Recently, I haven't practiced yoga since I was too busy preparing my second 10K run for Takbo.ph run Fest. I really miss the slow breathing in and out in pramayanas, surya namaska and some asanas. My mind is joggled with the running events to come. In my training logs last month, no yoga classes was placed during circuit training, it's more of spinning classes which I shed 600-800 calories for 45 minutes indoor bike with different terrain and speed. It's more running. Now, I'm doing my training for my first half marathon by October 2010. Aside from the usual training that I have, now I'm incorporating yoga in training at least a week.
Yoga, specially the vinyasa and ashtanga forms are the ones who opened myself to the path of having healthy mind and body. then I started spinning the bikes and running in long distances. Since, I haven't practiced for a long time, I found myself searching for asanas designed for runners online and seeking advised from my flexible yogi.
As part of my self made yoga routine, starting it with proper centering thru breathing exercises and warming up thru sun salutations. Asanas focuses on leg and core work like warrior poses. Then followed by balance poses to for coordination of muscular reflexes and breathing. Adding also is spinal twist in different variations and sometimes inversions. The best part of the routine is pramayama for 10-15 minutes. I makes me feel rejuvenated after workout. The entire routine sometimes last for an hour including the meditations.
In yoga, I learn to manage the flow of each movements together with breathing and putting in my mind that everything will go through smoothly with flow. In running, I experienced the pain and sore of my legs and like yoga everything is in the mind. Staying in shape and sharp. Yoga is an exercise for mind to focus on breathing as we synchronize the movements, it strenghtens your ability to withstand difficult things specially doing balance poses for a longer time. Running is intense athletic exercise with test you endurance on how far you go and how combat the obstacles as you meet along the way. Lastly, yoga and running makes me feel happy and relaxed. Though it's a bit tiring but the feeling of exhaustion makes you more energized, sharp and active. Yoga and running really is rewarding no matter how hard it is, it gives you an extra kick afterwards. Yoga is unlocking the universe in you and running opens yourself to the explore the world and appreciate life.
Training time again, I hope that I could do more yoga and more longer runs with sustained energy at the end. I need to practice more, not to be perfect but rather be a better runner and to have a sound mind and body. In training, I stubble and stood up. Learn new things. No one could stop us from what we are doing each to become better.
Nice training you have there. Back in my College days, I have also attended a few sessions of yoga (which yoga, I forgot). And I learned a lot about it specially breathing -- which I was able to incorporate in my warm-ups, cool-downs, and most importantly in any strenuous sports and exercises.
ReplyDeleteKeep it going Lee, and see you on the next race.