Running Mileage: 12 (+7) <== notice the big jump in miles
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
Running Update
Love the colors in this fall planting
Tuesday Intention: easy It had basically been a week since I’d run. The road by my friends’ house had no shoulder, and the paths I could drive to were mostly concrete. Not to mention the heat wave . . . I was still plenty active, but it had been a while since I ran! I was also still tired. Which showed in the pace. Forward is a pace. 🙂
More fall falling. Strange pine needle circle still on the driveway.
Wednesday Intention: recover Another cool morning — Fall is definitely on its way! It wasn’t hard to keep the pace slow enough to count as a recovery run and that was just fine by me. Mr. Judy was heading out on a walk with Bandit just before I got back to the house, so I joined them for my cool down.
I’d noticed the apple trees on this path on my last run. This apple wasn’t there as I ran out. Brought to mind Eve . . . at least there was no snake!
Friday Intention: go long-er Cooler weather. Good running weather. Some relaxing mornings. Nothing terribly exciting going on & that’s okay! Unfortunately, the top of my right foot hurt after this run. It was still sore on Saturday. Maybe I should have kept this run shorter since I didn’t run long the previous week. Hoping the soreness leaves soon!
Favorites of the week This week was both busy and quiet. I did meet up with some running friends I haven’t seen in a very long time yesterday. I’m also really digging the Fall-like weather — it’s perfect for running!
ICYMI: If you’re traveling I have a great 20 minute Yin Yoga practice here. I also talk a little bit about what clothing you can wear to practice Yoga here. Hint: pretty sure the ancient Yogis didn’t wear tights and I love practicing in my pjs (which I didn’t mention in the vlog).
Coming up on Tuesday: Tips for new runners. On Friday I’ve got 5 tips for colonoscopy first timers. Yup, I went there. Nothing gross, I promise!
I won’t lie: life is much easier without Lola. The sadness lingers, though, of course, and I’d trade the easiness for more time with her, but it is what it is. Is was the right decision. My heart has been heavy much of this week, but we laugh, too, because life truly does go on.
The only thing certain in life is change. Speaking of change, while I’m very happy that Biden/Harris are the apparent winners of our elections, I also caution people: don’t gloat. Show grace. See my post here about compassion and respect, even though it wasn’t written about the election, it applies to it.
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
Tuesday intention: 5k Prep I could definitely have run outside, as the rain stopped early, but since I’m using the Peloton 5k Course, I’m sticking with the treadmill for a couple of runs during the week. So far, anyway. This was mostly intervals, at 5k and 1 mile pace (whatever that may be). It was definitely not easy, but I did my best.
Thursday intention: More speed work Bandit was due for a long overdue annual (mostly because of all the problems with Lola). Plus I was headed to my mom the next day, and there’s always some prep for that, more so this time because I was getting the Echo Show ready to take with me.
The mill would be faster even though it was a great day to run. I did a 45 minute interval run, and I didn’t need extra run time on that, so I did a quick 5 minute stretch before & after. Go me.
Beautiful day but masks in hands does nothing people! You never know what you’ll see outside.
Sunday intention: longer run It was a lovely day to run today, but I learned my lesson: don’t go up to this park on a weekend when the weather is unseasonably warm! Very few people felt the need to wear a mask, and the path isn’t that wide.
I grew increasingly frustrated as I pulled my doubled over gaiter up and down constantly — and many people walked around with their mask in the their hand. Even with my early warning of “coming up on your left”, people felt no need at all to actually put that mask on. I definitely grumbled (somewhat under my breath) at one point that wearing your mask on your hand does nothing. Maybe I should’ve saved this for runfessions this month!
Now I know how to get to this trail!
Favorites of the week
I hate the reason, but not having to take care of Lola meant more time for walking/light hiking/visiting mom. First we visited a small park Darlene @ Myfirst5k goes to sometimes with the running group.
