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Yoga Vida NYC

Happy Sunday! I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Bo and I have enjoyed plenty of time with our friends, catching up on sleep and relaxation, cooking in the kitchen, and long walks through our neighborhood enjoying the Fall weather.

After yesterday’s amazing run and afternoon of rest, my body wasn’t feeling too rough when I woke up this morning. Then I bent over to grab a pillow that had hit the floor and I felt the tightness that I expected. My hips were screaming and my quads were definitely tight.

Luckily, an hour later I was walking towards Yoga Vida NYC for the second NYC Blogger Play date, organized by the lovely Keelie. I really enjoy events like this that combine catching up with fellow NYC bloggers and an activity, such as yoga.  IMG_5107 (640x478)

Everyone in our group arrived by 11:45 so we were able to spend fifteen minutes chatting and catching up. It was great to get to know Juliette and Keelie while catching up with some familiar faces like Theodora, Ashley, and Sofia.

IMG_5108 (478x640)This was my first time practicing yoga at Yoga Vida NYC and I was immediately impressed. A local studio which has two locations, one in Union Square and one in NoHo.  As I left the elevator I was greeted with a fresh, light incense scent instead of sweat and grime which is often found at NYC yoga studios. The receptionist was very friendly, quickly informing me that they have a special for first time students, $10 for 1 week of unlimited classes!

The space includes two very large studios, bathroom, changing area, a relaxing lounge, and mat storage area.  IMG_5109 (640x478) IMG_5110 (640x478) IMG_5111 (478x640) Everyone I encountered at Yoga Vida really reinforced their philosophy,

At Yoga Vida we make yoga accessible, affordable, and inclusive.  Believing your daily yoga practice should not become a financial burden; we serve as a comfortable and inviting oasis where you can connect your body and your mind through the movement that resonates with you. There is no judgment, pressure, ultimatums, nor demands.  This is yoga for everyone.

Their classes are all 65 minutes, other than the Saturday and Sunday flow classes which are 75 minutes in length.

We were signed up for Yoga Flow, a 75 minute open level Vinyasa class, taught by Alex F. Alex immediately took his place in the front of the room on the yoga podium, an elevated mat sized podium where the instructor can practice so all students in the room can see the poses. His voice was calm and soothing as he welcomed us to his class. Like many distance runners, my muscles have grown extremely tight during training even though I stretch and foam roll frequently. There are some tight areas and knots that only a deep twist or inversion can access.  This class started with a longer than normal sun salutation series before moving into hip openers, twists, and floor poses.  Alex focused on adjusting students throughout the entire class, helping us move deeper into poses and properly align in unfamiliar poses. 

I am already looking forward to my next class at Yoga Vida NYC, hopefully one evening class this week and Alex’s noon class again next Sunday.

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ashleyd /

Bring It On NYC Marathon!

Today has been exactly what the doctor ordered!

I woke up after only six hours of sleep, ready to run. My legs were feeling strong, I was excited, and the weather was perfect for taking my marathon outfit on a trial run.

I fueled with half a banana and orange marmalade on a Thomas Bagel Thin with peanut butter.

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The blue sky was already out to greet me when I left the house bright and early, heading towards Queensborough Plaza. Unfortunately the trains didn’t want to make it easy. Therefore, due to cancelled trains, I took a cab over the bridge to meet Melissa!

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We wanted to squeeze in a few miles, especially bridge miles, before meeting Theodora and the rest of the gang for our own version of the Running Center’s Last 10 mile run. The bridge views were gorgeous and we both felt strong even though we were catching up with non-stop chatter!

IMG_5075We met the gang at the foot of the Queensborough Bridge, ready to rock the last 10 miles. There were 7 or 8 of us in total, who met to run the last 10 miles together for free!  Luckily Theodora found a nearby gentleman to snap photos of us before we started!

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                                    Sue, Theodora, Laura, and Megan made up the the faster group!

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                                While Rebecca, Melissa, and I followed their ponytails for 13 miles!

We printed out course maps ahead of time and then divided into two pace groups: 10ish and 10:40ish. IMG-20111022-01056

Running on the sidewalks and cobblestones was a pain but we still enjoyed the run together. Melissa and I shared tidbits of advice and memories of the race with Rebecca and it was so much fun to catch up with Theodora and the rest of the group at stop lights.

The temperature was perfect and Central Park was beautiful. The leaves have started changing and there were runners everywhere enjoying the weather and energy.

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Our splits for today’s run were right on target for the marathon. Even better, when we finished I felt like I had a few more miles in me. If I hadn’t sped up so much the last few miles then I probably could have pumped out more than a few miles.

2:19     13 miles   10:43 pace

1 10:52.1
2 10:49.2
3 11:08.3
4 10:19.0
5 10:30.3
6 11:09.4
7 10:35.1
8 10:40.2
9 10:51.0
10 10:40.4
11 10:35.7
12 10:27.5

13 10:55.1

IMG_5078 This is the face of a happy runner ready to rock the marathon, skirt and all!

The rest of the day has included a delicious cherry infused smoothie, lunch, a few naps, manicure, Pinkberry, and catching up on Parenthood and Grey’s Anatomy.

IMG_5079 (478x640) IMG_5080 (640x478) IMG_5081 (640x478) IMG_5082 (478x640) IMG_5083 (478x640) IMG_5084 (478x640) Now we’re off to celebratory drinks at Death & Co followed by dinner at La Mar NYC!

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Meltdowns

You can tell that those of us training for a Fall marathon are hitting the wall. There are so many emotional posts out there where we are all trying to be happy and positive, just like Theodora’s latest post.

I’m emotional this week. I can attribute it to many factors some of which include, but are certainly not limited to the following:

  • WORK: I work in the fragrance industry. In case you didn’t know, it’s more than a bit driven by the holidays. Therefore, the next few weeks is crunch time when it comes to driving the business.
  • PERSONAL LIFE: I haven’t spent more than 2-3 hours of quality time with Bo in weeks. Between travel, our work schedules, and marathon training I feel like a horrible wife.
  • FOOD: My cravings have been all over the place. I have eaten very healthy this week until today. When you combine my time of the month, work stress, and an office full of Halloween candy you get a sugar induced headache and stomachache. It’s a good thing one day can’t ruin everything.
  • TRAINING: While I haven’t exceeded 32 miles in a single week, my body is still starting to feel exhausted. I woke up on Tuesday feeling a cold trying to take over my body. I’ve fought it off this week with water, vitamins, and sleep. But, I’m ready to focus on my need for speed and personal training as soon as the marathon is over. My personal training goal is one full, unassisted pull-up and my running goal is a 2:10 half and a 36:00 4 miler!

Now that I’m done venting, let me try focusing on the positive. Life isn’t all bad, in fact it’s pretty awesome.

  • I’m about to run my second marathon!
  • The weekend following the marathon one of my best friends is coming to visit!

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  • My friends chose a Halloween outfit for me so I’m not stressed about that! See below for a hint.

  • I’ve registered for my next half-marathon, during which I hope to PR!
  • This week I was able to line up the next 6 Marathons+Moderation guest posts!
  • This weekend is shaping up to be amazing!

In fact, just writing this post has helped me put the week’s stress into perspective. Sometimes you just have to put it all out there and focus on the positive.

 

Question: What is stressing you out right now? What is making you happy right now?

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