At the end of tonight’s yoga class, our instructor asked us to think about and reflect on the things in our life that leave us feeling thankful. Sometimes I find it hard to focus on this meditative part of class which lasts for 3 minutes after savasana but tonight I sat there in silence with a smile on my face.

I am thankful for so many things these days. But tonight I reflected upon how much has changed for me and the new fitness challenge I’m enjoying. This isn’t an official challenge I joined or something I read in a magazine. Instead it’s the challenge to overcome intimidation, try new things and make them a habit. 

Today was the 5th Tuesday I’ve swam in the morning and practiced 90 minutes of yoga in the evening!

I am living proof that with practice even the hardest, scariest things get easier. There are so many things I want to conquer this year including running the Saleve with Renaud again and a marathon PR in Berlin come September. But for right now, this new found love of yoga and swimming is the perfect cross training and challenge.

Just two months ago I never imagined swimming as part of my workout regimen. For years I let intimidation get the best of me. In a similar way, I’ve always groaned at the thought of a yoga class lasting longer than an hour. Now, I find myself going to bed on Monday nights excited for what Tuesday will hold. Each week is a new challenge whether on the yoga mat or in the pool. I am still the slowest person when swimming with the kickboard and in fact get passed while doing our drills. But put me in sprint mode and I can hold my own and today I was able to swim the length of the pool with only one breath. 

I thought it would be hard to convince Bo to wakeup at 5:15am on Tuesday and Thursday morning for swim practice when he isn’t working. Luckily sunrises like this and great workouts have him equally as motivated.

By the time I walk through the door at 9pm each Tuesday night I’m exhausted and starving. But the beauty of it is that I walk through the door feeling stress free and energized, regardless the type day I had at the office.

Don’t worry, neither of these sports are replacing my love of running but man am I thankful to have discovered InnerCity Yoga and our P&G swim club and have a great training partner who gets me out of bed in the mornings.