As I drive to mom, I’ve often seen this path along the highway leading off into the woods. I wondered where the heck it was. Now I know. Oddly enough this was the park that Darlene and I tried SUP 4 1/2 years ago — I know this because it was the day we would end up adopting Bandit, the day before the fourth.
We helped Chester cross the bridge a day after New Years. Lola on Halloween. Adopted Bandit the day before the fourth. What the heck is it with our rescue dogs?
Watching seasons change at Olana
I never have enough time when I stop at Olana, but the bathroom continues to be open and I continue to use this as my pitstop. Not bad, eh?
Long walk & talk with a friend
Yesterday it was a long walk/hike with a friend who has gone through many of the same things I have since I moved here. We get each other. She works crazy hours (still), so we only get together once in a while, but we always have so much to catch up on when we do.
Not so favorite: I was astounded that I was able to get an appointment for Bandit so quickly. The news was mixed, and we’re waiting on some test results on the cysts on his chest.
The vet did tell us she heard a very slight heart murmur. I am 3 for 3 for dogs & heart murmurs. That doesn’t really worry me, though, it’s very slight right now. Lola had a slight heart murmur detected at about the same age as Bandit is now, but while it effected her, it never was a big deal and wasn’t what got her in the end.
Still questions this week. Love on your loved ones.
ICYMI: I have thought about creating a meditation for grief for a long time. Sometimes you create what you need for yourself. Yes, I’ve been using this meditation daily since we lost Lola. You can find it here.
Coming up on Tuesday: I have a fun blog on the lessons runners can learn from dogs (no doubt with many Lola photos — that girl was a great sprinter). On Friday I’ll be musing about if I’ll ever run another half marathon.
It was a long, long week. Physically and emotionally draining. Lola improved, just slightly, then she got worse. The runs were short, although that doesn’t always mean they were easy.
She loved laying by the patio heater this week
Even last night, this wasn’t the post I thought I’d be writing, but Lola went to her final sleep in my arms last night (at the animal ER).
Meanwhile Bandit is enjoying not having doors closed anymore
Sleep was often interrupted, there have been six visits to two different vets in the last week. Even when the runs felt hard, though, in the end I felt better for doing them and am happy I was able to squeeze them in.
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
Tuesday intention: 5k Prep This had to be squeezed in before taking Lola to the vet. Not quite sure what to expect, but it was mostly intervals. I debated about waiting until Wednesday, as I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep, but I’m glad I went ahead and did it; it gave me more flexibility with runs the rest of the week, and with cold, rain, snow, and wind in the forecast I needed that!
Thursday intention: take it easy Because of all the stress lately and sleep deprivation, a Pop Fun Run sounded perfect to me. Fun run my a$$! This was speed work, plain & simple, but it was a short enough run that once I started it, I was sorta committed. Oh well, I survived it.
Halloween is in the hoodBut the snow was gone
Saturday intention: run out the sadness (again) I dropped Lola back off at the ER right before this run. Or rather, I was foam rolling and getting ready for this run, when she threw up again and it was clear she needed to be seen. Knowing I probably had hours until I heard from the vet — they are so slammed these days — I decided I would attempt to run. Stopping to check my phone every mile.
I wondered what was going to go on in there?
My heart and legs felt heavy, it wasn’t fast, it felt hard. No doubt from lack of sleep and emotions. It was slow, but fairly consistent, so there’s that. It was also a lovely day, and I tried to be present enough to enjoy it — although it wasn’t easy.
Of course not long after this run and a quick hop in the shower to warm up, we got the call from the vet. Lola’s kidney values were very elevated, which wasn’t shocking to me, but for the first time in our 35 years of married life, the vet strongly urged us to put her to sleep. Right away.
She also told me she could make her comfortable for the weekend, and she had an appointment with the holistic vet on Monday. I know the holistic vet could have made her feel better . . . for a while. It’s not curable, though, of course, and it’s much harder on dogs than cats. We made the hard decision to let her go.
