Thankful for New Challenges

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.