope marathon and half-marathon in Hamilton
A bit of a delay getting this post in and a bit anti-climactic getting to it a week later.
November 6 marked the end of the fall running season with the Road2Hope marathon and half-marathon in the Hammer. An early wake up (made less painful due to Daylight Savings) and off I was to Hamilton to meet a number of CCRR folks who were running (most of them doing the full) or cheering.
Lack of signage and backlog on the road heading to Confederation Park made for hiccupy logistics but we all got to the start line on time (and if we hadn't, we would likely have been okay as race organizers delayed the start times). Aside from that, the sun from shining, the wind was minimal and the coolness was starting to get less frigid so there was little to complain about.
I was feeling relatively strong so figured that if conditions remained good, that I'd be able to get a PB. It is afterall, a race with a good amount of downhill-ing. I didn't follow a pacer and just found a rhythm and stuck with it for about 10km. A good per km pace that slowed slightly at 13km when the downhill portion stopped and my hip flexors started fatiguing (big goal for 2012, work on this!). I still kept up with the training though and kept pushing through, digging much deeper than I had in a while.
All was good until about 17km, or when we turned around to run by the water. The lake effect wind was coming on head-on. And something about my gels (again) gave me the major pukeys. I walked once or twice more than I would have liked along this stretch, trying not to hurl, and trying to stay focused. The 1:50 pace bunny passed me but I was okay with that. My goal was 1:52:22 or less so as long as I kept up with him, I knew I'd be fine. But I wasn't keeping up with him. And then I lost sight of him.
At around 19.5, I slowed to walk and Mike Lin approached me from behind and said something like "we've got this" or "you can do it" and I looked at him (this is why we have a community folks, the power of it is phenomenal) and found a lot of internal strength and made it happen. I looked at my Garmin and saw where the finish line was and just started going as fast as my body could. While it wasn't enough to give me a Personal Best (1:52:52 - off by 29 seconds~), I chalked it up as a Personal Awesome. My best 1/2 time of the season, more left in me for next time, goal of PB and sub 1:50 in sight.
The cowbells and cheering (and man, were there TONS!) at the end helped me cheer up, as did getting to celebrate so many personal bests, Boston qualifiers and happy finishes for my running friends. I put this season to rest, my first after a two year hiatus, so excited at what increased fitness and 2012 will bring!
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| Not good enough to order but a memory of the finish line. |
November 6 marked the end of the fall running season with the Road2Hope marathon and half-marathon in the Hammer. An early wake up (made less painful due to Daylight Savings) and off I was to Hamilton to meet a number of CCRR folks who were running (most of them doing the full) or cheering.
Lack of signage and backlog on the road heading to Confederation Park made for hiccupy logistics but we all got to the start line on time (and if we hadn't, we would likely have been okay as race organizers delayed the start times). Aside from that, the sun from shining, the wind was minimal and the coolness was starting to get less frigid so there was little to complain about.
I was feeling relatively strong so figured that if conditions remained good, that I'd be able to get a PB. It is afterall, a race with a good amount of downhill-ing. I didn't follow a pacer and just found a rhythm and stuck with it for about 10km. A good per km pace that slowed slightly at 13km when the downhill portion stopped and my hip flexors started fatiguing (big goal for 2012, work on this!). I still kept up with the training though and kept pushing through, digging much deeper than I had in a while.
All was good until about 17km, or when we turned around to run by the water. The lake effect wind was coming on head-on. And something about my gels (again) gave me the major pukeys. I walked once or twice more than I would have liked along this stretch, trying not to hurl, and trying to stay focused. The 1:50 pace bunny passed me but I was okay with that. My goal was 1:52:22 or less so as long as I kept up with him, I knew I'd be fine. But I wasn't keeping up with him. And then I lost sight of him.
At around 19.5, I slowed to walk and Mike Lin approached me from behind and said something like "we've got this" or "you can do it" and I looked at him (this is why we have a community folks, the power of it is phenomenal) and found a lot of internal strength and made it happen. I looked at my Garmin and saw where the finish line was and just started going as fast as my body could. While it wasn't enough to give me a Personal Best (1:52:52 - off by 29 seconds~), I chalked it up as a Personal Awesome. My best 1/2 time of the season, more left in me for next time, goal of PB and sub 1:50 in sight.
The cowbells and cheering (and man, were there TONS!) at the end helped me cheer up, as did getting to celebrate so many personal bests, Boston qualifiers and happy finishes for my running friends. I put this season to rest, my first after a two year hiatus, so excited at what increased fitness and 2012 will bring!
Reflections on week 2 - 30-day challenge
Day 12. It's been going swell so far. It hasn't been tough finding the time for the daily practice but the cross-training has really had to be minimized. Less core, less strength training, less running. It's tough to balance it all but my focus this month is getting to the mat daily, practicing my yoga off the mat (including not being hard on myself for not doing it all), and cross-training when I can as it makes me happy and is part of my life as well.
Day 8 was pretty emotional in practice for me. Even riding in in the morning, I thought a lot about the death of Jenna Morrison. Jenna, an important part of the Toronto yoga community, wife, mother, was killed by a truck while she was riding her bicycle. I felt pretty shaken and dedicated my practice to Jenna, her loved ones, and especially for her son Lucas. The outpour of support for Jenna and her family has been, and continues to be, so strong. The sense of community and the light that Jenna brought to it can really be felt. Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo.
I've been extra prudent on the ol' bicyclette these days myself and because of this, missed my day 10 class by 10 minutes.... but I didn't fret about it too much. Instead of doing a home practice, I decided to do a make up class on day 11 and not be judgmental about it. After all, my intention to get to the mat was there. And I didn't want to turn my efforts into a negative experience.
When I did my make up class on day 11, it was really interesting to see how one day off during this challenge makes a difference to how your spine responds to the mat when you first get to class. Granted, my make-up class was at 6:30am so there's a whole different body dynamic at that time of day, but it made me have a really great, 70% effort practice to slowly allow movement into my body. A patient practice. Lovely. (My second class of day 11 was a 90-minute yin. Speaking of patience... ;) But I must say, what a difference yin makes on my body! Take note runners).
