8 weeks down ... 8 to go. Halfway there!
Monday: 90 minutes of Power Flow Yoga. First time I bonked in a non-Bikram Yoga class in a long while. I felt great afterwards, not so hot during the class. Still a little tired from the run the past weekend, I think.
Tuesday: 3x1600 intervals on the treadmill. Actually did great on these, no problems at all. Had a nice rhythm going, thanks to some nice tunes on the iPod.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of HathaYoga. Decided not to do Bikram this week, because of the long tempo run the next day. Turns out the Hatha Yoga class was amazing, with a great teacher, and lots of new poses, postures, and a different type of emphasis. Had some nice back bends and hip openers.
Thursday: 10 mile tempo run on the treadmill. Actually felt great! First time in a long while, a longer mid-week run like this went so well. But, I was a bit light-headed afterwards, needed some Motrin to take off the edge.
Friday: REST! Got a massage instead of doing Yoga, and rested up. Was the right choice.
Saturday: 13 mile LSD run. Did my 'old-school' route at 4am and felt amazingly strong. Had lots of coconut water the day before and ate fairly light. Felt hydrated and nourished throughout, and not too bloated. Got a nice stretch in afterwards, doing several Vinyasa flows to stretch the whole body.
Now for Week #9 upcoming, this is a weird week. Short, fast intervals and tempo runs, with a long 18-miler (longest so far) on SAT. I will get to bed early on Friday and hydrate very well.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 12x400m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH:3 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga or Hatha Yoga
SA: 18 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Yoga Unveiled
I was fortunate enough to attend a screening of "Yoga Unveiled," a family created grassroots documentary covering Yoga, it's history, it's movement from India to the West, and it's expansion into the mainstream.
The producers of the film were there, giving a preview of the inspiration behind the movie and answered questions afterward. In the audience were a variety of yoga teachers, Ayurvedic doctors, humble students like me, and many other people in the yoga and holistic health community.
The most interesting things I'll take from this movie is the producer's husband talking about how the idea of the movie came about. "One day, my wife says to me...'Let's make a movie about Yoga.' That's not a usual request from a spouse. And a friend of mine says that's a good recipe for a divorce." :) But, seven years later, they put together a beautifully enriching film, with so many famous people. And they were just regular people, with no experience or credentials in film-making.
The inspiration for the movie was to shed some light on what yoga really is. Here in the West, we think of Yoga as Asanas, and Asanas as Yoga. And yet, Asanas are but "2%" of Yoga, there's so much more to it. The film was meant to educate us all of the other 98%, so it doesn't get lost. It truly is a beautiful piece, something I want to show to my kids, and have them appreciate and understand the gift of yoga, in it's wholeness.
For me, a humble student of Yoga, one that is still a baby even after years and years of practice, it was an incredible experience. Sure, there are complex and very dry parts of Yoga that are difficult for us to comprehend, and I'll admit, a lot of that still goes over my head. But, just to know the people, the players, their motivation and history, and how long the lineage goes back, was truly eye-opening and inspirational. I think many people today could make use of Yoga, to bring peace and light to their day, and heal them from the inside out.
One more thing, I could've sworn I was one of the youngest people there (at 42 mind you), but darn, everyone there looked so young and glowing, likely because of Yoga.
One last thing, there is a very nice older woman, who was lost on the De Anza campus, looking for the movie. I was lost also. I caught her eye as I was walking towards her, I placed my hands in namaste as a sign of respect (is that okay to do? :)), and she asked me where the film was. I told her I didn't know, but I would walk with her until we found it. Sure enough, it was just around the corner. She was so sweet, she was talking to the producers of the movie when we arrived, and she was telling them about her ordeal and how she was lost and then said, "Thank God this man was there to help me find this place." I thought it was cute. :) She's a wonderful lady, and those 5 minutes I spent walking very slowly with her across campus, was in essence, my sense of peace for the day.
The producers of the film were there, giving a preview of the inspiration behind the movie and answered questions afterward. In the audience were a variety of yoga teachers, Ayurvedic doctors, humble students like me, and many other people in the yoga and holistic health community.
The most interesting things I'll take from this movie is the producer's husband talking about how the idea of the movie came about. "One day, my wife says to me...'Let's make a movie about Yoga.' That's not a usual request from a spouse. And a friend of mine says that's a good recipe for a divorce." :) But, seven years later, they put together a beautifully enriching film, with so many famous people. And they were just regular people, with no experience or credentials in film-making.
