Welcome back

It has been awhile since my last post...like 9 months too long! I have fallen off the blogging wagon, but am dedicating more time and energy to my blog this year. Since I have last posted, I have bought a home with my fiance (at the time), moved, turned 30, had a Bachelorette party in Asheville, NC, gotten married to my best friend, gone to St. Lucia on my honeymoon and bought a sweet puppy. How is that for a year of first's?! Here are a few pics to catch you all up. I will post goals for 2013 later today.

30th Birthday

October 12, 2012

 

Yoga in St. Lucia

Snorkeling Excursion

Ziplining through the rainforest

 Lucia-our Airedale terrier puppy

                                My new bff                                               

Opening Day

Today marks the opening day for registration for the NWM 26.2 in San Fran. I can hardly believe I was signing up a year ago and hoping for 3 weeks I was going to be chosen as one of the 25,000 runners to participate in the gorgeous race.
It's hard to believe how much can change in a year and how running my first marathon still plays an integral part in me learning to accept myself for who I am. It also paved the way for me in many different aspects in my life and I will always remember that.

Looks like I could sign up for the Half in the Spring though! I really want to run Big Sur, either the marathon or 21-miler. Would be an amazing thing to accomplish. However, it is important to remember when training to focus on what really matters-the race or the journey to get there. They say only once you're over running your first marathon can you begin to train for your second since your body can't know what's coming next. I believe I am almost over it, as life changing and humbling as it was.
Off to take a run with Mike along the new greenway path in our neighborhood and enjoy this day and the next 6 months in a much different way this year. I find it a little ironic that our wedding day is just 2 days before the NWM this year..

Good Morning! I started my day off by waking up early and changing into my running clothes around 5:30. Perfect, I thought. I find the silence of the morning road beneath my feet very soothing and that is just what I needed. Until I randomly got back under the covers while Mike was getting ready for work and snuggled in. Although I didn't fall back asleep and my mind was racing through a checklist of things to be completed, it was kind-of nice to take the morning off. I took 60 minutes of hot yoga last night as I am learning a new script and then taught the last class of the night. I woke up pretty early Monday morning as well to hit the gym doing cardio intervals and strength training then did 2 hot yoga classes Monday night. Sooo....I guess the crawl under the blankets this morning can be justified (maybe?!).

I was doing some research the other night on the yoga poses that are taught during our Topaz class to explore the benefits of each pose as well as the breathing exercises that begin and end the class. I discovered a lot of benefits (of course!) to hot yoga as well as a pose, Standing Separate Leg to Knee which are listed below.

 

• Helps abdominal obesity, diabetes, thyroid, blood sugar balance, pancreas and kidneys.

• Works endocrine, reproductive and digestive system.
• Works obiliques, iliopsoas, quads, deltoids, trapezius, biceps and triceps. 

I can honestly say my blood sugars have been pretty steady recently and it could be a combination of the slight adjustments to my pump settings that were made in October as well as the continuous yoga and running I have been doing. Well that is a good feeling! I have noticed my pump does not always like to stay of for the entire 3 days if I am doing a combo of the running and hot yoga during those days...weird.

What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

Make it a great day!

7th Topaz Class

Tonight was the 7th Topaz Hot Yoga class I have taught. Such great energy in class. My first 2 or 3 classes I wondered how much I was really going to enjoy teaching. As I stood at the front of the room and 53 new students stared at me for 45 minutes while the heat was blazing, I felt like the silence was enough to make me commit yoga suicide.
However, nothing will ever replace the feeling I get right after I am finished teaching. And tonight I looked over and said "sinking down one more inch..." and all 53 students sank down, reluctantly because it was difficult for them, but they obliged. Towards the end of the class in the final savasana, I told them to make their exhales the same length as their inhales as we tend to leave stale air in the body, I opened the door for some cool air on them and they all laid there. Breathing very deep, focused on their breath and practice. That's when you know you are doing what you should be doing. I honestly feel complete teaching hot yoga to a room full of students.
Talk about rewarding. It felt amazing! I feel like my practice is improving as well while I am teaching. I was hoping I could hold Tree pose tonight while everyone was looking to me for instruction

11. Tree Pose

Tadasana

Benefits: Facilitates hip and knee mobility. Excellent for posture and balance. Aids in rheumatism and circulatory disorders.