Off to teach and practice in Stratford this weekend for classes 12 and 13. Looking forward to sharing new sweat, energy, and breath with the Stratford sangha!
Day 8 was pretty emotional in practice for me. Even riding in in the morning, I thought a lot about the death of Jenna Morrison. Jenna, an important part of the Toronto yoga community, wife, mother, was killed by a truck while she was riding her bicycle. I felt pretty shaken and dedicated my practice to Jenna, her loved ones, and especially for her son Lucas. The outpour of support for Jenna and her family has been, and continues to be, so strong. The sense of community and the light that Jenna brought to it can really be felt. Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo.
I've been extra prudent on the ol' bicyclette these days myself and because of this, missed my day 10 class by 10 minutes.... but I didn't fret about it too much. Instead of doing a home practice, I decided to do a make up class on day 11 and not be judgmental about it. After all, my intention to get to the mat was there. And I didn't want to turn my efforts into a negative experience.
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| Two of my favourite things... Lulu proposal flowers and Moksha Danforth. |
When I did my make up class on day 11, it was really interesting to see how one day off during this challenge makes a difference to how your spine responds to the mat when you first get to class. Granted, my make-up class was at 6:30am so there's a whole different body dynamic at that time of day, but it made me have a really great, 70% effort practice to slowly allow movement into my body. A patient practice. Lovely. (My second class of day 11 was a 90-minute yin. Speaking of patience... ;) But I must say, what a difference yin makes on my body! Take note runners).
Off to teach and practice in Stratford this weekend for classes 12 and 13. Looking forward to sharing new sweat, energy, and breath with the Stratford sangha!
Saturday 5 November 2011
Reflections on week 1 - 30-day challenge
Am on day 5 of this 30-day challenge. My first in a few years if you don't count the daily month of practice during teacher training. I feel stronger than I have ever felt. Both physically and emotionally. The emotional strength has been manifesting itself as not being hard towards myself, pacing through classes and as the days go by, and really feeling what my body is telling me daily, not just assuming where it's at in the practice on a particular day. Trying to fit a daily practice in outside of the house with my schedule has also allowed me to practice at various locations with different teachers. This has been refreshing - you learn so so much from others and it's been stirring up creativity and new insights. Living to learn. In the past few days, months, years, especially when it comes to yoga, everything I have learned about yoga is like suddenly understanding something you've understoon all your life, but in a brand new, eye-opening way.
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
- Cicero
Sunday 30 October 2011
Iyashi Bedrock Spa - review
I got a groupon a while back for the Iyashi Bedrock Spa, which is located near the Sporting Life on Yonge, between Eglinton and Lawrence. The groupon was for 3 x 90 minute sessions of hot rock bathing and hot yin yoga and I was intrigued, having never heard of hot rock bathing (closest I'd heard about were hot stone massages, which I've had done) and love me a good yin practice.
The first thing I'll note is that next time I go, I may not opt to ride my bike or may do so giving myself more time. My goodness it's hilly heading uptown! I got there all sweaty and a bit dishevelled but they definitely didn't seem to mind (and in retrospect, taking the TTC shuttles from Bloor to Eglinton would have been crappy -- it was SO packed). The serene environment when you walk in, the friendly front desk service and the easy-to-follow instructions on what to expect and what to do (posted on the website so you can prepare in advance) only took a few minutes and I was ready for my first ganbayoku session.
Ganbayoku is from Japan, and is a "rock bathing" spa popularized in Hokkaido (I think). There are something like 4,000 ganbayokus in Japan and Iyashi is the FIRST in North America! They import Japanese black silica bedrocks and install them with granite and infrared heating below for people to lie on and detoxify.
In my yoga gear, I went into the sauna like room (44 degrees celcius, 60 percent humidity) and found an available rock bed. I set up my towels - one to lie on, one to act as a pillow during svavasana - and laid down. The stone is slightly graded so that your head is slightly higher than your feet when lying down which was really comfortable. The stone, surprisingly enough, does not feel hard. Your body sort of melts into it. You lay on the rock for 25 minutes then take a quick cool down break to drink water. At the 25 minute mark though, I'd hardly broken a sweat so I thought I'd just stay in the room.
The hot yin class then starts. It is 60 minutes long with a 5 minute break halfway through to cool down in another room and rehydrate. At first I thought the break would be distracting and figured I wouldn't need it but let me tell you I was eager to leave the room at the 30 minute mark! Even with my experience with hot yoga, this was hotter, more humid, and the break was needed and just long enough. One of the reasons I sweat more too was that the heat source is coming from underneath you so it heats your body evenly, much faster, and to the core, which is why they make you leave the room to regulate.
At the end of the session, I felt great. Not like I'd just done a yoga class great though. Like I'd just been to the spa great. So it wouldn't replace my asana practice but is definitely a way to get a great meditation and svavasana in!
I'll be trying this two more times and I'm sure that now that I know what to expect, I'll be able to just relax more fully the next two times as well. While I definitely left feeling lighter and more relaxed, some of the other supposed benefits of ganbayoku are anti-aging, sickness prevention, and stress relief. Just like body blitz, I say this is a good spa alternative that offers more than just the treatment with a novel stress-relieving alternative.
The first thing I'll note is that next time I go, I may not opt to ride my bike or may do so giving myself more time. My goodness it's hilly heading uptown! I got there all sweaty and a bit dishevelled but they definitely didn't seem to mind (and in retrospect, taking the TTC shuttles from Bloor to Eglinton would have been crappy -- it was SO packed). The serene environment when you walk in, the friendly front desk service and the easy-to-follow instructions on what to expect and what to do (posted on the website so you can prepare in advance) only took a few minutes and I was ready for my first ganbayoku session.
Ganbayoku is from Japan, and is a "rock bathing" spa popularized in Hokkaido (I think). There are something like 4,000 ganbayokus in Japan and Iyashi is the FIRST in North America! They import Japanese black silica bedrocks and install them with granite and infrared heating below for people to lie on and detoxify.