The inspiration for the movie was to shed some light on what yoga really is. Here in the West, we think of Yoga as Asanas, and Asanas as Yoga. And yet, Asanas are but "2%" of Yoga, there's so much more to it. The film was meant to educate us all of the other 98%, so it doesn't get lost. It truly is a beautiful piece, something I want to show to my kids, and have them appreciate and understand the gift of yoga, in it's wholeness.
For me, a humble student of Yoga, one that is still a baby even after years and years of practice, it was an incredible experience. Sure, there are complex and very dry parts of Yoga that are difficult for us to comprehend, and I'll admit, a lot of that still goes over my head. But, just to know the people, the players, their motivation and history, and how long the lineage goes back, was truly eye-opening and inspirational. I think many people today could make use of Yoga, to bring peace and light to their day, and heal them from the inside out.
One more thing, I could've sworn I was one of the youngest people there (at 42 mind you), but darn, everyone there looked so young and glowing, likely because of Yoga.
One last thing, there is a very nice older woman, who was lost on the De Anza campus, looking for the movie. I was lost also. I caught her eye as I was walking towards her, I placed my hands in namaste as a sign of respect (is that okay to do? :)), and she asked me where the film was. I told her I didn't know, but I would walk with her until we found it. Sure enough, it was just around the corner. She was so sweet, she was talking to the producers of the movie when we arrived, and she was telling them about her ordeal and how she was lost and then said, "Thank God this man was there to help me find this place." I thought it was cute. :) She's a wonderful lady, and those 5 minutes I spent walking very slowly with her across campus, was in essence, my sense of peace for the day.
SFM Training : Week 7 Review, Week 8 Preview
7 weeks down ... 9 to go. Weeks 7 and 8 are going to be tough, but I'll get through it.
Monday: 90 minutes of Power Flow Yoga. Nice and relaxed, needed it after a long day at work.
Tuesday: 7x800 intervals on the treadmill. These were great, the shorter intervals for me are just fine.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Did great in the class, had my breath the whole time.
Thursday: 8 mile tempo run. Was supposed to do 8, did 3, due to work and time constraints. It happens, just gotta let it go and not worry about it.
Friday: REST! Was supposed to do 90 minutes of Yoga, but I felt tired and beat down from a long week at work. The rest was good, the sleep that night wasn't, probably because of the lack of yoga. :)
Saturday: 17 mile LSD run. Bonked big time at mile 13. Up until then, was going well. It was very cold outside, and that didn't help. Plus, I didn't sleep too well the night before. Note to self, better preparation next time for a 15+ mile run.
Now for Week #8 upcoming, this is a pseudo-recovery week, tricky one. I'm going to try and get plenty of rest in between, sleep and eat well the whole time, and stay relaxed and motivated.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 3x1600m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 10 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga or Hatha Yoga
SA: 13 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Monday: 90 minutes of Power Flow Yoga. Nice and relaxed, needed it after a long day at work.
Tuesday: 7x800 intervals on the treadmill. These were great, the shorter intervals for me are just fine.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Did great in the class, had my breath the whole time.
Thursday: 8 mile tempo run. Was supposed to do 8, did 3, due to work and time constraints. It happens, just gotta let it go and not worry about it.
Friday: REST! Was supposed to do 90 minutes of Yoga, but I felt tired and beat down from a long week at work. The rest was good, the sleep that night wasn't, probably because of the lack of yoga. :)
Saturday: 17 mile LSD run. Bonked big time at mile 13. Up until then, was going well. It was very cold outside, and that didn't help. Plus, I didn't sleep too well the night before. Note to self, better preparation next time for a 15+ mile run.
Now for Week #8 upcoming, this is a pseudo-recovery week, tricky one. I'm going to try and get plenty of rest in between, sleep and eat well the whole time, and stay relaxed and motivated.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 3x1600m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 10 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga or Hatha Yoga
SA: 13 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Friday, May 21, 2010
Ricky Williams
If you haven't seen the ESPN 30-for-30 documentary, "Run, Ricky, Run", do so, and quick. It chronicles the past several years in the life of Ricky Williams, the star NFL running back from the University of Texas, the New Orleans Saints, the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, and lastly the Miami Dolphins.
Not to give everything away, but Ricky, like every person, has demons, faults, problems, and deals with them in his own way. His transformation, in the 2 hours that the movie took place, over the many years of his recent life, is simply amazing. His is a fascinating and incredible person, even without all of his athletic talent and accomplishments. I think those of us who find stress in our lives, who are going through mid-life crises and the like, should watch and see if we identify with him.
