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
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!