In my yoga gear, I went into the sauna like room (44 degrees celcius, 60 percent humidity) and found an available rock bed. I set up my towels - one to lie on, one to act as a pillow during svavasana - and laid down. The stone is slightly graded so that your head is slightly higher than your feet when lying down which was really comfortable. The stone, surprisingly enough, does not feel hard. Your body sort of melts into it. You lay on the rock for 25 minutes then take a quick cool down break to drink water. At the 25 minute mark though, I'd hardly broken a sweat so I thought I'd just stay in the room.
The hot yin class then starts. It is 60 minutes long with a 5 minute break halfway through to cool down in another room and rehydrate. At first I thought the break would be distracting and figured I wouldn't need it but let me tell you I was eager to leave the room at the 30 minute mark! Even with my experience with hot yoga, this was hotter, more humid, and the break was needed and just long enough. One of the reasons I sweat more too was that the heat source is coming from underneath you so it heats your body evenly, much faster, and to the core, which is why they make you leave the room to regulate.
At the end of the session, I felt great. Not like I'd just done a yoga class great though. Like I'd just been to the spa great. So it wouldn't replace my asana practice but is definitely a way to get a great meditation and svavasana in!
I'll be trying this two more times and I'm sure that now that I know what to expect, I'll be able to just relax more fully the next two times as well. While I definitely left feeling lighter and more relaxed, some of the other supposed benefits of ganbayoku are anti-aging, sickness prevention, and stress relief. Just like body blitz, I say this is a good spa alternative that offers more than just the treatment with a novel stress-relieving alternative.
hodge podge 3
A little update for so much going on:
1. I feel so incredibly blessed to be part of the Moksha community. The class that I taught yesterday was amazing - connected energy yet very light and fun. The feeling of security, and compassion, and connectedness generated in class and before and after class when chatting with the staff, trades and students stays with you for a long time post class.
2. I am going to be a Lululemon Run Club Ambassador at the Eaton Centre store!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeek! Whoooooooot! Yaaaaaaaah! I feel so fortunate and am so excited and I think it is going to be an amazing partnership. It starts off right away with a Learn to Run clinic that meets Thursday nights at 6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 8:30am (clinic chat, 9am for the run). If you've been off running for a long time, recovered from an injury, or have never run but have been curious to try, I encourage you to come out and run with us. There are tons of different paces, it doesn't have to be continuous running, and the support you need to get started will be there. The weather this time of year is actually perfect weather to run in and it'll be a short and sweet clinic to give you the running bug and momentum to want to delve into... winter running!
3. Fireman and Ladybug. How crazy cute is this? So excited that I get to see them in just a few weeks.
4. My new iPhone. Yup, it's pretty sad how much I love it. And that I thought I needed to write about it here. There are some things I miss about the Blackberry but Siri and I are already the best of friends.
5. Fall cleanse is 1 day from being over. It was a really simple one on the dietary side - not too many restrictions - just not eating soy, dairy, gluten/wheat, red meat, caffeine/alcohol, and sugar (amongst a few other things). The supplements, however, a powder to add to smoothies to cleanse the liver and homeopathic compounds to flush the kidneys, really did a number on me. Headaches for four days, the spinnies and feeling like a cold was coming on for two. But it was easy to follow throughout and I do already have more energy, so mission accomplished.
6. Next week is the last run of the season. The Hamilton 1/2 marathon is what I'm racing and I'm hoping for somewhere under 1:54 and a PB -1:52:23.
1. I feel so incredibly blessed to be part of the Moksha community. The class that I taught yesterday was amazing - connected energy yet very light and fun. The feeling of security, and compassion, and connectedness generated in class and before and after class when chatting with the staff, trades and students stays with you for a long time post class.
2. I am going to be a Lululemon Run Club Ambassador at the Eaton Centre store!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeek! Whoooooooot! Yaaaaaaaah! I feel so fortunate and am so excited and I think it is going to be an amazing partnership. It starts off right away with a Learn to Run clinic that meets Thursday nights at 6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 8:30am (clinic chat, 9am for the run). If you've been off running for a long time, recovered from an injury, or have never run but have been curious to try, I encourage you to come out and run with us. There are tons of different paces, it doesn't have to be continuous running, and the support you need to get started will be there. The weather this time of year is actually perfect weather to run in and it'll be a short and sweet clinic to give you the running bug and momentum to want to delve into... winter running!
3. Fireman and Ladybug. How crazy cute is this? So excited that I get to see them in just a few weeks.
4. My new iPhone. Yup, it's pretty sad how much I love it. And that I thought I needed to write about it here. There are some things I miss about the Blackberry but Siri and I are already the best of friends.
5. Fall cleanse is 1 day from being over. It was a really simple one on the dietary side - not too many restrictions - just not eating soy, dairy, gluten/wheat, red meat, caffeine/alcohol, and sugar (amongst a few other things). The supplements, however, a powder to add to smoothies to cleanse the liver and homeopathic compounds to flush the kidneys, really did a number on me. Headaches for four days, the spinnies and feeling like a cold was coming on for two. But it was easy to follow throughout and I do already have more energy, so mission accomplished.
6. Next week is the last run of the season. The Hamilton 1/2 marathon is what I'm racing and I'm hoping for somewhere under 1:54 and a PB -1:52:23.
Wednesday 26 October 2011
Monday 24 October 2011
October 24, Happy Anniversary, me.
As mentioned in a previous blog entry (http://hogtownbunny.blogspot.com/2011/10/personal-story-gets-dug-up-to-encourage.html), October 24 is my personal 'new years' for setting resolutions/goals/targets.
I have been thinking for a while now what I might want my 2011 overall goal/theme to be. It's been difficult because there are a lot of balls I am juggling right now, all of which, I watch rise and fall with passion, joy, and gratitude that they're a part of my life.
What I struggled with in 2011, especially after coming back from Yoga camp and starting to teach, was finding the balance between my running training/community and my yoga practice/teaching/community. What I want for 2011-12 is not to have this Sophie's Choice dilemna when it comes to these two passions of mine, and find a way to fit them both in to my schedule, without guilt of favouring one over the other. I will develop a schedule that allows me to run with various groups and is conducive to safe, effective training (along with strength training and other cross-training) and one that allows me to get to the mat often, as well as on days I am teaching. Part of that goal is also to marry the two - through guest speaking at running clinics on the benefits of yoga, developing a yoga for runners class, getting yogis inspired to run and runners inspired to try asana.