For me, I can see parts of myself in Ricky, and it gives me hope that although there are low times and dark places that life can throw at you, there's a possibility of light through it all.
Not to give everything away, but Ricky, like every person, has demons, faults, problems, and deals with them in his own way. His transformation, in the 2 hours that the movie took place, over the many years of his recent life, is simply amazing. His is a fascinating and incredible person, even without all of his athletic talent and accomplishments. I think those of us who find stress in our lives, who are going through mid-life crises and the like, should watch and see if we identify with him.
For me, I can see parts of myself in Ricky, and it gives me hope that although there are low times and dark places that life can throw at you, there's a possibility of light through it all.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
SFM Training : Week 6 Review, Week 7 Preview
6 weeks down ... 10 to go. Weeks 7 and 8 are going to be tough, but I'll get through it.
Monday: 90 minutes of Power Flow Yoga. Great class, lots of hip openings and nice stretching and meditation, exactly what I needed.
Tuesday: 5x1200 intervals on the treadmill. Got it in late at night (9pm), so my body really wasn't up for it. I had to slow down for the last two intervals, and take it easy.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Felt much better, got through the whole class with breath, which is the goal of every Bikram class.
Thursday: 5 mile tempo on the road. Did this at lunch (75 degrees), a lot hotter and faster than I normally do, but ran with my buddy for the first time in a long time, well worth it for the company.
Friday: 90 minutes of Hatha Flow Yoga. Changed it up a bit here, foregoing P90X Yoga for yet another week, and well worth it. Met a great teacher who adjusted my poses and really taught. I listened like the good student I am, and picked up a lot of great tips and reminders. I will likely do this class again next week.
Saturday: 15 mile hilly LSD run. Ran with the same friends as last week, but learned my lesson. I ran at my pace (12 min/mile) and felt pretty good the whole time. A nice steady, slow, and even pace throughout.
Now for Week #7 upcoming, this is a toughie.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 7x800m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 8 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga or Hatha Yoga
SA: 17 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Monday: 90 minutes of Power Flow Yoga. Great class, lots of hip openings and nice stretching and meditation, exactly what I needed.
Tuesday: 5x1200 intervals on the treadmill. Got it in late at night (9pm), so my body really wasn't up for it. I had to slow down for the last two intervals, and take it easy.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Felt much better, got through the whole class with breath, which is the goal of every Bikram class.
Thursday: 5 mile tempo on the road. Did this at lunch (75 degrees), a lot hotter and faster than I normally do, but ran with my buddy for the first time in a long time, well worth it for the company.
Friday: 90 minutes of Hatha Flow Yoga. Changed it up a bit here, foregoing P90X Yoga for yet another week, and well worth it. Met a great teacher who adjusted my poses and really taught. I listened like the good student I am, and picked up a lot of great tips and reminders. I will likely do this class again next week.
Saturday: 15 mile hilly LSD run. Ran with the same friends as last week, but learned my lesson. I ran at my pace (12 min/mile) and felt pretty good the whole time. A nice steady, slow, and even pace throughout.
Now for Week #7 upcoming, this is a toughie.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 7x800m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 8 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga or Hatha Yoga
SA: 17 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Friday, May 14, 2010
Youth
I think Kevin Garnett said it best, ""Loyalty is something that hurts you at times, because you can't get youth back..." He's talking about LeBron James, and his decision to either stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or move onto greener pastures with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, or some other NBA team. Garnett was loyal to a fault and stayed with perennial loser Minnesota before leaving for a Championship run with the Boston Celtics.
Now, I'm not here to discuss any of their big business decisions, their money, their championship rings, or any of that nonsensical garbage. It's really about that last part of Garnett's quote. "...because you can't get youth back." And that's true, for many of us who were athletes at one time, and now are struggling be athletic again after many years. Of course, there are the exceptions, folks who have either kept it up over the years, or those amazingly gifted people who actually get more fit and athletic as they age. I'm with the rest of you, I struggle just to keep upright at my age, but I still give it a go, and try my best.
It was so different was I was young. My body could move in any direction, quick and light, fast and accurate. Stop on a dime, accelerate to full speed in an instant. Move side to side, back and forth, with an effortless breath and movement. Never got hurt, never got injured. And if I twisted an ankle here or there, fell down, get knocked down, I'd just walk it off, get back up, and keep on going for hours and hours. I think that's what Garnett meant. When we're young and strong and invincible, that's when we should strive and compete and give ourselves the best chance at winning it all. And I guess that's what athletes miss the most when they do age, the ability to do all of the things that we used to do.
