Bikram yoga-thon

Hurray! I did it. 
6 classes of Bikram yoga - done! 

Now i know there are some of my friends who are thinking yoga? Big deal? As someone know for doing triathlon (seen in the eyes of many to be truly ridiculous), doing yoga, something relaxing and restorative seems to be like congratulating someone for watching an entire season of Breaking Bad in one day?

Yes it is relaxing, but it is also about challenging your body, and pushing it as far and as hard as you can, whilst being truly connected to what you are doing, without distraction or hesitation. As someone who loves training for swim/bike/running, I'm sure you can draw a lot of parallels. Plus it being so hot does add an extra level of challenge. 

The fist 3 classes flew by, then we had a couple of hours break before this next one, this allowed some time for bits to start aching, and the fatigue to set in. However class no 4 whizzed by and no 5 was right behind. This was my yoga wall! I really struggled in this class, it was particularly hot, and I thought I was going to throw up at one point, A few breaths to compose myself, and taking a few postures easy and I was back in the game! The last class whizzed by and we had done it!

I got home, had a quick bite to eat, drank some more water and green tea, and off to bed! 

This morning my shoulders are feeling a little sore, but other than that im feeling very good. Definitely a feeling of cleansing (that was either all the sweating or the 6 showers I had!?) 

there were a number of us who managed the 6 classes. Please have a look at the Children in Need page :) 
HBY Fundraising Page

Challenge - 8 hours of Bikram Yoga

Since not being able to run, and therefore compete in triathlon and obviously running, there is a big competition and challenge shaped hole in my life. I have really missed the mental and of course physical challenge which racing brings, but also the immense feeling of satisfaction which comes with completing a triathlon, or getting a PB, or generally having a really good race. 

I have been plodding along with my rehab program and generally drifting about in the wilderness of training without racing. Those of you who know me will know just how much I love racing all all which that brings.

I found out about this challenge for Children in Need at Hot Bikram Yoga in London. It is 6 Bikram yoga classes back to back in one day.

That's Back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back bikram.

Now, I am sure some of you are thinking "pffft, that doesn't sound too challenging to me? Sitting about saying 'OM'". I am sorry to say, this was my view of yoga until a friend of mine introduced me to Bikram yoga. I have been a huge advocate of it ever since, and the benefits for mind and body are huge. Especially for those of us who abuse our bodies through mile on the road, in the pool or hunched over TT bars on the bike.

For those of you who don't know, here is a bit about Bikram...

Bikram Yoga has been developed from traditional hatha yoga. It became popular in the 1970s but is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Generally Bikram Yoga classes run for 90 minutes and consist of the same series of 26 postures, including two breathing exercises. Now here comes the part which sets it apart, it is practiced in a room heated to 40 °C and with a humidity of 40%. I promise you will be dripping with sweat at the end of it! 

I am doing this for the personal challenge, but also trying to raise a few pennies for a good cause. I have never done anything more than one class in a day, and they are tough at the best of times.

13 November, Balham HBY Studio

Some links;
Check out HBY...you wont regret it :) 
My fundraising page

New Beginnings

I have tried to keep a blog up to date about 5 times. 

I have now decided with re-newed enthusiasm (much like those January gym go-ers) that I am going to write about my journey to the European Triathlon Championships in Kitzbuhel. 

This is my second season of triathlon, and the first that I have begun any Tri specific training before May! I come from a background as a runner, but a pretty average one at that. I have only begun to see some serious improvements following the addition of some double training session days, and surprise, surprise - actually following a training plan.

One of the things I have begun doing is yoga. Not just any yoga though, Bikram yoga which you do in a room heated to around 40 degrees. I was VERY skeptical about this in the beginning, and didn't really see it as training, however as someone who rarely ever stretches, and uses the excuse of being too busy, this is a great opportunity to have 90 minutes of enforced stretching. I also surprised myself by actually enjoying it. It is pleasant to have some time to focus on nothing but holding the positions the instructor is telling you to do.



The next even on the horizon is the Inter-Services Cross Country Championships...stay tuned!