Brief Story on the Hard Runner's Attempt at Yoga

Today I tried my first ever yoga class.  One of my long time running buddies from church convinced me to give it a try.  Well, I knew I wanted to try yoga for some time.  Practically every runner I know who has tried yoga simply loves it.  I, on the other hand, don't like the idea of doing something that makes me look stupid.  That limits me to a very small number of things I can do.  Yoga is not on that list, of course.  

(Now this is a yoga pose!  What was I doing?)  

But my friend reminded me that I look pretty stupid running too, but I still do that.  Enough said, I decided to give it a try.  Probably not a great idea to try it right after running a 6 mile run at close to tempo pace.  Lately, however, this body has been feeling strong so my confidence was up.  After all, I've recovered this year from plantar fasciitis, problems in both knees (ITB syndrome) and lost 30 extra pounds of useless weight.  Surely I can take on a simple yoga class for a short hour.  Besides, most of our stretches after we run are mock versions of various yoga poses anyway.  How hard could it be?

I tell you what, it was harder than I imagined.  My body simply was not designed to hold some of those poses.  And the yoga instructor, bless her little heart, was about 60.  She could move that body of hers around better than most 30 year olds I know.  Hows that for making me look stupid?

(Couch Yoga, Brilliant!) 

At about 30 minutes into our workout, I was taking on a bit of a sweat.  Great, I thought, this is way more than some simple stretch routine!

After about 40 minutes, I thought, if she puts us in that downward dog one more time… one more time!  Of course, my downward dog had given up and my upward dog had fallen down.  My warrior I, warrior II and warrior III had all taken up arms against each other.  My pigeon was cooked and my triangle, at best was a square.  But I rocked that child pose, yeah!

All in all, it was a beneficial experience and I think I may have found a viable complement to my running.  Yep, I'll try it again next week.

Never, never stop running.

New Post: Prep for a Twenty Mile Run

So, I think I'm ready for a hot, long run tomorrow morning.  Dallas, this summer, has offered up some of the hottest days in history to hit the streets and run.  If you're in Dallas, I don't have to tell you what the weather is going to be like.  I won't waste time positing a pic of the weather app from my iPhone.  A true pet peeve for one of my running buddies, Anthony Logsdon.

But, for the heck of it I took a pic of my running nutrients to post today.  I stopped in at my trusted local running store to stock up on gels, beans and waffles.  

I've noticed over the years of long running that I really hate fueling up during a run.  It really doesn't make sense, but I have the hardest time convincing myself to fuel my body during the thick of the run.  Something happens to my brain at about mile 4 when I'm usually feeling great.  I know I have another 16 miles to go, but I cannot imagine that I'll ever feel bad.  "Surely, I can run forever," I tell myself.  Therefore, I usually just take a quick sip of water and press on.  Around mile 15 I find myself wondering, "how on earth will I ever finish?"  

That was me.  A year ago, even two or three years ago.  This year has been different.  I've been working hard at taking in electrolytes and calories at regular intervals.  I have not perfected it yet, but I know it's important to do.  Since I'm qualified clydesdale, according to most marathon officials, I burn more energy per minute than those shirtless, sub 8 min/mile stallions.  I lose more water, too.  I tested myself before and found that I lose a whopping 9 lbs. on 20+ mile days.  That is an entire gallon of water!  I cannot figure out how to put all that back during the run, but I'm trying to reduce the loss as well.  Don't know if that is truly possible, but I believe extra calories during the run will certainly help.  

Over the last couple of long runs I've done much better at taking in supplements and water.  I can tell the difference in my ability to finish and recover.  

Here's a quick glance at my replenishment plan for tomorrow morning:

1. One Honey Stinger Waffle about one hour before start

2. 1-2 Endurolytes capsules every other water stop

3. One Honey Stinger energy gel at alternating water stops (alternating from the Endurolytes capsules)

4. Jelly Belly Sport Beans - whenever needed to relieve boredom spells

5.  EAS Myoplex Shake (after the run recovery drink)

If I manage to consume this heavy diet of packaged nutrients (still highly unlikely), we're talking over 900 calories.  Let's compare that to the 3100+ cals I'll burn and there's little wonder why these runs are so tough.  But what's not to love?  I get to hang out with a great group of people, laugh a whole lot, and challenge my body and mind.  I'm blessed!  Who cares about the heat?

Never, never stop running.