So, I'm here now, probably 10-20 years past those wonderful athletic days, doing less, competing less, working hard, showing tiny results...and you know what...I'm totally okay with it. It's different now, I don't compete, I enjoy. I don't put myself down, I pat myself on the back. I don't worry about PRs, time, distance, I just worry about finishing, and resting afterwards. And it feels so much better that way. I want to enjoy my athletic endeavors, my time away from work and stress, and see the world in that light. There's so much to be thankful for, and I am thankful for my youth and all that it gave me. And I'm thankful that I still have the opportunity to run, do yoga, do little things like that, to keep my body moving, and to keep in shape, to set goals and accomplish them.
In some ways, I envy professional athletes for their lifestyle, their natural ability, and their drive. But, I do feel for them when it's taken away, when age gets the better of them, when they have nothing to fall back on. You don't have to be a professional athlete to feel this way, we all may fall into this feeling of inadequacy or depression at sometime. I say fight that feeling, be appreciative of what you can do, even it's just simply go for a walk, breathe fresh air, or wiggle your toes. Be happy with what you have, and do something with it.
Okay, I'm off to yoga soon ... gotta make use of my body, and the time. :) Thanks Kevin Garnett!
Now, I'm not here to discuss any of their big business decisions, their money, their championship rings, or any of that nonsensical garbage. It's really about that last part of Garnett's quote. "...because you can't get youth back." And that's true, for many of us who were athletes at one time, and now are struggling be athletic again after many years. Of course, there are the exceptions, folks who have either kept it up over the years, or those amazingly gifted people who actually get more fit and athletic as they age. I'm with the rest of you, I struggle just to keep upright at my age, but I still give it a go, and try my best.
It was so different was I was young. My body could move in any direction, quick and light, fast and accurate. Stop on a dime, accelerate to full speed in an instant. Move side to side, back and forth, with an effortless breath and movement. Never got hurt, never got injured. And if I twisted an ankle here or there, fell down, get knocked down, I'd just walk it off, get back up, and keep on going for hours and hours. I think that's what Garnett meant. When we're young and strong and invincible, that's when we should strive and compete and give ourselves the best chance at winning it all. And I guess that's what athletes miss the most when they do age, the ability to do all of the things that we used to do.
So, I'm here now, probably 10-20 years past those wonderful athletic days, doing less, competing less, working hard, showing tiny results...and you know what...I'm totally okay with it. It's different now, I don't compete, I enjoy. I don't put myself down, I pat myself on the back. I don't worry about PRs, time, distance, I just worry about finishing, and resting afterwards. And it feels so much better that way. I want to enjoy my athletic endeavors, my time away from work and stress, and see the world in that light. There's so much to be thankful for, and I am thankful for my youth and all that it gave me. And I'm thankful that I still have the opportunity to run, do yoga, do little things like that, to keep my body moving, and to keep in shape, to set goals and accomplish them.
In some ways, I envy professional athletes for their lifestyle, their natural ability, and their drive. But, I do feel for them when it's taken away, when age gets the better of them, when they have nothing to fall back on. You don't have to be a professional athlete to feel this way, we all may fall into this feeling of inadequacy or depression at sometime. I say fight that feeling, be appreciative of what you can do, even it's just simply go for a walk, breathe fresh air, or wiggle your toes. Be happy with what you have, and do something with it.
Okay, I'm off to yoga soon ... gotta make use of my body, and the time. :) Thanks Kevin Garnett!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
SFM Training : Week 5 Review, Week 6 Preview
5 weeks down ... 11 to go. Back to the grind. The week after a recovery week is always tough for me. It feels good to finish off this week, and get some rest.
Monday: 90 minutes of Power Flow Yoga. This was a nice class, lots of relaxation, meditation, stretching, and balance postures. Just what the doctor ordered.
Tuesday: 10x400 intervals on the treadmill. Felt great, no problems at all, great stretch afterwards.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Bonkage. The owner of the studio taught the class in a hotter and more humid room than usual. I struggled through, but felt great the few hours afterwards. Body felt cleansed, open, and supple.
Thursday: 5 mile tempo on the treadmill. Best tempo run of the season so far, likely thanks to Bikram the night before.
Friday: P90X X-Stretch. Decided to change it up and do something a bit easier to get ready for the long hilly run on Saturday. Probably will do P90X Yoga again next week.