Fish “Fry”
Favorites of the week
I never wrote about our new Breville Toaster Oven/Air Fryer we bought for our anniversary. Something I’d been eyeing a long time. Like the Instant Pot, there’s a learning curve, but so far we really like it. The entire meal above was made in its air fryer — Mr. Judy liked it, and he can be a tough customer.
Finding solace in nature
I really haven’t been able to get away much lately. Lola couldn’t be left alone for more than a few minutes at a time. This morning, though, I needed to get away and go for a walk, so I did. It’s not a pretty day, it’s very windy, and we keep losing Internet, but I found some healing in nature. The rest will just take time.
And just like that, the two cats and two dogs we moved here with 11 1/2 years ago are gone.
I’m also going to ask for prayers for a neighbor’s husband. He’s been in the hospital with COVID — he did have underlying conditions — but at the moment it’s not looking great and she’s not even allowed to visit him.
No questions this week. Love on your loved ones.
ICYMI: I actually did manage to get up a video this week — early, even. Because I wanted people to have the opportunity to do it on the Halloween Full Moon — it goes really well with a full or new moon! You can find it here.
Coming up on Tuesday: I have started to make my own nut milk, and I’m going to share how that’s going. Maybe it’s a stretch to share on a running linkup, but hopefully you guys will be ok with it. On Friday I’ll be joining so many friendly bloggers here for tea — or coffee if that’s your thing.
Between all the colorful leaves, the lakes/ponds, and grasses, it’s been easy to find my rainbows out in nature these days. Hopefully these memories will help sustain me through the long, cold, dark, dreary Winter. Or maybe I’ll find more beauty in nature this Winter; who knows?
I runfess . . . During our 3 day power outage our generator powers a lot, but not all, of our house. The microwave, refrigerator, and toaster oven (if you move it to another plug) for instance, but not the stove.
We use a portable light for the bathroom. Because we thought those lights weren’t powered (just like the bedroom lights aren’t). We almost died laughing the day I walked into the bathroom and turned on the lights without thinking about it, and sure enough they went on. One switch. There’s another switch that powers a different light as you walk in that isn’t powered by the generator.
I runfess . . .
I actually think a mostly extended break from hard running this year actually has done my body a lot of good. It’s given me time to try to figure out what the right amount of running for me is. Still not sure, but it has helped me mostly move from “I have to run” to “I get to run“. Most days.
Move more, exercise less
I runfess . . .
I think that you’re really not going to lose a lot of fitness in 2 weeks (if you’re not laid up injured or sick). I didn’t have any DOMs when I started to run again — or lift. I’m sure all the walking/hiking I did instead of running helped, too. Don’t be so afraid to stop running every once in a while — just keep moving!
Bandit: hey, what about me?
I dogfess . . .
Last Sunday I had the dogs in the office with me while Mr. Judy made dinner. All by his lonesome. After dinner he fed Lola and Bandit some leftover steak, as he always does, and we were so happy Lola ate some. Then we sat down to watch some TV. After the first show I realized I had never actually fed poor Bandit dinner!
I runfess . . . Apparently our hot, humid Summer was good for one thing: colorful Fall leaves. At least that’s what someone commented on a post on FB. Or maybe it was the great Fall weather we enjoyed (until now) — according to this PDF here:
The best weather for brilliant fall foliage is a growing season with ample moisture followed by a dry, cool and sunny autumn with warm days and cool but frostless nights.
I know we’re still actually in a drought, but we haven’t had a frost — yet — and it’s been relatively sunny and dry this Fall. No matter what, all the colorful leaves makes for some happy walking, hiking, and running.
Do you think Fall has been particularly colorful this year?
Ever felt a little running break actually helped?
Have you been finding new trails/paths to enjoy?
What do you have to runfess from October? Come join us
This week didn’t start off as I planned, but it was pretty good — until the weekend. Then things went rapidly downhill.
