Mom in the Mtns

Hi everyone!  Crazy news.  News that I never thought I’d type on here.  Ever.  And no, it’s not a marathon (not yet!).  So despite the fact that I took a few spin classes last January, and then fell in love with Barre3 on the Main Line and went to 4 classes a week before moving away, I HATE WORKING OUT IN PUBLIC.  I legit sweat more than the usual person and I’m not flexible at all.  I look like an idiot at every fitness related thing that I do.  And this is why I love running alone in the forest with only the moose to observe my sweaty awkwardness.  I’ve been running with people more than usual lately and I’ve been the sweatiest, slowest one every time which is doing wonders for my self esteem.  I definitely don’t run like a graceful gazelle – I think an awkward moose is more accurate.

This finish line pic sums it up.  Not even going to show the one from the Her Tern Half.

But even with all of my current lack of training motivation, I’m really loving my 30 days of yoga challenge with Yoga With Adrienne.  She is not your typical online yoga instructor who has to stay perfect and focused the whole time.  I find myself cracking up as she says something silly when I’m struggling with a pose, and I find that she pushes me in just the right way.  And I never scream at her – does anyone else do that when online instructors are too excited about pain?  Even though I’m only 3 days into my challenge, I’m finding so much relaxation in doing a new video each night.  There are so many poses that I used to do in Barre3 that I can fully let myself get into because I know exactly what to do.  But there are lots of other poses that I have no idea how to do (seriously chaturanga why do you feel so awkward?) and I just feel like I’m doing half of this stuff wrong and don’t know how to tell if my body is doing the right thing since I can’t fully get into most poses anyways.

So do I.

Which leads me to the moment where I lost my mind.  I was checking out local studios in Anchorage this week to see if there were any specials going on, and I discovered a yoga studio only 2 blocks from me (next to the drive-through pie place, winning) that focuses on a modern yoga practice.  They are offering a Yoga Basics Workshop this weekend and for $25 I get the 90 minute workshop and 3 future class passes to start my yoga journey!  I obviously did not sign up because that would involve attempting to do downward dog in front of people, and went on my way.  Except that all throughout 30 days of yoga yesterday, it’s all I could think about.  Knowing how to do common poses correctly is really all I need to keep doing my yoga in private.  So after some serious thinking in savasana, I got back online and signed up for my very first in-studio yoga class!  Here’s the workshop I signed up for as described on their website:

If you’re new to yoga, it’s the best place to start!
This special workshop is designed to safely and comfortably introduce existing and new students to the physical practice of yoga. In a relaxed, supportive environment, you’ll learn basic yoga postures through an easy-does-it, step-by-step approach which focuses on proper form and alignment. These special yoga poses (asanas) help to stretch, strengthen, and release tension in your body while developing concentration and awareness. Detailed instructions (including modifications for all needs/abilities), demonstrations, and personal hands-on adjustments are provided. We’ll go slowly so you can ask questions which will help you develop good habits from the start. Breathing and meditation techniques are also taught to help reduce stress by quieting and focusing the mind (can be used on or off the mat). The session will end with guided relaxation as your body quietly absorbs the benefits of the practice… ahhhh!  At the end of the workshop, you’ll be prepared to transition into our on-going beginning level classes. To support you in this process, once you complete the workshop, you’ll receive THREE FREE CLASSES. (This workshop is designed for those that are brand new to yoga as well as continuing students interested in reviewing the basics and reconnecting to the fundamentals of the practice. The workshop may be repeated.)

Tips for Yoga Basics:

Arrive 10 minutes early (for initial paperwork, tour).
Wear clothing that allows you to bend/move freely (we practice with bare feet).
Avoid wearing fragrances, including body sprays and lotions.
Bring a yoga mat if you have one (if not, you can use ours).
A small towel and a bottle of water are optional, but nice to have.
Try not to eat a heavy meal before class.
NO CELL PHONES in studio.
Leave your ambition at the door.
Be light. Try not to be too serious.
Taught by two of our certified yoga instructors.

So there it is.  And now I actually have to show up at 2:00 on Saturday.  Other than the tips they listed, is there any advice you think I need in order to get through this without crying/accidentally kicking someone in the face?  How did you get the courage to go to your first in-person yoga class?  And for my running yogis (Rebecca and Salt I’m looking at you!) how do you balance doing both yoga and running, especially during a half marathon training plan?

Hopefully it’s heavy on savasana.  Got that covered.