I also have a series of sub-goals / accomplishments that I set out to do every 3 years or so. I just recently reviewed my 2008 list and had managed to strike off the majority of the targets. I rewrote one a few months ago, and the goals are broken down into several categories - work, financial, relationship/family, health, personal, education, etc. The stakes are high (they usually are) and I've put some pretty bold, audacious ones on there (the other smaller ones keep me in check) but I wanted to dream big while being realistic and focused on my dreams until 2015. I've shared some below (a first) to keep my eye on the prize(s) and to keep me accountable.
-Be a Lululemon Run Club Ambassador.
Complete the following marathons in the next 3-4 years: Ottawa, Chicago, New York, Marine Corps, Vancouver, Paris (so many more on my wish list!), with a sub-4:00 in 2012.
-PB in the 30km and 1/2 distances.
-Master headstands, handstands and have fun with arm balancing!
-Complete Level II teacher training.
-Maintain a healthy weight, relationship with food, and balanced life.
-Be injury free!
-Train for a duathlon or triathlon in 2013.
-Start martial arts training towards a black belt.
-Do a yoga retreat in India.
-Do the Rally bike fundraiser from Toronto to Montreal for People With Aids.
-Get my M.A.
-Pare down on my consumption, on my possessions, and on my "wants".
-Own and direct a yoga studio by fall 2014 / winter 2015.
-move to Leslieville or closer to Danforth in 2013.
-Climb Mt. Kilamanjaro (maybe for the next list, I don't have enough money right now for all of these in 3 years!)
I have been thinking for a while now what I might want my 2011 overall goal/theme to be. It's been difficult because there are a lot of balls I am juggling right now, all of which, I watch rise and fall with passion, joy, and gratitude that they're a part of my life.
What I struggled with in 2011, especially after coming back from Yoga camp and starting to teach, was finding the balance between my running training/community and my yoga practice/teaching/community. What I want for 2011-12 is not to have this Sophie's Choice dilemna when it comes to these two passions of mine, and find a way to fit them both in to my schedule, without guilt of favouring one over the other. I will develop a schedule that allows me to run with various groups and is conducive to safe, effective training (along with strength training and other cross-training) and one that allows me to get to the mat often, as well as on days I am teaching. Part of that goal is also to marry the two - through guest speaking at running clinics on the benefits of yoga, developing a yoga for runners class, getting yogis inspired to run and runners inspired to try asana.
-Be a Lululemon Run Club Ambassador.
Complete the following marathons in the next 3-4 years: Ottawa, Chicago, New York, Marine Corps, Vancouver, Paris (so many more on my wish list!), with a sub-4:00 in 2012.
-PB in the 30km and 1/2 distances.
-Master headstands, handstands and have fun with arm balancing!
-Complete Level II teacher training.
-Maintain a healthy weight, relationship with food, and balanced life.
-Be injury free!
-Train for a duathlon or triathlon in 2013.
-Start martial arts training towards a black belt.
-Do a yoga retreat in India.
-Do the Rally bike fundraiser from Toronto to Montreal for People With Aids.
-Get my M.A.
-Pare down on my consumption, on my possessions, and on my "wants".
-Own and direct a yoga studio by fall 2014 / winter 2015.
-move to Leslieville or closer to Danforth in 2013.
-Climb Mt. Kilamanjaro (maybe for the next list, I don't have enough money right now for all of these in 3 years!)
Sunday 23 October 2011
Inspiration
On my way to yoga class today...
As I started coming towards Pape on Danforth, I heard the most beautiful classical melody being played on the violin. It was so loud and alive I knew it couldn't be coming from speakers on a restaurant patio. I looked around until I finally saw, what appeared to be a homeless man, sitting outside a Starbucks a few doors down, playing with passion. It made me smile from the bottom of my heart and stomach and he looked at me and smiled the most genuine smile, full of joy, back at me. I finally noticed the sunshine and the cool morning breeze, and slowed down my pedaling. Everything was suddenly so enchanting and tears streamed down my face.
When you open up to the world, it opens right back to you and embraces you.
As I started coming towards Pape on Danforth, I heard the most beautiful classical melody being played on the violin. It was so loud and alive I knew it couldn't be coming from speakers on a restaurant patio. I looked around until I finally saw, what appeared to be a homeless man, sitting outside a Starbucks a few doors down, playing with passion. It made me smile from the bottom of my heart and stomach and he looked at me and smiled the most genuine smile, full of joy, back at me. I finally noticed the sunshine and the cool morning breeze, and slowed down my pedaling. Everything was suddenly so enchanting and tears streamed down my face.
When you open up to the world, it opens right back to you and embraces you.
Wednesday 19 October 2011
30-day challenge
Ah, November, an absolutely perfect hot yoga month. So perfect in fact, that I will be doing a 30-day challenge. My challenge this year will include: daily asana practice, at the studio whenever possible, meditation before or after asana as often as I can, and off-the-mat yoga in all of my actions, words, and thoughts (and compassion and forgiveness towards myself if I slip or forget because of a car cutting me off on my bike or a stressful situation at work!). Stay tuned for updates and blogging throughout the month of November chronicling my challenge (as often as I can, realistically, knowing that the spare time will go to the mat before the internet!).
November schedule and races
Here is my partial schedule for November to date. It's not as heavy as October since I'll be away for part of the month (see below) but would love to see you out at a class or two!
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, November 5, 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, November 6, 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga Stratford, Saturday, November 12, 12-1pm
Moksha Yoga Stratford, Sunday, November 13, 11am-12:15pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, November 20, 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga Victoria, Monday, November 28, 3:15-4:15pm
(So, I will be at a Yoga and Surfing retreat from November 25-27 in Tofino! I will spend a week and a bit in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Saltspring and Victoria when out west as well, seeing friends and family. My early Christmas! Here are a few pics of the cabin/lodge where it's held.)
