As you may know, I am officially training for my first marathon. I shared with you yesterday my first day of training (click HERE for training schedule and Day 1). Wondering if I finished my second mile that I said I would come back to yesterday? Wondering if I really got on the treadmill again because I only did half of what I was supposed to? Well, so was I. The clock was winding down last night and it was getting late. As I mentioned earlier, I only did 1 mile because that’s all I had time for. I was still proud of myself for getting out of bed and having the initiative to do what I set out to do. Yes, I did indeed go back on the treadmill and gave it another shot 9:30 at night. When you want your goals bad enough, you’ll do what you need to do to get there, no matter what. So, I proudly set my alarms at 4:30 am to run a mile and 9:30 pm to run one more! Even better, I ran another two miles! It just felt good. I really enjoy the walk/run pace because I’m not looking at my over all time or the miles on the track, but focused on the seconds which makes it So. Much. Easier.
Today, the chart suggests that I cross train. Fabulous. My other favorite forms of exercise are kickboxing, yoga and mountain climbing. Considering I am limited to my house for training, I choose yoga. I have taken years of yoga and I’m the most flexible person I know. (Please note, I haven’t seen all my friends stretch into downward facing dog, so this is why I’m the most flexible! Just kidding.) Seriously, I’ve always been very flexible and always loved yoga. I even considered teaching kids yoga at one point.
After reviewing many yoga DVDs, I pulled out one of my favorites, Chakra Balancing Yoga with Sharon Gannon. I bought this DVD from Acacia Lifestyle, one of my favorite online stores for the body, mind and spirit. You can find a lot of really cool items here like this DVD!
Now this is not your normal yoga video. This is a chanting yoga session. Have you ever chanted? I pulled this DVD because it’s relaxing yet challenging and helps me focus on my breathing. I realized after I ran my 5k earlier this week, that I wasn’t breathing correctly. Sometimes during a regular day, I notice my breathing is shallow and not as strong as I would like it to be.
Sharon Gannon has fabulous stretching poses as she chants the words of the chakras to release stress while giving blessings to the world around you.
WAIT! WHAT?
Yes. Again, my absolute favorite way to yoga. It’s not fast pace, body moving yoga but rather you hold a pose (feels like 20-30 seconds?) and stretch and chant (mantras) clearing out negativity and bringing in positivity. The point is to bring a sense of self wholeness and awareness.
It’s amazing.
I am quite familiar with this DVD as I have played it over and over but what I wasn’t ready for was how stiff I was! I was actually really surprised. I felt like this cross training activity was more slow paced and I needed just that. After a 5k on Sunday, 10 hours of amusement park walking (with stroller and 40 lb kid) on Monday and training the rest of the week, I really looked forward to some fabulous stretching!
I also have her two other videos, Transform Yourself with Jivamukti Yoga and Power to the Peaceful Yoga.
I’m not sure why but I’ve had them for a while and never opened them. Can’t wait to see what they are all about! Do you have a favorite yoga DVD? Let me know so I can expand my collection!
Another 2 miles of walk/run looking at me tomorrow. Getting some rest for the rest of the day!
Namaste!
(PS All thoughts and opinions of the Chakra Balancing Yoga DVD (and other DVDs) as well as Acacia Lifestyle are my own. I have received no forms of compensation. These are all my real thoughts!)