If you practice yoga, you probably have had the experience of learning something during class that you can apply off the mat. Maybe the instructor offered an intention that resonated with an issue you were facing outside the yoga studio–accept where you are today and be kind to yourself, don’t be afraid to fall/fail, be open but without expectation, breathe through the difficult times. Maybe the instructor shared a reading, meditation, or poem that really stayed with you.
Lessons From Peacock Pose
I’ve been taking Ann’s CPY2 classes for over a year now, and peacock pose has been the peak pose a number of times. While I’ve always done the base-building moves, I never got even close to doing the pose itself until last week. Yes, I’m probably stronger than I was before, but I also recognized the mental wall that was keeping my toes on the mat, and finally saw a way through it.
There are different ways to move into peacock pose, but we were starting in a quasi-plank position with our arms turned backwards. I had my upper body resting on my bent forearms, but still was relying on my feet to hold up a lot of my weight. As Ann cued us to shift our weight forward and play with lifting at least one foot at a time, I caught myself thinking “yeah, right” as I pictured the pose and the daunting impossibility of it. I decided to stop thinking about it and just try doing what she was suggesting. I surprised myself by getting both my feet off the ground–if only for a few seconds. I know I didn’t look anything like these yogis but I did what I thought was impossible only a few moments earlier.
Off the mat and out of the studio, there are so many things I’d like to do that seem impossible. What would happen if stopped dwelling on the insurmountable obstacles they seem to present and just move forward into the challenges?
Weekly Wrap
The highlight of my week was the Farm To Fork Fondo–Pennsylvania Dutch. Since it was a new course this year, I didn’t know what kind of hills to expect–or when we would encounter them–but I resolved to not think about how impossibly steep or long they may look, and just keep climbing. I’ll have a full recap soon, but for now I’ll tell you that whether it was mind over matter gravity, all those Conte’s hill rides, or the farm-fresh fuel, I felt strong throughout the hot, hilly, and gorgeous 50 mile course. 🙂
Here’s my full recap for the Weekly Wrap link up hosted by Holly and Wendy:
Monday: Orange Theory Fitness
My legs were tired after my 8+ mile run Saturday and 40+ mile ride Sunday, but that doesn’t explain why I earned so few splat points during this class. I was running at 7.5 mph and 3.0% incline but my heart rate stubbornly stayed just below the “orange” zone.
I know it was a good workout, and that’s what matters.
Tuesday: 2 mile walk with Scooby
At some point Monday afternoon I ended up with a pinched nerve or pulled muscle in my back, so Tuesday was basically a rest day. I saw this lovely sunrise on my morning walk with Scooby.
Luckily I was able to get a massage Tuesday afternoon and the massage therapist was able to release whatever was tight.
Wednesday: 4. 3 Scooby Miles
I was going to take it easy again on Wednesday, so I didn’t go to Cyclebar, but when I felt 100% recovered as I was getting ready to walk Scooby I decided to take him running instead.
Thursday: 45 min strength workout
Friday: CPY2 @ CorePower yoga
Saturday: Farm To Fork Fondo–Pennsylvania Dutch
Details to come!
Sunday: Rest Day!
Are you facing an “impossible” challenge you can overcome anyway?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I know I am often afraid to try some of yoga poses bc I think I will fall on my face. Hope I can join you for a class soon! Can’t wait to hear about the Fondo
That fear is real! Ann suggested using your chin as another option and I was NOT open to that at all. 😉
I’m glad that pinched nerve/pulled muscle thing didn’t hang around and the massage worked its magic. I’m looking forward to the details of your ride. From your picture, it looks like a beautiful day for it. I may do a metric later in the fall. But, that does mean I’d have to start riding doesn’t it? 😉 Thanks for linking!
I’ve got a full post for Tuesday on yoga and how it has helped my running. I love that you shared this story. I’m looking forward to the recap of your ride!!!
I don’t think I’ve ever tried peacock pose (and I call myself a planker LOL). That’s great that you were able to push past your mental resistance! You and Scooby are logging quite a few miles 😉
It’s definitely a pose that doesn’t come naturally, but there are lots of youtube videos on how to do it!
This is such a motivating read leading into a new week! Thanks for sharing
Aw, thanks! That means a lot.
I’m in a small challenge myself, and it is scary, and causes doubt. I know I can do it, and the saying above does resonate. I can’t let the doubt keep me from pursuing this.
You had an awesome week of workouts leading up to Farm To Fork Fondo. Happy that you enjoyed the race this weekend, despite the heat!
Thank you sharing your yoga story. I still struggle with doing yoga and learning to love it. I hope that changes one day
I think finding the right style and instructor are key. I never loved yoga until CPY .
Great job on your race! That whoppi pie looks delicious and surely well earned:)
I have done yoga for years, but have never even attempted a peacock pose! It looks very intimidating. Can’t wait to read about your Fondo experience. The whoopie pie you are eating looks yummy!!!