I am hoping you have all been doing well! I am off to some much needed sleep.

I did hold it by the way ;) I will begin learning my script for Diamond soon and then I hope Black Opal, my favorite vinyasa class.








"A good teacher is like a candle-it consumes itself to light the way for others".

Paying off

I hope your week has been going well so far and Happy Friday! Itsbeensoooolong. A few quick updates: Mike surprised me and booked our Honeymoon (very exciting!), I have my own health insurance that I am not paying over $600/mo. for, my weeks consist of 60+hours of work and hot yoga training, I am itching to run a race so I should look into what NC has to offer this time of year. Lots of good things!!

The Yoga training Certification Program has been paying off and I have really noticed strength in a lot of my poses....am still working towards side-crow. Ok, actually I haven't even tried it yet. Sounds like I am going to be teaching next week, eeek! I am excited/nervous/omgosh. I keep meaning not to tell people when I am starting in case it doesn't go very well, opps, fail. Here are some pics from our Yoga Partner Workshop last weekend. We were led by 2 great instructors and had some strong students.

That is all I will leave you with today, enjoy until next time!

Side Rant...

Happy Friday all!

I went yesterday to pick up some Rx's at the pharmacy and was there over 45 minutes. Why you ask? To have the tech help me a figure out a way not to spend $300 on my insulin with my new insurance. At last we came to a happy medium. However the reason for this post is to be thankful for what you have, not to take things for granted. 

I have spent $1,100 the past week straightening out my old insurance and Rx's. And that, my friend, is without Dr.'s appointments. I have been feeling great actually. Oh the irony. I will make peace with it soon enough, but just wanted to share but goals to not complain about traffic or waiting in lines...Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Day 19 of the Teacher Training Program and I must say my Tree and Crow poses have improved! Next on my list, side-crow

What are some of the yoga poses you are currently trying to improve? 

I will post later this weekend :)

Doesn't Feel Like a Saturday....

Hola! How has everyone's week been? I have been looking forward to today at 4pm all week. I have logged 8 hours at the hot yoga studio, on top of my 40-hour work week and today off to the Brow Lounge for an additional 6 hours. All things I am passionate about, I just need to find my balance!  I love doing skincare and being a Licensed Aesthetician, so I need to figure out the best way of doing all of these things so I don't feel so burned out.


I had a test-out for the first 8 poses in the Topaz class last night after the Bloodstone Class......

Arrichion Hot Yoga Flow Series

Class duration: 60 minutes

Room temperature: 92 F

Challenging series for all levels

Bloodstone or heliotrope means turning to the sun in Greek. Ancient Greek gladiators wore bloodstone talismans for protection in battle. Equally important in Indian culture, the bloodstone is used for healing. The Arrichion Hot Yoga Bloodstone series is a challenging flow yoga workout practiced to music. Central to the Bloodstone series is the sun salutation asana. Bloodstone is a great strengthening and endurance workout. It is especially effective for competitive athletes.

It went pretty decent, all considering, but I DEFINITELY need to study the poses more and attend as many classes as I can. Sounds like they want me to begin teaching soon...eeekk.

Afterward Mike & I went to see Mat Kearney play at a small(er) venue. It was a fantastic show!

Oh--and the Paleo Bars weren't my favorite so I am going to keep experimenting.
Rest Day for working out-always a weird feeling but for some reason I am embracing it today :)
What do your workouts look like for today?

Happy Saturday!

It Stayed On!

Good news, the Omnipod Arm Band kept my pump secure yesterday afternoon, while I was sleeping last night and throughout spin class this morning. This makes me happy :) The true test will be later this evening when I go to hot yoga class.

