Today was not only day seven of the Bikram Yoga 30 day challenge, it was day one of the 6-day Cleanse that my lovely sister, Monica in Florida talked me into doing. Starting the new year, I knew I wanted to do something to make those jeans of mine fit better. Who am I kidding? I don’t even own a pair of jeans anymore because last years new years resolution was to clean out my overflowing closet, which I finally did in December. After all, why do in January what I could put off for eleven months?
“We’ll do it together,” said my fit, attractive, glowing skin, yoga teacher sister who lives all the way on the East Coast where she can’t really check up on me. “I did this fast a few years back and felt fantastic!”
I agreed and was up this morning, skipping coffee and making my distilled water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and Aloe Vera juice cocktail. Starbucks ain’t got nothing on this cocktail. The first thing I learned is that I’m addicted to caffeine. As my husband sat on the sofa with me as the sun was rising drinking his coffee while I drank my health cocktail, I wanted to tell him, “Stop talking so much!” Such is the power of caffeine on most of us.
Morning yoga class was delightful, not too crowded and I feel like I’m getting a rhythm going. I felt energized after class, drank my next health cocktail in the parking lot of the yoga studio, went home and spent the whole day eating vast quantities of fruit, since this is part of the cleanse. Dinner was two avocados which I savored. I never knew how great avocados, lemon juice and sea salt could taste.
It’s good to give the body a rest from time to time. But not from yoga! I’ll be back in class tomorrow for my next gold star.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Day Six
It was hot!
Saturday class in January is bound to be overcrowded. Everyone has got their new year resolutions of diet and exercise. I got to Marna’s 8am class with only five minutes to spare which meant that instead of my usual secret spot next to the back door with the ocean view, the coolest spot in the room, I ended up in the warmest part of the room. All those hot bodies made it extra warm, but then again, that’s why we go to hot yoga. The workout was great and I left happy. Happy to get home and hop in the shower.
One more gold star on the board.
Saturday class in January is bound to be overcrowded. Everyone has got their new year resolutions of diet and exercise. I got to Marna’s 8am class with only five minutes to spare which meant that instead of my usual secret spot next to the back door with the ocean view, the coolest spot in the room, I ended up in the warmest part of the room. All those hot bodies made it extra warm, but then again, that’s why we go to hot yoga. The workout was great and I left happy. Happy to get home and hop in the shower.
One more gold star on the board.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Day Five
There are a couple of students in our 30 day challenge who are in a frenzy to see who can be the first to finish the 30 classes, that is, before 30 days are up. As we were in triangle pose, I found myself wondering what I would have to do to catch up. Maybe I can wait until they’re close to 30 classes, then do four classes in one day and beat them. It’s been awhile since I’ve been involved in competition for monetary purposes as I used to be when I was in sales. Then, I was a fierce competitor and enjoyed the financial rewards and friendly competition amongst the sales reps. But in the yoga studio? Yes, I suppose I’m still having these kinds of competitive thoughts. I’m trying to decide if these thoughts are good, bad or indifferent.
As I thought about what I wanted to report for day number five, I logged into Facebook and one of my friends had posted this. I think I’ll go to bed now and ponder these words:
As I thought about what I wanted to report for day number five, I logged into Facebook and one of my friends had posted this. I think I’ll go to bed now and ponder these words:
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Day Four
I pulled into the parking lot for nine-o’clock class just as Dave was getting out of his car.
“Man, is it really only day four?” he asked. “I don’t remember it being this hard last year. Did you think it was extra hot in class yesterday?”
Dave completed the 30 day challenge in about 20-some days last year by doubling up on classes to get the thing done early. Trish was right behind him and the two were treating this challenge like a competition. In fact, when Trish found out that I’d done three classes on the first day of the challenge, she was extra interested in how many classes I would be doing on day two. “Only one,” I said.
Pacing is important. Unless you have absolutely no life (which I’ve been accused of) and are able to spend the entire day in the yoga studio, it’s probably a good idea to stop and smell the roses and make the most out of 30 days of yoga, which is a pretty awesome accomplishment. I personally felt like I’d overdone it yesterday with my eight mile hike and then the 90 minute hot yoga class. And I’ve never overdone it before. Yeah, right.
So, I decided that I’m going to enjoy this challenge and with that thought in mind, as I left the studio today, the owner said, “Hey Jen, for those interested, we’re extending the challenge to 60 days.”
No rest for the weary.
See you all tomorrow!
“Man, is it really only day four?” he asked. “I don’t remember it being this hard last year. Did you think it was extra hot in class yesterday?”
Dave completed the 30 day challenge in about 20-some days last year by doubling up on classes to get the thing done early. Trish was right behind him and the two were treating this challenge like a competition. In fact, when Trish found out that I’d done three classes on the first day of the challenge, she was extra interested in how many classes I would be doing on day two. “Only one,” I said.
