Tried It Tuesday – Yoga?

I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited for Tuesday, but it might because tomorrow is my last day of work for this week! Yippee!  So as some of you may have realized, I haven’t been running much. So I am linking up with Sara from Lake Shore Runner for her Tried it Tuesday to talk about what I have been doing instead. (No I haven’t been laying in my bed binge watching Netflix… or have I?)For the past three weeks I’ve been in a somewhat downward spiral with my GI system. It has been extremely frustrating, but in all honesty, was probably a much needed break for my body. While I am feeling little to no relief after my infusion last week, I was happy to report that I was able to finish the half on Sunday. Which is perfect timing since this week marks the start of NYCM training! Don’t worry… it started with a rest day and so far I was able to complete that with 100% success.

I started experimenting with a few different types of workouts while I was living a sedentary lifestyle (read: not running) and am pretty excited to continue to incorporate them into my weekly training routine. As we’ve talked about previously, I’m not so great with “cross training” or “strength training” exercises. They seem to be a flash in the pan type of workout for me, but thanks to some lovely friends, I have found a new respect and enjoyment (who am I?) out of pilates and yoga.

While I was stuck at home sick one day, all I wanted to do was sweat. I’d been discussing complaining  about my lack of exercise to a friend and they suggested I try yoga or pilates to get my sweat on. And honestly, I thought they were joking. In my mind, pilates does not equal running, and yoga is so far from running that it doesn’t involve sweat. Oh how naive I am.

In true millennial fashion, I went to the interwebs for an online pilates tutorial. After 15 minutes my whole entire body was shaking, I was drenched in sweat, and I called it quits. Oh hey Jamie, I don’t think we’ve met, I’m pilates… please enjoy some humble pie. That workout destroyed me. My arms, my core, my quads, were sore for DAYS. And although it may be hard to believe, I’m really not exaggerating.

I ended up borrowing a DVD with a 30 minute yoga and a 30 minute pilates workout. And I’ve been doing them religiously. Sometimes I got lazy tired and decided to only do half, but it kept me moving and flexible while the rest of my day was spent being pretty inactive. And let me tell you, I feel more toned. Although it’s not the same kind of workout as running, and it definitely does not give me the same type of runner’s high, I can feel the benefits already.

My legs felt strong during Sundays run. And although I was sucking major wind – pilates and yoga are the most cardiovascular of workouts – my form felt great. And I’m not sore. Something I definitely haven’t experienced post long-run before. Probably because I can now touch my toes… thanks downward dog.

Now that I’m back to running and starting to increase my milage again, I won’t be yoga’ing or partaking in pilates daily. But, I’d like to do one of the workouts at least once a week. If I could do both each week I’d be super excited. But for the time being, realistic goals.

I’m excited to run, and can’t wait to start training again. Fingers crossed my body holds up. And on that front, I am investigating a third opinion now – third times a charm right?

I am also linking up with MCM Mama Runs, Patty at My No-Guilt Life, and April at Run the Great Wide Somewhere.

Hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday! Do a downward dog for me when you get home!

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What was something you’ve tried recently?

Ever try a workout you thought you’d dislike but actually really loved? 

Favorite yoga position? Downward dog since my hamstrings are forever tight… or paranoid pigeon just because I like the name : )