Mike had to help me prep the site and place the pump on the back of my arm. I am sure I will be able to do it myself from here on out, but it never hurts to have some help the first time.

I use BD Alcohol Swabs instead of generic, they tend to do a better job. Make sure the prepped site dries completely before placing the new pod on

 after the pod was placed-before putting on the Arm Band

Voilà!

 Side View (just makes my tricep look a little bigger ;)

Front On View (p.s this is my Arrichion Hot Yoga shirt from the studio!)

I hope everyone has a nice Monday! I am off work today due to the holiday. Lots of productive errands so far! Possible Paleo baking later this afternoon....pics to come. 

But let's remember the real reason we are celebrating today.

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Current Top 5

It has been quite the week(end)! I was sick the majority of this week and was working out a lot with the new Teacher's Training Program. So needless to say today will be filled with relaxation.
So far, I am loving the Teacher's Training Program. It is a lot to learn, but I hoping to push myself not only physically but mentally too. Hot Yoga requires both. For the first time in my life, I did 2 classes in one day, while I was sick. Then yesterday I actually did 3 classes in a row and then worked to learn the script and poses for the Topaz class for 2 and half hours. Intense! Brought back memories of training for a marathon. The Topaz class is 45 minutes and 32 postures included that will help to stretch and warm muscles and ligaments; improve balance, and increase strength and flexibility. It is a 102 degree class.


On to the Current Lusts:
1. I’M LISTENING TO: Rihanna. “We Found Love” has been on repeat in my head all freakin week. Warning, it's highly addicting and you may want to have a dance partay.

2. I’M READING:  Women's Health Magazine. Planning my meals for the week

3. I’M WISHING: That I could color my hair with the new Jewel tones from Aveda. I have dreams of deep purple hair in the chilly winter months.


4. I’M (already) DROOLING OVER:  Valentine's Day snack and cookies.

5.. I’M LUSTING AFTER: All the new Lululemon gear and a cozy pair of Ugg Boots (if only I could splurge)

                                         
                                             

                                           

Happy Sunday!                                    

Bursting at the Seams

I have been bursting at the seams since I went to speak with my yoga instructor about the Teacher Training Program last week. As you know from previous posts this is something I have been really excited about, but couldn't justify spending a larger amount of $ on something like this while planning a wedding. However, my instructor, Quinn, said she would like to put me through an intern program. So I will dedicate a few hours a week to the studio, practice at home while listening to the script and watching the DVD's. Eeeekkk!!! So after about 100 hours of training I should begin teaching classes. Yay! I am super excited to begin this journey. Although it will be a big commitment, I think this is the right time for it. Not to mention I get a discount at an awesome store

 lululemon.

I love what they represent 

I will keep you posted on the adventures of training as I begin next week.

Hope your weekend has been going well!

Stats from the 26.2

Good news this afternoon as Nike+ sent my year-end results from 2011. And this is what my stats looked like for the NWM 26.2....not quite as bad as I thought :)

• Registered Distance26.2mi
• Overall Place2504OUT OF 6324
• Female 25-29 Place608OUT OF 1349

Finish Line Video!

Omnipod Arm Band

Finally I ordered an arm band!

http://www.bands4life.net/item_21/Nude-Arm-Band.htm


This will help my Omnipod insulin pump stay in place when I am working out, sleeping and showering. I wanted to get a crazy color/pattern but something tells me with my day-to-day activities it would make me stand out even more. I am looking forward to placing my insulin pump on the back of my arm near the tripcep, to see if the delivery of the insulin is more efficient. Over time, using the same area of the body to place the pod causes fat tissue buildup, often delaying the insulin delivery. And in fact, it is not something that is easily tracked. So if you are experiencing hyperglycemia, you may not know for awhile if it is from the placement of the pod itself. Tricky, Tricky!


Here is where I usually place the pod

I am hoping it upholds on the back of the arm when I workout and sleep ;)

New Year Goals

Happy Resolutions! 

