Bikram Yoga 90 day Challenge-Day 20

I decided to celebrate day 20 of my Bikram 90 consecutive day challenge with a double workout. Not sure why I haven't done this before as I'm so fond of a good endurance event. When we got to the end of the 90 minute, 105 degree, 26 posture workout, I found myself feeling as though I was just getting warmed up. So I did both the 7am and the 9am class. It was amazing. The second class was easier than the first, as I was good and warmed up.

They offer five classes a day at the Laguna Beach studio. How many do you think I can do in one day? The challenge is on!

Get out there and do something physical this weekend. Happy Friday!

"Official" Diagnosis

Spoke to the ortho Dr. on the phone. He says it's good ole' fashioned arthritis of the knee and "nothing can be done" Why do some of these doctors take delight in telling you that you just "ran too many miles"? I plan on taking matters into my own hands, second, third and fourth opinions. The finish line awaits. Thanks for all your good vibes.

See Jen Run.......Or Not

Who out there is in the mood for a party? Before you answer, I need to tell you that it's a big time, blow out of the year, Pity Party.

I got the results from the MRI yesterday. Good news and bad news. Good news - everything that was done surgically to my knee 10 months ago has healed. Bad news - we have a new injury in the same knee. They call it an osteochondral defect measuring 3.0 x 5.5 mm along the medial femoral condyle. Aren't you glad you asked? Translation: A hole in the bone of my knee. The doctor, who is my GP (haven't discussed with the orthopedic surgeon yet) looked me in the eye and said "Are you ready to accept the fact that Wonder Woman has left the room?" NO!!!!!

Woke up early this morning, next to my hard body surfer boy husband who handed me a cup of coffee. As I looked out at another stellar Laguna Beach day, overlooking the ocean, watching the early morning world come to life, I filled my head with every positive thought I could muster up. I am the Master of Positive Thinking. I finally said "Screw it, I'm tired of pouring pink paint over everything" I walked over to my Ultra Marathon "shrine" with all my race medals, 100 mile belt buckles and my one race trophy where I actually placed in a 50k and felt like chucking the whole lot into the trash.

Then, I threw some cold water on my face and went to the 7am yoga class for day 17 of my self created 90 day Bikram Yoga challenge. I can do 80% of the class, so that's what I'm doing. I love a good endurance event. I wonder what the world record is for fine wine drinking?

Does anyone out there have any words of wisdom or advice? Anyone?

Creepy Cat Ladies

My kitty, "Baby" turned one year old! We had a birthday party for the litter. Here we all are. The guy in the photo is the vet, where we all got the kittens. They came from the animal shelter, where they were going to be euthanized. Their names are - from left - me and Baby, Dr. Lorber's girlfriend and Lola, Dr. Lorber and Lila, Michele and Mimi. And yes, the cake in the photo is on the diet. I hear there is a bed opening up in the Orange County Psych Ward.

Day Eleven

Wow! My spine feels like a pearl necklace being stretched out. I think I've grown at least an inch. The "bell" (iphone alarm) went off late, but I still did the yoga workout. Keep on keepin' on everyone. Show up for life, even if you are an hour late.

Day Ten

Dayum. This is a lot of yoga! The bell goes off at 5am tomorrow morning for day eleven.

Bikram's 90 day Challenge on 54 cents per day

I have decided to take on the Bikram 90 day challenge!

I've been practicing Bikram Yoga for almost two years. This phenomenal workout according to founder, Bikram Choudhury, is the only workout you will ever need since it works your body head to toe, bones to skin, inside out and transforms you mentally. (It will not be the only workout I'll be doing)

Here's the catch (you knew there had to be one) The benefits are cumulative. Bikram says that just going to class a couple times a week is a waste of money. Well guess what folks? The classes are not exactly cheap.

What I love about Bikram, is that he says you don't need fancy equipment or yoga studios. In his Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class book, he details everything you need to perform the workout at home. Don't get me wrong, the classes are wonderful, led by highly qualified, certified instructors. Most studios even offer first timers a special deal somewhere around $20. for two weeks of unlimited classes. I love and highly recommend the classes.

However - - I always remember my Daddy (who grew up during the Great Depression) telling us kids that all we needed was to run around the block if we wanted exercise, or if we wanted to learn something new, just go down to the library and check out a book for free on the subject. He educated us on self reliance and the art of being a rugged individual.

I got inspired by an article I read in Oprah's magazine about a woman who took on the 60 day challenge. The studio I go to, as do many Bikram studios, is forever offering 60 and 90 day challenges.

So I decided to come up with my own 90 day challenge. Join me if you'd like. Here is what you will need:

Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class Book - $20.00

Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class 2 CD set - $20.00

Yoga Mat - $8.98

Mirror - (if you're blind you will not need this item and probably someone is reading this to you)

Towel - Hopefully you have one, if not, we need to discuss your personal hygiene

Heater

Motivation - Free but not always easy

Grand total: $48.98

If comes out to 54 cents per day. Daddy always did love a bargain!

Today is day eight. Yes, that is me in the photo.

Angela's Movie Review - "The Shift"

My Mom came back from Maui last week and handed me this movie, called The Shift. (she's always doing stuff like that) She met the star, Dr, Wayne Dyer, at yoga class and he gave her a free copy.

I loved this movie! It's a drama, but it also shows Dr. Dyer being interviewed talking about how to live a happy life, how to understand the purpose of your life, and lots of other cool stuff. My Dad gave me a copy The Secret last year, and I liked this one much better.

It really inspired me, cuz I'm out looking for a job right now and need all the positive motivation I can get. Wish me luck, and check out this movie. It just might make you think.