Missing Yoga

Yoga has become a fundamental part of my fitness routine. My summer classes are over and fall classes don't begin until later in September - so I'm missing my yoga.

I wish I was good at creating the time and space for yoga practice at home, but too much is always going on. There are too many distractions for me to really clear my head and focus, central elements of yoga. So, I need my weekly class with Denis.

Yoga has made me a better runner for many reasons. First, it brings my focus to my body. In all the stretches and reaches and deep breathing, I feel more intuned to my body. Yoga is also a challenge and, like running, you get out of it what you put into it. For example, if you take a pose or stretch and then let your body move farther into it, your body opens up and does things you never thought it would.

But I think the reason I enjoy yoga so much, and miss it when I can't get to a class, is that it is a slower, more contemplative practice which is a wonderful addition to an intense marathon training program.

Downward dog or child's pose anyone?