Day 3 of My 30 Day Challenge - lessons learned and challenges!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 04:13PM Day 3 and I'm grateful that I set-up my program the way that I did! I desperately needed a Yoga, low impact day after two days of running. It wasn't so bad, just not used to the bone crushing, leg pounding, knee-popping consistency of gravity!
The 'run-down' (pun intended):
Day 1 - Running with faster-than-me-friend. She was impressed! Yay! I kept up the running for nearly 5 minutes (yes, that's minutes, not miles...). Then with lots of encouragement I went for another go of 5, got to about 3 and by the end of the 2.4 miles was walking. Not so bad. Good weather helped.
Lesson learned: Start out slow, go your own pace and you'll finish the race (or whatever you set out to do).
Challenge: Didn't drink enough water. Got a massive headache that lasted all day. Maybe I should add this to lessons learned? I wasn't nearly aware enough of my thirst level. My mouth might not have been 'thirsty', but my muscles were. More water through-out the day next time!
Day 2 - Running with just myself. Miscommunication with my running buddy, which was a blessing in disguise! I went anyway, shorter route, 1.97 miles and a heckva lot slower (speed walking!). I was racing the rain (keeping out of it) and trying to make my legs that felt like cement, move. Finished off with stretch and lots of water! Ok, two glasses of water...
Lesson learned: It's early days, but I *can* motivate myself to go do something even if I'm not being obligated into doing it! Yay me! Now to remember this for Day 15...
Challenge: Without a running buddy to distract myself I focused a lot on the pain in my sore muscles. Since I'm in the habit of letting myself off the hook I need to find something to support me on the days I don't have a buddy. Music! I think it's time to get out the iPod!
Day 3 - Yoga Day. I'm grateful that I've had instruction in Yoga before and have some great videos at home. However, I did run into a slight problem being that they are VHS and my TV is in the basement with only a 6 foot clearance. Not an issue if you are sitting down, but a problem if you are doing stretches upward...
Not a big hurdle! I just went to my friend Lesley Hobbs website: www.LesleyHobbsYoga.com and checked out her Yoga for Athletes(or wannabes!). I put on some Shamanic Dream and followed the pictures (some pop-up bigger in case you can't seem them). She tells you how long to hold the pose (how many breathes) and if you need any props. I think this is fine for today, but I might go check out a Yoga class at the YMCA up the road too.
Lesley Hobbs pracitcing a yoga pose. Looks fun!
Lesson learned: Stretching my sore muscles hurt at first, but feels so much better now. I also feel more connected to my intention, which is not to loose weight (though that would be a nice effect), but to stick to moving and being in my body for 30 days. I'm always in my head, it's time to give my body equal billing!
Challenge: I'm having a bit of guilt early on about sweating. I didn't sweat in Yoga and I don't think it's necessary I do, however I would like to make sure that I'm making incremental progress.
Anyone want to weigh-in on how to know that you're doing that with Yoga?
And if you have thoughts on guilt, that would be good too.
What are you all doing? Anyone getting started on a 30 Day Challenge of their own? Share your story here, get support and have fun!
Looking forward to Day 4 (more running) and Day 5 - Dance!
Lesley Hobbs, Running, lesson learned, yoga in Inspiration, Wellness 
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Reader Comments (2)
Sylvia, I am so glad to see you found my yoga practices and even happier to hear you will check out a class.
Great question about seeing progress in yoga...there are several ways you may notice it - in the physical sense, if you practice at least once a week, you may realize you no longer need a strap to hold the foot in the above shown pose - you can reach your foot without yanking out your shoulder, perhaps you can hold more challenging poses for longer or you find yourself adding an extra pose during your home practice. On a more emotional/mental/spiritual level, you may feel calmer, less stressed when faced with a challenge, you might discover the space that exists in each pose and access the bliss.
i always tell people, yoga is not exercise - it teaches us on the mat how we can live more fully off the mat - not necessarily quantifiable but certainly worth checking out!!
Namaste, Lesley
As I said before, I'm so proud of you. You are making a lifestyle change that promotes exercise, well-being, and overall general health. The hardest thing can be getting motivated. You are doing smashingly well!
Keep it up! Don't loose your fire! Let's run/walk, jog, or even crawl around Greenlake. When are you free? I want to see you.