I hope everyone has been doing well. My four bff's from home and I started a Biggest Loser-like diet and fitness plan. Well, it's more like we are all trying to achieve our weight-loss, diet or health goals and will be emailing each other to check in. We will be posting recipes and keeping each other motivated to go to the gym. I think it will be a great support system!One of my friends has already lost 5lbs since before Christmas. Pretty awesome! My goals are to keep my hydration up (seems to always be less in the winter), stop mindless snacking, tone up my legs and arms and lose a few lbs as well.

I am looking forward to checking in and keeping each other motivated in these chilly months!

• Upping hydration up by adding a lemon slices and mint leaves to my water

• Eating a bigger lunch so I don't want to snack so much before going to hot yoga in the evening

           These may help-my sister encouraged the search for energy balls

                 http://fitnessista.com/2011/01/ballz-for-all/  (love this blog!)

Have been reading Jackie Warner-This is Why Your Fat book to help tone and lose just a few (5)lbs. Here is a great tip from her:

Jackie’s Get-Fit Tip: You should focus on the primary muscles (big muscles) like the chest, back, quads, hamstrings and glutes. Bodybuilders call these muscles the fat burners because they burn much more fat than smaller muscles like the calves, arms and shoulders. Try push-ups for your chest, assisted pull-ups or pull-downs for your back, leg extensions for your quads, lying-down hamstring curls for hamstrings and weighted squats for your glutes.

I have been thinking about signing up for a race to keep my running up in the cold(er) months. There is a Half Marathon in Charlotte at the end of March I may aim for. We shall see ;) I will keep you updated on my progress and curbing my 'need' to snack.

What are some of your New Year's Resolutions? What are some of your fav snack recipes?

Post-Christmas

How was everyone's holiday? We had a great time in Ohio and spent Christmas Eve with my extended family and then Christmas Day with my Mom, Dad and sister. 
After hitting the gym hard last week before leaving, I did take more rest days than I had anticipated once in Ohio. I managed to squeeze in a 4-mile run and lifted some hand weights at my parents house. Not too bad considering how crazy busy we were!


My sister had scheduled a few appointments to try on wedding dresses with my family and I ended up finding THE one! It was very exciting and surprisingly emotional.


In midst of all the holiday hustle and bustle, family schedules, traveling, sinful eating and drinking, just remember to

My new job has given me the week off as a Wellness Week (l.o.v.e.) so I am headed to a strength training class and then hot yoga today!


Next on my list: http://www.shape.com/bride/bridal-fitness/how-get-toned-arms-best-exercises-arms


Happy Thursday!

Ready for it?

4:45am wake-up and made it in time for a 5:05 spin class, followed by weights focusing on arms, abs and shoulders. 

This is true for me as of now. What are some goals you set this time of year? What enables you to finish them?


Make it a great Tuesday!

(Chilly) Monday Morning

This morning started out with a nice, invigorating run with Mike around Dilworth. We got to check out some Christmas lights along the way, which made the run somewhat tolerable. I was having difficulty breathing for the first 35 minutes....ok, the entire time. But was determined to finish and excited to be running so early in the morning again, just like old times.

265 cal egg sandwich for b-fast. 100-cal whole grain english muffin, 1 egg + 1 tbsp egg beaters w/s&p, laughing cow french onion wedge, turkey sausage patty.....so tasty!!

Hope you all are doing well! Countdown is on, 4 days until we leave for OH.


*Tip for running in the colder weather*: Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. And for those anatomy lovers: The nasal turbinates in your nose, help to warm the air as you inhale, making breathing more efficient and comfortable. 

Happy Running!

Sunday Funday!

It has been FOR-EVER!! And my apologies for that.
I have bee contemplating becoming a yoga instructor through Arrichion. It would be 5 weekends of intense training and then attending classes to receive my 200-hour Yoga Certification Training. Sounds just up my alley! I have attended over 70 classes and think this would give me mental and physical strength that I will be forever craving.


Wedding planning is going well-picked a venue and set a date! Not too bad for only 2 months into it.

Here is the reception venue--love, love the inside as well!