I had targeted a park that was a little further away than we usually go for our anniversary roadtrip. I’d been there, once, and I thought Mr. Judy might enjoy it, too. We didn’t go on our actual anniversary, as the weather wasn’t great, although it wasn’t a lot better on the day we did go.
The weather wasn’t pretty but we still enjoyed our day
Unfortunately that night Lola fell ill. She could barely walk and sometimes couldn’t even stand. She stopped eating and drinking — and she’s always been a really big drinker. We’re still not 100% sure what is causing it (still); any and all good vibes and prayers are much appreciated.
Running Mileage: 8.43 (-.49) Walking: Finished RBG; don’t think I’ll be tracking walking on the regular now but still trying to add in some extra miles
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
Monday intention: oops, I didn’t really think about one Probably because I am using the Peloton Road to 5k (partially) for my virtual 5k in about a month. It was speedwork today. May have actually run it a bit slowly, but always better to save it for the “race”/
Friday intention: destress If you follow me on FB here, you know that we had a belated road trip for our anniversary on Thursday (our actual anniversary was Monday). Everything seemed fine, until that night, when Lola started to act odd. There was sleep deprivation. The next morning she was even worse, and we ended up at the animal ER.
After pacing around waiting for many hours while they tried to diagnose and treat her (no real diagnosis, possible UTI and other things that could be much worse but we elected not to spend $$$ on testing for things that probably aren’t really treatable at her age), I finally brought her home and for the first time in a really long time I felt the need to pound out some stress. Of course there’s been lots of stress all year long, but most of the time, I haven’t felt the need to run hard. Today I did.
This particular Peloton workout as part of the Road to 5k obliged with some speed work.
Sunday intention: run out the sadness Lola is hanging in there after a second trip to the ER (ka-ching, ka-ching) and still no definitive diagnosis. Mr. Judy was very pleased that she ate & drank a bit on her own after he picked her up while I was running. As I’m typing this, she doesn’t seem too interested in treats again, but we’re grilling a steak so fingers crossed. She’s sighing a lot. I’m not terribly surprised, I warned Mr. Judy not to get too excited. She did enjoy some steak.
My heart was just heavy as I ran, but I’m still hopeful. She already has an appointment at the holistic vet, but getting in to any vet, and especially specialists, which was suggested, is super hard right now. It can take months to get an appointment.
I had originally planned a slightly longer run, but by the time I got out the afternoon was almost moving into evening so 4 it was. Probably just as well, there was sleep deprivation again last night.
There’s a deer hiding out on the left
Favorites of the week
On a better note, I met one friend I haven’t seen this year in the flesh for a walk this week.
Back at the pond
Then later in the week I met another friend for a walk near the pond and on the fitness path.
Finding Fall at the ER vet
Are you using running to help you destress lately?
What other things do you do to destress?
What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?
ICYMI: This week I have a longer Yin Yoga practice to help you release — whatever you have to release! It will also help you open up your hips, your low back, and your chest. You can find it here.
Coming up on Tuesday: Yup, it’s time to wrap up October! On Friday I’ll be visiting the Runfessional here to cleanse my running soul.
Yes, there is some running to report this week! Nothing wild, just a few short runs. Still lots of Yoga and walking. Less walking, though, because . . . running. My running miles basically replaced my extra walking miles from the previous week.
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
Tuesday intention: Restart Running safely Circumstances had me running on the two rainy days this week, which meant treadmill runs for me. I also started a loose version of the Peloton Road to 5k Program. Today’s run was intervals. I may have run a bit harder than I’d really intended but all was well and there was never any DOMs.
Friday intention: Running but finally some weights! More rain. More treadmill miles. This time it was a 10 min WU, 20 min run with 10 min of legwork. Somehow following a Peloton class makes it much easier on the treadmill (for me).