As for my November race, there wasn't going to be one... but after the marathon, it's hard to think there won't be any more races until March... So, I decided to either run or pace the Hamilton 1/2 marathon. Not brave enough (or nuts enough!) to do the full but something to seal the season. November 6!
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, November 5, 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, November 6, 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga Stratford, Saturday, November 12, 12-1pm
Moksha Yoga Stratford, Sunday, November 13, 11am-12:15pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, November 20, 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga Victoria, Monday, November 28, 3:15-4:15pm
(So, I will be at a Yoga and Surfing retreat from November 25-27 in Tofino! I will spend a week and a bit in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Saltspring and Victoria when out west as well, seeing friends and family. My early Christmas! Here are a few pics of the cabin/lodge where it's held.)
As for my November race, there wasn't going to be one... but after the marathon, it's hard to think there won't be any more races until March... So, I decided to either run or pace the Hamilton 1/2 marathon. Not brave enough (or nuts enough!) to do the full but something to seal the season. November 6!
Monday 17 October 2011
Marathon #2 - STWM
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| Tao examining the goods. |
But I don't think it affected me negatively at all. I think it was just my body being wise and knowing that while it's a feat, and while you have to respect the distance, it could do this. I started slower than I normally would and am glad I demonstrated some discipline on that front (goal #1 accomplished). When the elites ran by us on their way back, I got emotional. That's when it hit me I was running a friggin' marathon. But it was a good feeling - relaxed, strong. At around 10km, the sciatica started making itself known and I worried for a bit I would have a DNF since it's the kind of pain I am not interested in worsening. I kept my pace relaxed and tried to not dwell on the twinge in my glute/leg.
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| Cheering on the cheerers. |
At 18km, where the half marathoners and the full split, the first thought that went through my head was taking the tempting 1/2 "exit" because really, would anyone really care/notice if I just parted with the 1/2s? I remember in 2008 when I ran the half, seeing the marathoners split off and thinking "They have to do that ALL over again, AND more, at that pace? They're nuts!". Indeed, we are nuts, and I took the marathon cutoff.
The stretch along Queens Quay is always brutal, no matter what race. It was windy and I knew we were heading from there to Commissioners, which is also a pretty uninspiring stretch. But I kept going, one kilometer at a time.
My chip wasn't beeping at various checkpoints (the two on Commissioners and possibly 30km) and I started getting a little stressed I wouldn't have an official time. Lucky for me, I checked at the end and it looks like it ended up recording anyway, including my split times and final time.
The Beach stretch was good, lots of people out, lots of balloons and streamers, lots of music. That wasn't enough to distract me though and by 33km (much later in the race than last time), the nausea began. I thought I would try to run through it (possibly risking an embarrasing accident on the street) instead of losing my 10s and 1s like last time but I couldn't persevere through and my training fell apart at 35km. From there to the end of the race, I was able to find that "digging deep" you have to do (much better than last time), but it was a mental negotiating with myself to run to the next designated spot before getting a short walk break.
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| Amazing cheering crew at 41km. |
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| 1.2 km to go! Dig it! |
The good:
-the crowds cheering everyone on
-the PB at 30km (2:52) and shaving 10 minutes off my time (wanted at least 4:15, so that next year I can make my way to 4 hours)
-the guy at 200 meters from the start line yelling "Almost there guys"
-the little girl and runner dad handing out pre-peeled bananas in the Beach
-running like "I'm just starting to get the joke" for the last half of the race. Slight smile, relaxed shoulders, made for a huge difference
-no iPOD/music for 38km of the race. Really present!
-the 100-year-old man, Fauja Singh, finishing the marathon
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| 300 meters. Nothing stopping me now! |
-the pain in the sciatica which held on to the end
-the chafing. Ouch.
-not being able to sustain the same pace for the full run (goal #3).
-the man who died from heart failure in the 1/2 marathon*
*regarding the individual who passed away running the 1/2: we saw it a few weeks ago in Montreal, and then again in Chicago, and it really needs to be reinforced that these distances are athletic endeavours that are taxing on the system - mentally, physically, emotionally. They require one to talk to a doctor before training, doing the full training and taking it seriously, and listening to your body if you feel certain types of pain instead of thinking it's a normal feeling. I was really saddened to hear this yesterday and am thinking of his family and friends during this difficult time.
Wednesday 12 October 2011
L'histoire d'Éloi et de Mikaelle
(starting @ 11 minutes).
.
Ariane, ma 1ière 'meilleure' amie quand j'avais 6 ans, partage son histoire, l'histoire de son mari Christian, et surtout, l'histoire d'Éloi. Ils démontrent tellement de courage dans le partage généreux de leur histoire. Je suis touchée, inspirée, et
.
Ariane, ma 1ière 'meilleure' amie quand j'avais 6 ans, partage son histoire, l'histoire de son mari Christian, et surtout, l'histoire d'Éloi. Ils démontrent tellement de courage dans le partage généreux de leur histoire. Je suis touchée, inspirée, et
J'adore Montréal!
Je le dit à chaque fois que j'y vais mais c'est une ville avec un pouls incroyable.
I had an adventurous trip - more drama than I am accustomed to - but it was overall, a fantastic weekend. I went directly from Ottawa after a week of training and arrived to the most amazing spring summer-like weather and gorgeous sunshine. I did a number of yoga classes a day, and at least one of them in French, and honestly cannot wait to teach in French. La prochaine fois, prochaine visite, je le ferai, guarantie.
The first evening there was enough to make my heart want to burst - saw Lisa at the hotel, went to Moksha Yoga Montreal for the first time and took a class with the amazing Annie, and then had an AWESOME vegan dinner with Lisa, as well Meghan and Thea, two other amazing women I did training with, at Aux Vivres (highly recommend the Dragon Bowl and the "B"LT - both winners and recommended to me by Nadyne K.). All pretty amazing things, all in a row.
