This afternoon I ran. It was glorious. I did a six mile speed workout and enjoyed every step. My music was loud, my feet were light, and my thoughts were happy.
Total Distance: 6.0 miles
- Warm Up: 5 minutes @ 6.0 (10:00/mi)
- Set 1: 4 x 800m @ 7.5-7.8 (8:00/mi – 7:42/mi)
- Recovery: 400m @ 6.0 between each interval
- Set 2: 4 x 400m @ 7.9-8.2 (7:36/mi-7:19/mi)
- Recovery: 400m @ 6.0 between each set
- Cool Down: .75 mile @ 6.7 (8:57/mi)
Total Time: 52:30
Great run! By the time I was finished, I was red in the face and “glowing.” I came home happy!
When my mom walked in later tonight, she mentioned going to power yoga. I should go to yoga, I thought. And so I went.
(Source)
As soon as I hit the mat, I knew something wasn’t right. Some days I really embrace yoga, but other days, I struggle. Today’s practice was a struggle in every sense. I felt like my body never warmed up, my mind never quieted down, and I grew increasingly frustrated with every pose.
At different points during the class, I stopped, sat back, and collected myself. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong and I couldn’t figure out how to make it right. I had a great day. Nothing heavy was weighing on my mind. I felt good. Still, the mind and body did not connect tonight. I just felt challenged…challenged in a new and different way.
My mat is my place. I can bring my struggles there and I can leave them there. I can learn from them and I can grow from them.
Do you practice yoga?
Do you struggle to achieve the mind-body connection?