I started with a warmup walk through the woods
Sunday intention: Go the distance . . . . . . but not really. Just a slightly longer run than the first couple of runs — but easy! Although somehow negative splits. The mostly downhill second half might have had something to do with that. I started out with a walk through the woods (pictured above) to warm up.
Then onto my run
It was a bit hillier than I’d intended, but I had all the colored leaves to keep me entertained.
And this is where things went sideways
I chose a different way back because it was supposed to bring me back to where I’d parked. Then I got to the “path end” sign and had no idea how to go. I ended up calling Mr. Judy because I hate the maps app on my iphone 6, and he was able to point me in the right direction. I knew I was so close, but after walking back and forth for about a mile, I was getting darn hungry and anxious, too.
We’re at peak in the neighborhood
Favorites of the week
Despite a couple of days of rain, we’re really at peak up here in upstate NY and we’ve been blessed with some great Fall weather, too.
Fueled up for our walk
I didn’t need ice cream for most of my short walks/hikes this week, but since we got a warmer day — and I don’t like ice cream when it’s cold — this could be the last of the season.
Loved our walk around this pond so much I returned to this area to run (not the trails we walked on)Short walk at another nature preserve with the dogs
This particular preserve had warnings about the duck hunting going on. A lot of people were still walking. I decided to chance it. I could hear shots, but never very close.
I needed this hot chocolate today!
You guys, this hot chocolate is da bomb. Seriously. I made it with chocolate cashew milk I made. I add collagen, turmeric paste, and some mini chocolate chips to it so it’s nice and creamy and chocolatey. Today I actually added some whipped cream and cinnamon (unpictured) because I ended up going a lot farther than I’d planned to! Yes, at some point I’ll be posting about my nut milk making adventures.
Oh, and that’s the Echo Show 8 we bought for my mom in the background. I’m working on setting it up for her. We got a good deal on Prime Day; it’s not as good a deal now, of course, but it is slightly discounted here (Amazon Affiliate link). The sound is great! I’ve been having fun with it, when I’m not tearing my hair out how to get stuff working, of course. It’s been that kind of week. Sorry for the long post!
Do you ease back into running after a break or just pick up where you left off?
Do you embrace walking in addition to running or do you always feel the need for speed?
What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?
ICYMI: Sometimes video and audio fights me, and that was the case this week. I finally did get my Self Healing meditation put together after much hair pulling (ironic, no?) and you can find it here. Or maybe not. The first try at uploading it hung up. I’ve never had that happen before. I’m trying again but it’s unlikely to be live by the time I post.
Coming up on Tuesday: I finished my 40 Day Kriya and I’m sharing my thoughts on that. On Friday it’s a very personal post. Please view it with compassion and know that it’s not aimed at any person/s in particular.
Not running actually frees up some of my time. Yes, I’m walking more, but that doesn’t take as much pre- and post-routines (for me). Of course I could explore by running in the places I’m walking, but one problem I have is that I get so sweaty running that I can be uncomfortable post run if I have to drive a longer way home.
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
TX was bluebonnets, NY is leaves
Week intention: Recovery That was the intention, but the Mother Nature had something else in mind. Wednesday afternoon we had a really short, really severe storm pass through. We weren’t hit hard, but there were trees down all over the neighborhood.
We lost power for almost 3 days. Luckily we have a generator, but it doesn’t power everything, and it’s really loud — which made sleep difficult. Still I am very grateful for that generator — sleep would have been just as difficult without heat! Plus it powers our freezer & fridge. Most of my cooking was in the InstantPot or Toaster Oven.
I hadn’t intended my running break to be quite this long, but the purpose was recovery, and I knew returning to running while really tired from sleep deprivation wasn’t in my best interest. There was lots of walking (and photos), though!
Started to take Lola on short walks; she was never happy being left behind!
Favorites of the week
The week started with a trip to mom with a stop at Olana first. I got to explore more trails. I definitely want to go sometime when I have even more time to explore!