Pacing is important. Unless you have absolutely no life (which I’ve been accused of) and are able to spend the entire day in the yoga studio, it’s probably a good idea to stop and smell the roses and make the most out of 30 days of yoga, which is a pretty awesome accomplishment. I personally felt like I’d overdone it yesterday with my eight mile hike and then the 90 minute hot yoga class. And I’ve never overdone it before. Yeah, right.
So, I decided that I’m going to enjoy this challenge and with that thought in mind, as I left the studio today, the owner said, “Hey Jen, for those interested, we’re extending the challenge to 60 days.”
No rest for the weary.
See you all tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Day Three
When am I going to learn to not trust Rico? Rico is my favorite training partner and we like to meet every Wednesday morning for a trail hike. What I thought would be a nice easy hour and a half hike turned into a grueling three hours of steep uphill climbing followed by some pretty spectacular ocean views and steep downhill. Would I ever complain to Rico? No, I wait until I get home and then blog about it to the world.
After the hike, I rubbed my sore feet, then headed off to my fifth 90 minute hot yoga class in three days. The room felt delightfully warm and soothing on more sore back and muscles even though had it not been for the challenge I probably would’ve been home relaxing.
When I came home, Surfer Boy had prepared a mouth watering salad made from local organic vegetables and grass-fed ground sirloin which he says we need to improve our hemoglobin or some such technicality. I don't care what it does, I devoured every tasty morsel.
I think I’ll head off to bed now and dream of luscious hot fudge sundaes, something that is not on my 30 day yoga challenge diet.
See you tomorrow!
Authors Note: The hike was pretty damn awesome.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Day Two
I woke up full of energy after my three Bikram yoga classes yesterday. There’s nothing like wearing yourself out to the point of exhaustion to get a good nights sleep. I walked my Min Pin Rusty before the sun came up, paused to drink in the ocean air, then downed a strong cup of coffee before heading off to morning yoga class. I think I may have to go back to work as a top salesperson because I’ve talked several people into signing up for the 30 day challenge. I wasn’t really trying to accomplish this feat but several students advised me this morning that they were there because I had told them to “just put your name on the 30 day challenge list.”
I would’ve loved (maybe too strong a word) to stay at the studio doing yoga all day like I did yesterday, but alas, I’m a famous author and my audience is waiting for my next book. Then when I’m done writing the book, I’m going to see what swamp property I can sell all those rubes at the yoga studio.
Anyone out there interested? Your purchase will include a free yoga mat. And while you’re at it, “just put your name on the 30 day challenge list.”
See you tomorrow!
I would’ve loved (maybe too strong a word) to stay at the studio doing yoga all day like I did yesterday, but alas, I’m a famous author and my audience is waiting for my next book. Then when I’m done writing the book, I’m going to see what swamp property I can sell all those rubes at the yoga studio.
Anyone out there interested? Your purchase will include a free yoga mat. And while you’re at it, “just put your name on the 30 day challenge list.”
See you tomorrow!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Day One
So, I did four-and-a-half hours of hot yoga today.
Today was the first day of the Laguna Beach Bikram Yoga 30 day challenge. Last year I performed this 30 day challenge which is held the beginning of the year to kick off the new year. It was tough, but worth it. Not only did my practice improve, but I felt a huge burst of energy, especially at the end of the challenge.
For those of you who don’t know, Bikram Yoga is a ninety minute yoga workout in which the same twenty-six postures are performed in the same order every time, in a room heated to 105 degrees, I’ve been practicing for about eight years now. Back then, I dragged my husband Kerry to the classes and when he found out how much it helped his surfing, he decided he was there to stay. I love yoga. I started practicing when I was a teenager way back before there even was such a thing as yoga studios. Back then, my life was a series of contradictions--yoga and bong hits, health food and Dairy Queen. But I loved the way yoga made me feel, that deep relaxation and peace that came without having to meet someone in a dark alley for any kind of substance to get high.
I woke up this morning with great excitement, drank a cup of coffee with Kerry, then set about making my fresh juices which I planned on drinking in between classes. I plugged in my heavy-duty Omega juicer and juiced all manner of organic vegetables to rehydrate and nourish. These I put into Thermos’s which I had put into the freezer and toted them off to class.
Class One: 9am with Michelle. My mind would not stop its chatter. Am I really going to spend the whole day doing yoga? What if I feel dizzy or nauseous? Should I have listened to my daughter Jessica (who is more of a parent than I am) when she told me last night “Mom, that doesn’t sound safe.” I peered out the window at a perfect seventy-three degree Laguna Beach day. Maybe I should just go to the beach.
