The Infinite Pool of Joy?

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Coco

I guess I am giving in to the fact that yoga seems to have a good place in my training program. Since I am worried about over-training and getting injured, I wasn’t too happy doing weights M/W/F–all those lunges, squats and dead lifts left my legs tired right before my Saturday “long” runs. While I could do the elliptical instead, for an “easy” cardio workout, I know my body needs the stretching and different type of strengthing that yoga can offer.

I have had the same favorite (only!) yoga program (Beth Shaw’s YogaFit) for I don’t know how long.  Its an actual VHS tape, so that should tell you something about how old it is. While I still enjoy it, I thought it was time for some variety, especially if I planning on doing it–gasp!–every week. I like Rodney Yee’s non-nonsense style, and my friend likes his programs, so I though I would give him a try. After much browsing on Collage Video and Amazon.com, I settled on his A.M. Yoga DVD. It has five different 20(ish) minute workouts, each with a different focus, designed for a Monday-Friday rotation.

Today I did the standing poses program (“Monday”) and the hip openers program (“Friday”). Both were good, but I have to laugh at my inflexibility.  While Rodney is folded flat in half on his forward bend, I am lucky to get to a 45 degree angle!

At the beginning of the program, he talks about drawing on the “infinite pool of joy” within us. I don’t know about that, but I do know that I will continue to do yoga as part of my training program, and maybe even after I cross that finish line.

I also did some time on the foam roller. Another “necessary evil” of my training program.

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It’s Still Hard

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Coco

It’s still hard getting up and not having Sally eagerly waiting for breakfast and a morning walk.

It’s still hard fixing my egg white omelette and not having Sally come over for the yolk at the crack of the first egg.

It’s still hard throwing away food and realizing that I don’t have to secure the trash can, getting food from the pantry and not having to close the door all the way, being able to leave the room with a plate of food on the table and knowing that it will still be there when I get back.

It’s still hard thinking about leaving work early, and then realizing that Sally won’t be there with a happy greeting.

It’s still hard going to bed without the sound of her breathing to lull me to sleep, or the jingle of her tags to wake me in the middle of the night.

I know it’s getting easier, but it’s still hard.

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Unopened Cards

Posted on September 23, 2010 by Coco

My sister-in-law came over today to spend some time with my husband, do some shopping, and go out for her birthday dinner. She brought us a sympathy card especially for pets and it had a nice message, about how we will be remembering her with smiles instead of tears.

Truly, I can do both now. I am hit with waves of deep sadness from time to time, especially first thing in the morning and at night–the quiet times in my day when I’m not distracted with busy-ness. Actual tears come less frequently and last only a moment. But I can think of her beagle howl, her mischief, her love of walks, and smile, although these thoughts bring tears now (while I’m writing this, at night).

In the stack of today’s mail there is a card from my mother-in-law that I assume is a sympathy card and a card from my vet. I left both unopened. I will read them in the morning when I am stronger, when I can appreciate their messages and then distract myself with the rest of my day.

This all seems “a bit much” for a dog, when others are mourning parents, siblings, children, friends, or are facing serious diseases, but that’s why I am writing about it, not talking about it, why I am going to work instead of hiding under the covers, why I am saving my tears for the quiet times when I am alone.

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Worth Getting Up Early For

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Coco

When I looked at my calendar for this week, I thought I would have to make today a “rest” day. I had an 8:00 am flight and needed to leave the house at 6:30 to get to the airport, park, etc.

After Monday, when I managed to run 5 miles by 6:15, I decided that I could figure something out. Surely I could do a 45 min TM workout, be done by 6:00 and be ready by 6:30. Since it was a day trip I didn’t need to pack.

I decided that I should set my alarm for 4:45 (15 min early) to be sure I’d have time. When my alarm went off I did hit snooze (as any sane person would at that hour!) but I got up before it went off again (as only a crazy person can). I had re-thought my plan to wait to have coffee at the airport, and set up a small pot so I could have at least one good cup before I had to face traffic and security lines.

I started my workout (45 min hill interval program) a smidge after 5:00, and was done, stretched and in the shower by 6:00. Despite changing my mind about what I was going to wear, I was ready by 6:30 I filled my travel mug and slurped down at least one mug’s worth on my way to the airport.

All in all, it didn’t take that much effort–or even that much planning–to fit my workout in.

The coming week will present more scheduling challenges, but hopefully I will figure out ways to keep my training on track.

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Back To The Grind

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Coco

My plan for the day was to do 30 min elliptical and then my 30+ min free weights routine. I hit snooze a few times, not ready to face the morning without Sally or start the day without our walk, but I never considered skipping my workout.

I fixed my Muscle Provider chocolate protein shake, filled my water bottle and went down to the basement. I climbed on the elliptical and chose a 25 min glutes program. The first 15 min went slowly–I usually do intervals and this program is more steady state–but thank goodness the last 10 min and 5 min cool down went faster. I worked up a bit of a sweat, which is always good.

I did my usual weight routine but it took almost 40 min instead of a bit more than 30. I did add front raises to balance the lateral raises, and maybe the tricep dips took longer than the skull crushers they replaced.

I had the news on for distraction, but realized that I get pretty meditative while doing my weights. I watch my form in the mirror, I move slowly and deliberately, I appreciate my muscles. I felt calm and at peace, even though I was working hard.

Speaking of meditative calm, my new yoga DVD came today–thanks to the magic of Amazon. I’m not sure when I will try it with my crazy schedule but I will work it in soon.

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