We used this carrier above to carry Lola up the steps at Olana & to try to keep her calm while I visited with momIt helped to keep her a *little* calmer
A short walk at a nearby nature trail
I took a solo walk at a nearby park & a little hike
10k walk/hike at Saratoga Spa State Park
Short walk with the dogs at one of my favorite (short) running trails
Today we visited a new place. May be the best place we’ve visited so far!
Lots of walking and Yoga, not much else. I wish I’d preloaded a few Peloton classes, but I didn’t. Plus . . . sleep deprivation most of the week, mom visit, vet visit for Lola . . . it was a busy work even without Wifi. I got in some amazing walks & lots of fall foliage, though!
How’re the leaves looking near you (if they turn)?
How do you cook without power?
What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?
ICYMI: I had several things almost ready to film, but there was the generator noise — and no way to upload. Uploading video take s a long time. I plan to get a new meditation up soon. Stay tuned.
Coming up on Tuesday: Not sure yet. On Friday I share part of why I took my running break. I actually wrote that for last Friday, but it wasn’t finished, and I don’t have unlimited data, so this Friday it will be. I’m obviously very far behind on commenting on blogs and returning comments! Thanks for your patience.
Nothing very exciting going on this week. No running to report (planned for break). Although I actually did get in more miles walking than I normally would with running, due to the Run for Ruth distance challenge.
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
Week intention: taking it easy Which meant no running for me this week. Despite decent weather, I didn’t really miss it, either. I did lots of walking. I *think* Bandit seems to be enjoying his extra, solo walks.
Bandit is not amused to lose his freedom a little, too
Favorites of the week
Lola continues to improve, but we’re not back to walks yet. The vet suggested only on grass. Well, she’s running around the backyard & where the heck are we going to be able to go for a short walk on grass? Actually I do have a few ideas.
Foggy start but the runway lights were cool!
But first a walk with a friend this morning. Miles always go by more quickly with a friend.
It doesn’t cost anything after Labor Day (except on the weekends)
Earlier in the week I visited Saratoga Spa State Park. I have run and raced a handful of times in this park, in fact normally I’d be doing a 10k there in a couple of weeks, but I don’t really know my way around it well and quite frankly I don’t think the road and trail signs are great.
Still I had a very nice walk that morning, enjoying the changing leaves and a waterfall or two.
The main reason I joined the walk for Ruth was the tshirt. Well, of course to honor her memory, too. Have you done a virtual just because you liked the swag?
Do you think the trails in your area are well marked?
What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?
ICYMI: An easy AM Yoga flow to banish any stiffness after sleeping here. Please excuse the resting b#*ch face. Sometimes it’s hard to get a great still!
Coming up on Tuesday: I’m finally giving you the lowdown on nasal breathing. On Friday I’ll suggest a few ways you can make virtual races more funI’m explaining why I decided to take a running break.
After our cold snap last week, trees are popping out in color all over the place. Way too early, but there’s something about the changing leaves . . . even if I never missed that the 17 years we lived in TX!
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
#allthepmpkins
Monday intention: Remind legs they can go fast An easy run with strides at the end to work on turnover. Another nice day, although I kinda felt like I was dragging. The busyness of September catching up with me, I guess. Still it was negative splits. Last mile pretty darn fast for me (due to pausing my watch when I walk back uphill between strides).
Every day new trees are turning
Thursday intention: get stronger + speed I chose to run my Dempsey Challenge 10k today instead of my usual long-run Saturday, thinking the weather would be cooler (maybe not so much, turns out). We’d still warmed up and it was humid, but not Summer-humid thankfully. I ran .8 mile to warm up, then another 3.1 in the neighborhood (rolling hills).
6 pence
Then I took off downhill for the second half of the 10k. Yup, the second half was significantly faster. At one point I spied a penny — then another, then another — all in all there were six socially distanced pennies. Weird! Yes, I picked them up.