Saturday: 14 mile hilly LSD run. Ran with friends who are lighter, smaller, faster, and stronger than me. :) I struggled at the end, but it was a very interesting route, something a friend who has run the SFM many times, put together specifically to mimic the race.
Now for Week #6 upcoming, it's time to start getting into it.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 5x1200m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 5 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga
SA: 15 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Monday: 90 minutes of Power Flow Yoga. This was a nice class, lots of relaxation, meditation, stretching, and balance postures. Just what the doctor ordered.
Tuesday: 10x400 intervals on the treadmill. Felt great, no problems at all, great stretch afterwards.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Bonkage. The owner of the studio taught the class in a hotter and more humid room than usual. I struggled through, but felt great the few hours afterwards. Body felt cleansed, open, and supple.
Thursday: 5 mile tempo on the treadmill. Best tempo run of the season so far, likely thanks to Bikram the night before.
Friday: P90X X-Stretch. Decided to change it up and do something a bit easier to get ready for the long hilly run on Saturday. Probably will do P90X Yoga again next week.
Saturday: 14 mile hilly LSD run. Ran with friends who are lighter, smaller, faster, and stronger than me. :) I struggled at the end, but it was a very interesting route, something a friend who has run the SFM many times, put together specifically to mimic the race.
Now for Week #6 upcoming, it's time to start getting into it.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 5x1200m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 5 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga
SA: 15 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Saturday, May 1, 2010
SFM Training : Week 4 Review, Week 5 Preview
4 weeks down ... 12 to go. I love recovery weeks, where the mileage goes down, I can focus on my form and on my efficiency, without getting so beat up from the long miles.
Monday: 90 minutes again with my favorite teacher. She always asks if there are specific areas the class wants to focus on. "Hip flexors," a lady shouted out. Uh, let's just say my hip flexors, still sore from a long and hilly 13-mile run the Saturday before, were destroyed after that class. But, by the next morning, I felt great, my hips were very open and ready to go.
Tuesday: 3x1600 intervals on the treadmill. Had a good run here this time, nice pace, good breath throughout.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Perfect, felt great the whole time. Needed about 20 minutes after the class the breathe and meditate, but I felt awesome afterwards.
Thursday: 3 mile tempo on the treadmill. After all the long tempo runs the weeks before, this was easy and a nice break.
Friday: P90X yoga at 4:30am. Loved it, got back in tune with Tony Horton, who kicked my tail again with Yoga. Those darn half-moons are always tough, and since I skipped it last week, it was even tougher. :)
Saturday: 10 mile hilly LSD run. Felt amazing throughout, except for my frozen hands. At 5am, the weather looked fine, but my hands were frozen by mile 5. I have to get the right type of gloves for the weather. Next time, going with my cold weather gloves no matter what.
Now for Week #5 upcoming, we're back in the grind. It's a tough week, a ramp from 14 to 15 to 17 long miles the next three weeks.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 10x400m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 5 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga
SA: 14 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
Monday: 90 minutes again with my favorite teacher. She always asks if there are specific areas the class wants to focus on. "Hip flexors," a lady shouted out. Uh, let's just say my hip flexors, still sore from a long and hilly 13-mile run the Saturday before, were destroyed after that class. But, by the next morning, I felt great, my hips were very open and ready to go.
Tuesday: 3x1600 intervals on the treadmill. Had a good run here this time, nice pace, good breath throughout.
Wednesday: 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga. Perfect, felt great the whole time. Needed about 20 minutes after the class the breathe and meditate, but I felt awesome afterwards.
Thursday: 3 mile tempo on the treadmill. After all the long tempo runs the weeks before, this was easy and a nice break.
Friday: P90X yoga at 4:30am. Loved it, got back in tune with Tony Horton, who kicked my tail again with Yoga. Those darn half-moons are always tough, and since I skipped it last week, it was even tougher. :)
Saturday: 10 mile hilly LSD run. Felt amazing throughout, except for my frozen hands. At 5am, the weather looked fine, but my hands were frozen by mile 5. I have to get the right type of gloves for the weather. Next time, going with my cold weather gloves no matter what.
Now for Week #5 upcoming, we're back in the grind. It's a tough week, a ramp from 14 to 15 to 17 long miles the next three weeks.
M: Power Flow Yoga
TU: 10x400m intervals
W: Bikram Yoga
TH: 5 mile tempo
F: P90X Yoga
SA: 14 mile hilly LSD run
SU: Rest
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