Saturday involved sandwiches at Santropol, as well as a shopping spree at Simons, where, seconds after making my purchase, my wallet was taken right out of my backpack. I noticed this (thanks to some civilians who noticed my bag was open) quickly and after retracing my steps and confirming it had definitely been pick-pocketed (zipper undone and wallet taken without me even noticing), I was back at the hotel cancelling cards and trying to calm myself down. I spent that evening in St-Eustache with my family (cousins, second cousins, aunts, uncles) and it was exactly what I needed to realize how much gratitude I had for them and what I have, and how easy it is to replace plastic in a wallet. We had a Thanksgiving dinner together, my first real Thanksgiving with family ever, and it was really special.
Teaching again at MYM on Monday was a great way to bookend the trip. I had a small but connected class and felt, for the first time, genuinely inspired to in turn be inspiring. After class, I checked my voicemail to find out that my wallet had been found across town and to come pick it up. Although it was half empty, it was also half full, and I hoped/imagined that karma had something to do with that.
Although I often leave that city wondering why I don't just move there since I seem to so deeply connect with it, there was something incredible about coming Toronto - and going to the Danforth for class. I got on my mat and my lips curled up in a smile and it really felt like home.
Sunday 2 October 2011
Updated October schedule + October marathon!
Here's my schedule for Oct --
Moksha Yoga North York (Yonge and Sheppard), Saturday, October 1, 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, October 2, 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga Montreal (St Laurent), Friday, October 7, 8:45-9:45am
Moksha Yoga Montreal (St Laurent), Monday, October 10, 8:45-9:45am
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, October 15 - 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, October 16 - 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga North York (Yonge and Sheppard), Monday, October 17, 1:30-2:30pm
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, October 22 - 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga North York (Yonge and Sheppard), Monday, October 24, 1:30-2:30pm
Moksha Yoga Downtown (Bathurst and Wellington), Friday, October 28, 9:45-10:45pm
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, October 29 - 3:00-4:30pm
As for my October race, it`s Marathon numero dos! On October 16, I`ll be running 42.2km in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. For route info, please check out the link below:
http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/details.htm#course
If you`re thinking of coming out to cheer on the runners, let me know and I`ll let you know my anticipated times for major points along the route.
Moksha Yoga North York (Yonge and Sheppard), Saturday, October 1, 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, October 2, 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga Montreal (St Laurent), Friday, October 7, 8:45-9:45am
Moksha Yoga Montreal (St Laurent), Monday, October 10, 8:45-9:45am
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, October 15 - 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga Danforth (Danforth and Chester), Sunday, October 16 - 7:00-8:15pm
Moksha Yoga North York (Yonge and Sheppard), Monday, October 17, 1:30-2:30pm
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, October 22 - 3:00-4:30pm
Moksha Yoga North York (Yonge and Sheppard), Monday, October 24, 1:30-2:30pm
Moksha Yoga Downtown (Bathurst and Wellington), Friday, October 28, 9:45-10:45pm
Moksha Yoga Uptown (Yonge and St Clair), Saturday, October 29 - 3:00-4:30pm
As for my October race, it`s Marathon numero dos! On October 16, I`ll be running 42.2km in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. For route info, please check out the link below:
http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/details.htm#course
If you`re thinking of coming out to cheer on the runners, let me know and I`ll let you know my anticipated times for major points along the route.
A personal story gets dug up to encourage healthy body and mind in others
I've often be told to share the story of my weight loss and life changes. Truth be told, I've never really wanted to share this story. I am not sure why. Perhaps, it's because I am embarassed of where I was seven years ago. Perhaps it's because I don't think it's that unique a story, nor that inspiring. Perhaps it's because the story isn't over, and likely never will be.
When the time came to decide on my third Moksha distance education project - Pillar one: Be Healthy - I didn't really know what I was going to do. None of the suggested project topics spoke to me. Either they weren't where my interests laid, or they weren't challenges or new experiences for me. I wanted to go beyond my comfort zone and experience something that would allow me to arrive at a significant conclusion about my physical and mental health. And that's when I realized I didn't have to go far, but rather, dig deep, and articulate, in writing, what my own health journey has been. Resurface and re-experience the ups, downs, highs, and lows, challenges, triumphs, failures and successes, in order to discover truths within myself that will translate into courage and strength to promote and encourage a healthy body and mind in others.
To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.
-William Londen
It took me almost six years to really claim the above quote in my lifestyle, and, in the world that we live in, it certainly doesn't hurt to be reminded of it every now and again, as we lose sight of taking care of ourselves. I am not intending this project to be solely a "personal" reflection but hope to be able to draw on points that are relatable and honest, that will assist people - myself included - in learning something about themselves.
October 24, 2004
The story actually begins before this date but it is the one that has significance for me. For years, I was always on a diet that "started on a Monday". That worked out perfectly with my Sunday night restaurant shifts, where I was able to eat whatever I wanted - my last supper, if you will - as it would all be written off on the Monday morning, when I offered myself a clean slate. The freshman 15 I gained in 1999 turned into the post-graduate 60lbs - almost all of it without even realizing it. Part of it was "weight creep", where the numbers on the scale gradually increase, part of it was thyroid-related, but the bulk of it was lifestyle. I didn't really see what was happening to me until I saw my dad when he was in Ontario for a buddhist retreat. I snapped out of years of denial, because of the look on his face - one of concern and failure - and his simple words of concern. Reality hit me all too hard and I was humiliated and hurt. While I was determined after that visit to get my weight and health under control, I wasn't exploring the root of the issues - the feelings, triggers, and coping strategies associated with lifestyle choices and high stress. Another 25lbs snuck on in the following year. Around October 24, 2004 (I arbitrarily chose that day the following year when celebrating my one year "anniversary"), I went to the doctor's for a routine annual check-up. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, we started going through my routine: working 80-hour weeks, smoking, not active and being on the pill (making me a prime candidate for a stroke by the age of 30). I recall being asked what I was going to do about it. With no emotions and just determination, I replied "I will "start" today. I don't care that it's a Wednesday". I left the doctor's office and did just that. I walked into a women's only gym and signed up.
Tip to combat weight creep: One of the best ways to stop gaining weight is to first and foremost listen to your body and watch for signs. Don't ignore tight pants and pretend it's just bloating (although, sometimes, it is just bloating!). Aging, combined with less exercise and the same eating habits you had in your 20s, are contributors to weight creep. A good way to combat this is to power up your metabolism by increasing muscle mass. Try strength training a few times week to both retain and build muscle.