Whoa, peacock pose looks intense. But those are some seriously good lessons there, especially not overthinking things.
Glad the massage was able to help and you were good to go for your biking event. Gorgeous sunrise
I remember the first time trying a few challenging for me poses and it’s scary! So first of all, congrats for going for it and secondly, CONGRATS for hitting it —> a few seconds on your first try is awesome! I have never tried that pose, but I hope to some day.
Let me repeat that I looked nothing like the people in the pictures! I looked more like a peacock with its tail down, barely hovering off the dusty ground. 😉
I think you’re so right about the attitude in yoga. I’ve been stuck for ages not being about to do a shoulder stand, out of fear, but I have recently just been going for it, staying up for a while then popping down – haven’t snapped my neck yet! I can’t see where your elbows go in peacock pose but the face smashing opportunities look strong! I wouldn’t balance on my chin, either! Great work this week.
I think your elbows are tucked under your ribs? I’m playing with tripod headstand. I can rest my knees on my elbows but need confidence (and core strength) to lift my legs up. It’s fun to try.
I love yoga, it helps with so many aspects of training, I haven’t tried that pose yet but hopefully I will get there soon!
It really helps to have an instructor help you to work up to it!
I’m not currently facing anything that I feel is impossible, but every time I go out for my long run and see how many miles I need to be doing I feel a little bit overwhelmed with a “how am I going to do that” feeling. But I do it and every time I finish a long run I prove to myself that I can keep doing it.
Yes, long runs can be daunting. I try not to let myself think ahead.
That’s great that you felt strong throughout the ride! I haven’t heard of peacock pose before. I always struggle with crow, and I think it’s definitely about fear of falling for me.
Crow still can be scary sometimes, but sometimes I feel like I could hold it forever.
I haven’t done yoga in a long time. I intend to register for a class but life gets in the way. I always struggle with many poses because I am NOT flexible.
Oh, I am not flexible either! Forward fold is hard for me! But I think the hot yoga classes help warm up and relax my muscles.
Way to go for pushing through and hitting the pose if even for a moment. And, thanks for sharing this lesson – it’s a great reminder of the power of fear. I’m looking forward to hearing all about Fondo ride!
Fear only has power if we let it! Or, as Pres. Roosevelt said, there is nothing to fear but fear itself. 😉
I find yoga very hard. my balance is terrible and while I would love to actually dive more into yoga I feel like I don’t have the time, you know? My husband was doing quite a lot of yoga stretches (?) for a while when he was having back issues and it was really helping him. But regarding fear… it’s ever present. It holds me back from a lot. We even talked about it at training 2 weeks ago. It’s good to have something positive for you trigger your thinking on the subject.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your fondo!!
I think practicing yoga helps my balance. I don’t think of myself as having good balance, but I can do a lot of the single leg poses — although they definitely are easier on one side vs. the other. Having enough time to do all I want to do certainly is an issue!
Peacock pose is so beautiful!
I love all those food to fondo events you do! I keep my eyes open for similar things here, but i never see anything!
This particular series is mostly in the northeast, since the founder is from Vermont. The new Shenandoah event in Virginia was it’s further south.
I’ll be honest, I have never tried yoga. I mean I have been silly and done like tree pose and stuff but I haven’t ever really given it a 100% go at. It certainly has its benefits I know. Maybe eventually I will give some poses a try, in the private of my basement. LOL
It took a few fits and starts for me to get hooked. Rodney Yee beginner DVDs (or streaming subscription) is a great place to start.
I had to look up what a peacock pose was and now I am positive I won’t be doing that any time soon! So great that you were able to do it even if it was for only a few seconds. Wow!
Looking forward to your ride recap.
That’s what I thought too, so just don’t think about it. You never know what you can do!
I’m glad to hear that despite the heat that you still had a great ride. I can’t wait to hear all about it!
The heat was … hot … but it wasn’t unbearable — at least with cycling you make your own breeze.
Farm to Fork Fondo looks really cool! I can’t wait to read your full recap!
It was so fun! You should check out the ones near you. 😉
I recently took the Silver Sneakers yoga instructor course and now I’m working on putting a routine together. It’s a challenge, but I’m excited about it. Congrats on your new pose and the great week of workouts!
I bet it is hard to put together a good routine – I’m sure you’ll do great.
It’s amazing to think those yoga poses take so long to achieve. I’ve only barely done yoga and keep intending to make it routine. It must feel awesome to finally get to a pose you have been working on for such a long time! Looking forward to your full Farm to Fork Fondo recap!
Well, I hardly “got” peacock pose — it’s more like I realized it’s something I might be able to work up to. 😉
Rehabilitation process may be speed up by some chiropractors help.