One of the things that has encouraged me to continue trying new yoga classes are the small nuggets of wisdom imparted by the teacher throughout class. At the end of most sessions, they will say something like “thank yourself and your body for taking this time and completing this exercise.”
THANKING YOUR BODY
It sounds so simple and yet, I know that for most runners when we finish a speed session, a long run, an easy run, a tempo run or whatever, we tend to judge it and often find fault with not going fast enough or far enough…or just having an off day. If instead we simply said to ourselves, thank you legs for doing this day after day and thank you to me for continually putting my health first, it would ensure we ended on a great note and inspire us for the next run.
Another pearl is the idea of being present…
BE PRESENT TOP
I couldn’t believe it when I found a company called Be Present because I had been thinking about this topic. I was able to test out on of their yoga tops and it’s now a favorite. I am not a fan of super tight shirts, but haven’t found many other options with yoga so that it’s not around my neck during the first downward dog. 
The top is loose through the middle with a fitted band along the bottom…not like your old school sweat pants mind you, but just enough to keep it down and in place. The top is so light and breathable, I have been wearing it all over the place.
I also love that the company truly follows their mission from start to finish…the material is sustainably farmed, the tag is 100% recycled paper, the packaging is recyclable. The idea of living your mission so completely in every area strikes a chord with me and is yet another place in which I think yoga can be a benefit to ALL of us.
As runners we are prone to go, go, go, with little time for reflection or even pause. It’s why we tend to get “overuse” injuries and yoga provides us not only with physical benefits to prevent injury, but mental practices to breathe through the tough runs and mental tools to improve our overall well being. That’s right, I’m preaching the benefits of yoga once again for any of you hold outs!
So this weekend, no matter how your run goes remember to thank your body and yourself for just getting out there…and while you’re running, try to be in the moment and enjoy it…someday we may not be able to do this! Have you thanked your body today? 
------------------------------------------------------
Gratitude Journal
April 22
I am grateful for no traveling next week
I am grateful for first class seats
I am grateful for running groups
I am grateful for images that inspire me
I am grateful for blue, blue skies
13 good vibes:
That shirt is SO cute!
I like the idea of that slightly fitted band around the bottom! Even when running, a lot of my tank tops tend to ride up. Cute outfit!!
Be present and thank your body... two very good pieces of wisdom that I will take with me. Thanks!
Love that shirt--it looks great on you!
:)
I love Be Present clothing. I have a pair of their loose fitting yoga pants and LOVE them. They are an awesome company!
And, the message to "thank your body" is a great one. Sometimes when my workouts don't go as planned, I always try and remember to be thankful that I can even run, bike, and swim. There are so many people out there that can't do that. I have to remember that my body is an amazing machine and I do need to thank it more often!
I love that top. I too am not a fan of super tight tops. Mostly because of my muffin top from having babies. ugh.
I want to thank you on the comment of reminding us to Be Present and to "thank" our bodies! I decided to keep a gratitude jar and put what I am grateful for that day in the jar. Some days I've been overwhelmed and have to back track and then think...sad, that I couldn't even think to say I'm grateful for the grass, the wind, etc. But the other day I did write I am grateful for my body. No matter weight I am it has never failed me, when I don't "treat" it right w/the bad foods it has never failed me and even though I have some ohhs and ouches it has never failed me. Yep this is going to be my blog post. Thank you for the additional reminder!!
And the tops are cute too!
Hey Amanda...I know a awhile back you were considrering a RRCA coaching cert or some other training cert to help with your writing. I just took the RRCA course a few weeks ago, so I'll give you my take on it.
The course material itself were nothing new. I already knew what you should do to train for certain events. However, not having a sports physiology background,learning why you do things a certain way was very helpful. I'll be more thoughtful about constructing training plans in the future to better balance overload/recovery. I've been leaving my race out on the training course much too often.
Almost everyone in the class was a personal trainer and/or a high school or college coach. Having that much experience in the room was great. I loved heearing their stories and what worked for them and their athletes.
Plus, you can also get professional liability insurance at a very reasonable price through RRCA after completing the course. It's always good to CYA :)
I'd recommend the class if you have the opportunity to take it.
Love this concept. And I also love that yoga teachers remind us of these things. Great top!
Yoga has totally helped me with this. It's now a regular part of my weekly schedule and I do my best to stay as in the moment as possible during those 90 minutes.
I love that Yoga shirt- I have such problems with tight shirts riding up.
The shirt is cute! Definitely wearable outside of yoga class. The reminder to be present in the run is very timely. I need to remember that during the marathon next weekend when my feet start dragging!
Such a key post Amanda! I have to stop myself when I began sentances like, "I can't wait till..." or, "Once I can do ___, it will be __"!!
Love it!
I love that you have the gratitude journal at the end of every post. What a great way to always keep yourself in check for what you're thankful for instead of focusing on what you wish you had.
Post a Comment
Your comments make my day and let me know more about who you are! Please let me know what you think of today's post or any questions you might have!