Year one
From that day on, I committed to a multi-year plan. I would start with just the gym. I always liked being active, so it was an easy place to start. I was not going to change my food habits and quit smoking and remove all stresses too, i.e. do everything cold turkey all at once - because I wanted to succeed and I wanted it to be sustainable. So baby steps for me meant 3 days a week at a gym to increase my self-esteem. After my first week there, I was already starting to feel better, and with confidence, weighed myself. 211 lbs flashing by my feet and tears streaming down my face, I knew I had a long journey ahead of me.
When 3 days a week became 4 and it was clear my commitment was unwavering, I switched gyms to one with frills - spinning bikes, an indoor track, martial arts, pools - the downtown Toronto YMCA, a place that motivated me throughout the following years. By October 24, 2005, I had lost 26 lbs and I felt so energized, but I could see that despite the sweating, the grunting, and the tears, more than just exercising had to be done.
In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired. ~Author Unknown
Year two
Year two's challenge revolved around food. A simple task to start was education. Portion sizes, recommended daily intakes, no fad diets, but just a healthy, well-rounded diet, with calories within the right range. A not-so-simple task was dealing with the obsessiveness that slowly developed. Writing every detail in a book, counting constantly, developing anxiety and negative associations with food... my pattern going from overeating (and dealing with a hypo-thyroid) to all-or-nothing thinking. I never binged, nor did I ever starve myself, but eating was work, was not based on appetite, and, it was, overall, distressing. This type of eating disorder, or disorded eating as coined by Toronto sports nutritionist Susie Langley, is not extreme. But it is not sustainable as it requires more mental space than one can spare over a long period of time. We develop powerful obsessions with certain foods when trying to avoid them. Precious pleasure is being taken away and we feel hurt. Emptiness and pain well up, resolve weakens. Anticipation (craving) is revved to full power with a single focus. And for someone who had never had to worry about this type of disordered eating, it was scary, and I didn't want it to be part of my journey. Funny thing is, I still didn't see that my abuse on my body from overeating for years was just as bad, if not worse.
By the end of year two, I had lost another 52 lbs, bringing my total up to 78 lbs. In addition to my 1600-1800 calorie daily diet, I was exercising at least 5 times a week. But it only reinforced a statistic that I'd heard that I didn't like then, and still don't like today, which is that in weight loss, it is 10% exercise, 10% genes, and 80% diet (one theory, in others, diet plays a higher role). I wish there was more impact from exercise than diet so I could have less guilt about eating and keep up my really active lifestyle.
Tip if you lose motivation in your exercise program: I see it every year at the gym when the 'resolution'ers' show up on January 1st and start an unrealistically heavy program that has over 65% (my own guesstimate figure) of them quitting before week three. If you're struggling to stick with your weight loss or exercise program, I say to stick to activities you love and not change your diet drastically. Think back to previous attempts at losing weight or exercising. What made you quit before and are you on the same path now? Try to see what prevented you from being 'successful'. Was it a diet that's too strict or too difficult to follow? Feeling tired and sore from too many workouts? Being so busy, you can't figure out how to fit it all in? Make your own list and then figure out how to get around these issues and be realistic about your goals and the time frame.
Year three
The goal for year three was to quit smoking. I knew that this goal likely meant gaining a few pounds but I was ready for it. 133lbs was too low for my frame; it didn't look right. So I was anticipating it and in a way found solace in being able to tell people I needed to gain weight, knowing it would happen anyway and not wanting it to be seen as a set-back. The first thing I did that year was ditch the journals. No more writing every calorie my body was intaking and outputing. By that point, the exercise was a lifestyle. I was hooked, loved it, and I had no worries about ever having a motivation issue in that department. But the food part was still (and still is) looming over me. It wasn't about nutrients or health but about calories. And so ditching the security blanket (journal) was a cathartic and scary experience. It was my attempt at trying my very best to make eating a natural thing. And from there, in a very methodical way, I weened myself off cigarettes and on October 24, 2007 quit smoking (I have not had a smoke since then).
"The tragedy is that so many people look for self-confidence and self-respect everywhere except within themselves, and so they fail in their search."
- Dr Nathaniel Branden
Year four
After quitting smoking, my fitness level changed, literally overnight. The days (and nights) of the closet smoker were over and all of my activities changed for the better: my yoga practice was so much stronger, my muscles recovered faster, my stamina quickly turned my 5kms into 10kms. And despite the now 20 lbs I had gained from quitting smoking and not journaling my caloric intake, I knew I was probably healthier at 153 lbs and smoke-free than where I was a year earlier. Or so that is how I justified it to myself. My year four goal became to train for a half marathon, which I did and raced on September 28, 2008 with a time of 1:52: 23. It was an emotional day not because of the race itself or the time, but because I saw the (much larger) shadow of my previous self cheering me on at the finish line.
2008 was also the first year in almost seven that I went back to B.C. to visit my family. As close as I am with my family, excuses were easy to make year after year and it was difficult on a low salary to make the trek across the country. But even with valid reasons for not visiting, deep down, there was relief that I didn't have to go, due to embarrassment and fear of letting them down, due to how I felt, and looked, physically.
Tip on reaching out to a support system: I spent years working on achieving my goals and I was lucky enough to have the support of a few close friends. But I really shut myself out, emotionally, during this transition, thinking that I had to do it alone. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about you can have a positive effect on your mental well-being, and a strong support network can be critical to help you through the stress of tough times. So reach out to friends and family when you need a little extra support to keep you going, and don't be afraid to do so.
Year five
Year five was a difficult transition year for me. I was slowly realizing that this extra 20lbs were not budging, despite my best efforts. My confidence and body image wavered from good to bad, often in one day. I felt strong, in control, and physically healthy but I was still bothered by food being more in control of me than me of it - I lacked acceptance, positivity, and compassion towards myself.