Class Two: 11:30 with Melissa. I felt a little sick to my stomach because I insisted on drinking most of my homemade V8 juice after the first class. Maybe this would be a good day for a water fast. But Melissa entertained us with her usual upbeat personality and stories about her brother Jason who founded the Laguna Beach studio over ten years ago. Not a class goes by that Melissa doesn’t have a fun story to tell about Jason, the poor guy who was the only brother amongst six sisters.
After the second class, I sat in my car and drank more of my homemade juice and thought about how hungry I was. The thing about hot yoga is that you can’t eat much before classes unless you want to feel really uncomfortable. I looked down at my belly where all that Christmas pie and cheesecake had settled. I wanted to go home and eat. Haven’t I worked out enough for the day? I ran a couple of errands and started to feel better. It was such a gorgeous day that I drove the two blocks to the beach to take a walk before the 4:30 class. Parking was at a minimum but there was exactly one parking space available which I pulled into. I looked up and saw that I had parked directly in front of Dominique’s old apartment by Heisler Park. Dominique was my step-daughter, one of the true loves of my life. I smiled as I felt her spirit and could hear her laugh.
As I walked through the park, I had to stop several times because I was overwhelmed with how beautiful everything was. I thought about the people in other parts of the country, some who can’t even leave their houses, so high is the snow piled in front of their doors and driveways.
It really was that gorgeous today. As I walked, I felt light, happy and grateful.
Class Three: 4:30 with Melissa. I couldn’t believe it, but the third class was the best. My muscles felt loose and gumby-like. At the end of class as we lay in Savasana (dead body pose) I felt blissed out. I’m glad I stuck it out.
See you all tomorrow!
Today was the first day of the Laguna Beach Bikram Yoga 30 day challenge. Last year I performed this 30 day challenge which is held the beginning of the year to kick off the new year. It was tough, but worth it. Not only did my practice improve, but I felt a huge burst of energy, especially at the end of the challenge.
For those of you who don’t know, Bikram Yoga is a ninety minute yoga workout in which the same twenty-six postures are performed in the same order every time, in a room heated to 105 degrees, I’ve been practicing for about eight years now. Back then, I dragged my husband Kerry to the classes and when he found out how much it helped his surfing, he decided he was there to stay. I love yoga. I started practicing when I was a teenager way back before there even was such a thing as yoga studios. Back then, my life was a series of contradictions--yoga and bong hits, health food and Dairy Queen. But I loved the way yoga made me feel, that deep relaxation and peace that came without having to meet someone in a dark alley for any kind of substance to get high.
I woke up this morning with great excitement, drank a cup of coffee with Kerry, then set about making my fresh juices which I planned on drinking in between classes. I plugged in my heavy-duty Omega juicer and juiced all manner of organic vegetables to rehydrate and nourish. These I put into Thermos’s which I had put into the freezer and toted them off to class.
Class One: 9am with Michelle. My mind would not stop its chatter. Am I really going to spend the whole day doing yoga? What if I feel dizzy or nauseous? Should I have listened to my daughter Jessica (who is more of a parent than I am) when she told me last night “Mom, that doesn’t sound safe.” I peered out the window at a perfect seventy-three degree Laguna Beach day. Maybe I should just go to the beach.
Class Two: 11:30 with Melissa. I felt a little sick to my stomach because I insisted on drinking most of my homemade V8 juice after the first class. Maybe this would be a good day for a water fast. But Melissa entertained us with her usual upbeat personality and stories about her brother Jason who founded the Laguna Beach studio over ten years ago. Not a class goes by that Melissa doesn’t have a fun story to tell about Jason, the poor guy who was the only brother amongst six sisters.
After the second class, I sat in my car and drank more of my homemade juice and thought about how hungry I was. The thing about hot yoga is that you can’t eat much before classes unless you want to feel really uncomfortable. I looked down at my belly where all that Christmas pie and cheesecake had settled. I wanted to go home and eat. Haven’t I worked out enough for the day? I ran a couple of errands and started to feel better. It was such a gorgeous day that I drove the two blocks to the beach to take a walk before the 4:30 class. Parking was at a minimum but there was exactly one parking space available which I pulled into. I looked up and saw that I had parked directly in front of Dominique’s old apartment by Heisler Park. Dominique was my step-daughter, one of the true loves of my life. I smiled as I felt her spirit and could hear her laugh.
As I walked through the park, I had to stop several times because I was overwhelmed with how beautiful everything was. I thought about the people in other parts of the country, some who can’t even leave their houses, so high is the snow piled in front of their doors and driveways.
 |
| Photos taken today at Heisler Park courtesy of the lovely Melissa B. |
It really was that gorgeous today. As I walked, I felt light, happy and grateful.
Class Three: 4:30 with Melissa. I couldn’t believe it, but the third class was the best. My muscles felt loose and gumby-like. At the end of class as we lay in Savasana (dead body pose) I felt blissed out. I’m glad I stuck it out.
See you all tomorrow!
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