Then I walked almost 3 miles back up the hills, and then it was another 1.5 mile cool down walk with Mr. Judy and Bandit and stick a fork in me I was done — for the rest of the day! I was tired. I don’t think it was the “race” so much as all that time out in the sun. I felt fine the next day.
If you’d like to donate to my fundraiser, you can (until the end of September) right here. 100% of your donations goes to support services for people battling cancer.
Dempsey Challenge 5k
Favorites of the week
In addition to running my virtual Dempsey Challenge on Thursday, we walked 5k on Saturday (the actual day of the road races, normally — there’s also cycling races) with Bandit. He was a bit balky towards the end (we had to pass our house to make sure it was really 3.1).
Bandit post 5k
Best use for beets!
Then there was this red velvet mug cake. It got its coloring from beets. Which I’ve had coming out of my ears with our veggie share.
Trying to block her escape route
Lola is better, but she is not amused at all at not being able to go on our walks. If she liked to be carried I’d take her with us that way, but alas, she really doesn’t. Luckily we have a gate that can attach to the top of our stairs, which Mr. Judy did. We carry her up & down those stairs. Sometimes she still goes up and down onto the couch, even though we try to help her and she has steps — she’s still darn fast for just about 15!
What are you looking at? Feather? What feather?
Run any virtual races lately?
Enjoying a little Indian Summer? We are for a few days!
What is one thing you’re proud you did this week?
ICYMI: One last Yin Yoga Pre Run Warmup and it’s the shortest one yet! I’ll get you out for your run in just a little over eleven minutes here. All of these practices are great post run, too — or even the night before a hard workout.
Coming up on Tuesday: I’m wrapping up my September. On Friday let’s grab some coffee or tea and get together to share what’s going on in our monthly coffee date here.
Most people come to Yoga for its physical benefits. I am not an exception. Sometimes, if you practice long enough, you begin to want to learn more about it . . . and Yoga is about more than just Asana.
Pull up a chair and mug with Cocoand Deborah and me for the ultimate coffee tea date, where I talk yoga, racing, and traffic — because that’s probably what I’d tell you if I were meeting you for a hot beverage.
Counteracted all that driving with some walking around while we were visiting my Dad
If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . . I had almost a two week break from being at my moms in the middle of October. I really needed that break. It also forced my mom to actually start taking rides from some people who live/work where she is — something I had suggested.
If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . . I’d tell you that it’s kind of surprising to me how much my student is loving her private yoga sessions.
2 weeks . . . 3 races
If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . . I’d tell you Fall is definitely my favorite time of year to race. I’ve had years when I’ve raced almost every weekend for a couple of months. There’s less likely to be snow during Fall (although it can rear its ugly head) and the temps are often my friend.
If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . . I’d tell you lately if there’s a traffic jam, you can almost bet I’m in the middle of it. Traffic isn’t that bad here, as it’s a relatively small city, but there’s been a lot of construction on the major highway. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve been stuck in traffic. Once coming back from my mom it took me literally an hour to go what normally takes 15 minutes. Thankfully this last visit I was able to leave early and it wasn’t so bad.
The worst part is that it changes from day to day, even from morning to afternoon so it’s always a guessing game what the best route is — a game that I seem to be constantly losing.
Yoga . . . it’s not just on your mat
If we were enjoying tea/coffee . . . I’d tell you Mr. Judy and I had a discussion one morning about how my new “career” is great — because the antidote to stress can actually be found in Yoga (although Yoga teacher burnout is a real thing, too).
Stress out about demoing for the studio owner (it went ok, although I messed up a bit but she’s going to put me on the sub list)? Meditate on it! Yes, meditation is actually a part of Yoga. In fact there’s something called the 8 Limbs of Yoga; Asana is just one limb.
I thought it was a cool conversation because Mr. Judy actually recognized that Yoga is about more than the postures. Which is very true.
Best use for beets!