At my annual doctor's check-up, she praised me (as she'd been doing for a few years now) for my accomplishments and told me the weight I was at was perfectly acceptable. In fact, she would often use me as a poster child for her other clients in similar situations. At this appointment, I spoke to my doctor about two physical issues I was having - the first being lower back pain when running, the second being the skin on my stomach from the weight loss that was really more of an issue when buying clothing, running, etc, than a cosmetic one. I asked her what my options were for both (reiterating that I wasn't looking for a cosmetic answer) and her answer to me was to see a friend of hers... a cosmetic surgeon. Not the answer I was looking for, I put this off for most of the year. Finally, when I'd had enough of both the discomfort in my back and the fact that the folds of skin were not going to go away no matter what I did, I went and visited doctor Mitchell Brown. Mainly a reconstructive surgeon, and one that does not accept all patients, he made of me an ideal candidate and sent me home with a quote to fix my problems: re-suture my entire abdominal muscles to my abdominal wall (which had disconnected from high impact activity during weight loss, causing a weak core and back pain) and to get rid of the skin on my stomach. Months passed, as I still wasn't convinced this was the answer. Then one day, I had the realization that this was just the next step in my journey and that I'd done everything I possibly could have. I booked my surgery - which was now the goal and focus of year five. On December 12, 2009, I walked myself into a private clinic in Yorkville without looking back, for the surgery that I am now so glad I did, as it changed more in me mentally than any of the other milestones I'd had to date.
Within each of us lies the power of our consent to health and sickness, to riches and poverty, to freedom and to slavery. It is we who control these, and not another.
-Richard Bach
Year six
Post-surgery, I took the time I needed to recover. Filled with so many emotions for so many weeks (I think the oxi-contin played a role), I began to realize how big a deal my surgery had been. I began to see how vulnerable we are - how important it is that we treat our bodies and minds as the most valuable commodity on the planet. I began to have compassion towards myself - real genuine compassion. I slowed down and went back to basics. In my food, I changed my eating habits drastically, looking for nutritious, wholesome foods, that would nourish and heal my body. I educated myself on a much deeper level than I ever had before. I slowly began re-integrating gentle exercise into my day-to-day. I worked with my body as if it had been re-born, seeing not what I needed to do for immediate results, but for a lifetime of health. My mind calmed down as it was being transformed. I wanted to give my body and mind what it needed inside to fuel me and serve me in a real sustainable way.
A few months into my recovery and rehabilitation, a bike accident and broken rib derailed my plans for making a real "year-six goal" but that was the blessing in disguise I needed. Year six was about re-defining standards for health. For beauty. For numbers on a scale. For a strong mind. I started looking at myself from a health perspective. Do I have perfect numbers for blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate and every single other thing? Yes I do! Does my doctor tell me when I see her that I need to lose weight? No she doesn't. I AM healthy. I am strong. I listen to my body. My mind stills when I need it to. Weight does not equal health and that was an important realization.
Tip for a healthy mind: this is definitely something we can continuously work towards and help others work towards as well, but I would say the following helped me in ensuring my mind was as healthy as my body. Be kind and accept kindness for others, make time for family and friends, give and accept support, manage stress by dealing with stressors effectively, deal with feelings and moods, especially when they're recurring patterns, and learn to be at peace with yourself - by getitng to know who you are, what makes you truly happy, and knowing what you can and cannot change about yourself.
Year seven
With 2011 looming around the corner, I got my goals list out - one from 2008, and saw that I'd accomplished almost everything I'd set out to accomplish in the health/body/mind department with the exception of two items: completing a marathon and doing my yoga teacher training. My goals for 2011 were set then and there.
My yoga practice throughout 2010 was almost exclusively restorative or hatha based, and often not in the heated room. I knew I wanted to do my Moksha teacher training even though I hadn't practiced Moksha for one year. I applied over half a year in advance, in order to show my work that I was 100% committed to pursuing this, and also, as I wrote my application before my October 24 anniversary, while filled with re-established commitment for pursuing this passion. The support and quick response for my application solidified that I'd made the right decision. A few months later I signed up for my first marathon clinic. Having not run for a few running seasons, the idea of returning to my running group was overwhelming and nervewracking, but the support I got from the group was amazing and made the journey manageable.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~Dalai Lama
Year eight
Hard to believe that this journey is about to start its eighth year. Reliving a lot of the feelings and acknowledging some of what I've been through while working on this 'essay' has been tough. As much as things have changed in seven years, old wounds and experiences live on. But I'm glad I was able to articulate the messy cycle of emotions and experiences it turned out to be, hoping it may speak to someone, and that I'll be able to incorporate my learnings into my teaching.
Heading into year eight, here are some of my thoughts on where I am at:
- Food is powerful. I am now, with the help of a sports nutritionist, reviewing how can I use it to nourish my body and ensuring its gets enough of what it needs. On a personal front, the relationship I have with food is no longer obsessive, but sometimes, it's like a clingy, whiney friend that you don't want to spend that much time with, and so I can still work on re-defining it. I can break myself out of cyclical habits I fall into as I notice myself falling into them, but I still wonder if the day will come when my (and the world's?) relationship with food will not even be a consideration.
- I am probably around 145lbs. I would like to be around 140lbs but I'm okay not weighing myself and letting myself just naturally be. While the charts show that I am currently just over the normal weight BMI and places me in overweight, I scoff at that. I will always have a sporty, compact body type. My thunder thighs? They carry me through 42.2kms. My clothes, they fit well these days. I feel stronger than I have EVER felt. I still have good days and bad days but the negative self-talk is almost non-existent. So, I can get over that chart (which, in passing, also says Matt Damon is overweight, so as if).
- I have many goals for year eight and will have to focus what I see the overall theme for the year being. October 24 is just around the corner and this is my January 1st, so I have to take some meditative time in the next few weeks to feel what will be right for the year to come. What I do know, is that I want to continue focusing on my teaching and practice, as well as my running, and marrying the two. I also want to continue cultivating inner peace and acceptance in order to help cultivate peace and acceptance around me.
- While the journey and its milestones have been nothing short of many accomplishments for me, the reality is that it is a continuous journey. The key was to make it become manageable so that it could be liveable. And now, even though it will always be work, it can finally be enjoyable.
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