Am still running, although no where near what I was while training. Have switched gears and am doing a lot of spinning classes as well as strength training and hot yoga. I tend to become, for lack of better words,  almost a little discouraged after any race I do. I am not certain why this happens. But it does! However, I do believe it has to do w/1.) b/c I am burned out of training and running 5 days a week and 2.) I almost always want to do better and sometimes just finishing isn't quite up to standards.


On to a Diamond Hot Yoga class! Happy Sunday

Arrichion Topaz Series with Limited Instruction

Class duration: 60 minutes

Room temperature: 97 F

Beginner to advanced students

The word diamond stems from the Greek word adamos which means invincible. Diamonds promote clarity of thought and align one to thoughts associated with a higher self. The diamond stimulates unity and the love of self and others. The Arrichion Hot Yoga Diamond series practiced to music in a candlelit room with limited instruction will help you increase strength, flexibility, balance, and especially focus.

Good Morning Sunshine!
I wanted to share the sun salutation workout that is practiced in our Bloodstone & Black Opal hot yoga class, an energizing way to begin or end your day. I have included some benefits of hot yoga below for those curious.
The more you do yoga, the quieter and calmer you become.

Hot Yoga Benefits

Weight Loss

Many people in the hunt to shed extra pounds consider the benefits of hot yoga due to claims that it addresses quite a few aspects of weight loss, as well as improved exercise and stress reduction. For the simple reason that hot yoga increases the pulse rate, your body then works to keep thermo-regulation, escalating calorie expenditure without the force on joints of further calisthenic work out regimens like jumping jacks or jogging. Hot yoga is also alleged to amplify oxidation of fat cells. Be sure to wear the proper hot yoga clothes because you will be sweating a lot.

Muscle and Joint Pain

Several joints, particularly the vertebrae, discontinue lubricating as effectively when a person enters into their thirties. Yoga promotes joint lubrication that may alleviate common feelings of stiffness and soreness, both reactively and proactively.

Mobility

Cold muscles tend to be more likely to tear while stretched. Bikram hot yoga advocates propose that stretching warm muscles is more effective and lets the practitioner progress deeper into poses. Since stretching is an efficient way to increase flexibility, hot yoga may help increase ones range of motion, thwart accidental injuries in exercise, and help someone heal from prior accidental injuries.

Tension Relief

Exercise, deep breathing, and reflection have been revealed to cut back anxiety levels, and hot yoga combines all three. The psyche’s fight to concentrate on poses in a sweltering atmosphere distracts and distances from stressors. Lower stress levels allow for superior and easier sleep, which improves the immune system and reduces probability of injuries on the body. Lower anxiety levels on the whole reduce weight gain, cut possibility of illness and injury, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improves mood.

Immune System

Raising your core temperature simulates a fever-like environment in your body, elevating white blood cell production and fighting viruses and bacteria. Your body also makes additional interferon, which raises the production of antibodies. Stress weakens the immune system, as a result activities that lessen stress also reduce vulnerability to health issues.

Increased Performance

Many athletes take up hot yoga to improve their levels of accomplishment in additional activities. Well-stretched muscle tissue have improved range of motion and are less at risk of tearing. Joints in good alignment are less pain-prone in high impact physical activities. The breath control of yoga improves execution in cardio and anaerobic activities.

But these massive physical benefits are just a “side effect” of this mighty exercise. Hot yoga benefits your body by harmonizing the psyche with the body and ends in authentic quantum benefits. It has become an open secret that the determination in the mind has enabled individuals to attain extraordinary physical feats, which proves definitely the psyche and body relationship.

What is hot yoga? The truth is hot yoga equals meditation, for the reason that both work mutually in accomplishing the common objective of unity of psyche, body and spirit that may result in an experience of eternal bliss that one could only feel through yoga. The meditative practices via yoga assist in attaining an emotional stability through detachment. This consequently makes a remarkable tranquility as well as a positive outlook, which also has great benefits over the physical health of the body. 

Source-HotYogaBenefits.com

Enjoy your Tuesday!