Yoga Archives - Page 13 of 15 - My Healthy, Happier Life

This morning I had a sweaty date with Central Park.

Due to today’s extreme heat, the roads were not as crowded as my last morning run but I was still surprised that so many people were braving the heat. I’m blessed to be from Savannah, Georgia which means this heat wave is child’s play compared to the heat and humidity I dealt with for at least 5 months every year!

I left my gear at Equinox before heading out for a 4 mile run through the park’s lower section and doing 2 hill repeats of Cat Hill.

I was impressed to see water stations throughout the park during my run, though I didn’t need them. Nice job New York Parks and Rec staff! I saw many runners, walkers, and cyclists taking advantage of the fountains this morning!

I, on the other hand, was a happy camper with my CamelBak. It was hiding from the below picture since I had to take it off my back to access my iPhone for the impromptu photo session.

My route took me past once of my favorite views in Central Park, the pond. I hit the fountain just as the sun was coming over the trees. Is there a better way to start your day?

The 3.98 mile run (including the hill repeat) took 39:40 since I was taking it easy on my pace due to tired legs. Yesterday’s personal training session was pretty leg and weight intensive which left my legs more tired than usual. They enjoyed the relaxed pace though I think my butt and hamstrings were ready to kill me after the hill repeats this morning.

Much to the disappointment of the Equinox morning crowd, I didn’t head straight to the shower when I finished my run. Instead, I hit the foam roller and mat for 20 minutes for some deep stretching, foam rolling, and leg work.

Breakfast

After my sweaty morning, I was craving a cool and refreshing breakfast. I switched up my normal bowl of hot banana oats for a cold alternative: refrigerated oats. I prepared the oats as normal then mixed the banana and cinnamon in before putting it in the office refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once chilled, I removed and topped with a 1/4 cup of Fage yogurt. It was DELICIOUS!

Lunch

Once a week, I reward myself with a salad from the little deli in the CitiGroup Center at 54th and 3rd Avenue. I use the word reward because they give out the most delicious and doughy rolls with each salad.

The roll is made from their leftover pizza dough! Be still my heart!

On the side, I enjoyed a spinach salad complete with beets, celery, red onions, grilled chicken, cucumber, and chopped tomatoes.

Yoga Promise

I’ve mentioned on Twitter a few times this week that I need more yoga in my life. For at least the next month, work is going to be quite stressful as I manage two roles. On Monday, just after vacation, I found myself giving into this stress and reverting to bad habits like wanting to skip workouts and unhealthy snack choices.

Today, I vowed on Twitter that I’d make time for yoga. Unfortunately, I missed one of my favorite yoga classes at Equinox by 5 minutes. Instead of giving up, I headed home and enjoyed my first Yoga Download in my personal yoga studio.

I did the free 20 minute Yoga for Runners podcast two times through. I know I could have paid for the 40 minute version but what can I say; sometimes I’m cheap.

Yoga success!

Question: Do you have any free yoga podcasts or online workouts you can recommend?

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It’s Friday night and I’m sitting at home enjoying a glass of wine and a bowl of cereal. You can’t get much classier than that, can you?

Unfortunately, while Bo and I have lots to toast to tonight, he is unfortunately still at the office. Luckily for me, that means I have time to spend sharing with you guys the things I’m loving right now!

Today’s Friday Favorites will revolve around all the wonderful running things I’m enjoying these days!

Running Tank

I’ve had a hard time historically, finding a workout tank that will move with me from running to yoga without leaving my belly exposed or falling around my head during downward dog. Luckily, Lululemon has come to the rescue with a wonderful tank that not only breathes, but also stays in place. I am absolutely loving my inner strength tank which I have in 2 different colors!

Best Place for Running or Workout Playlists

I love finding new workout songs as I believe the make even the most boring of treadmill runs fly! While Caitlin and Jes normally feaure some great playlists on their blog, I just discovered another great website which features songs and playlists to match your workouts! Running Playlist uploads a new playlist at least once a week which also lets you know the average BPM it matches. They have playlists featuring The Doors, Glee, and even a direct from Texas country playlist! I love that they feature a sidebar showing all the different playlist categories offered. I found a few new songs on the site this week alone, including a few country favorites. In addition, since many people have asked, below is my most recent playlist!

Best Post Run Stretch Session

Unfortunately for my muscles, I rarely spend enough time stretching before or after my runs, whether long or short. I’ve tried to focus on yoga more during this training cycle, in hopes that my legs and body will thank me. Thus far, it is working wonderfully! I’ve found these online yoga programs very helpful since they are short, focused, and accessible almost anywhere! Make it your goal to fit at least one quality yoga session into your week and at least a 10 minute stretching and rolling session into your post long run routine.

What are your favorite running

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This afternoon I was able to successfully complete the rest of my to do list!

I had two perfect bananas just screaming to be used for banana bread. But, I had other plans for this group of ingredients.

I found this recipe online when I searched for healthy banana bread muffins. Then, by reading the comments on Roni’s site, Green Lite Bites, I saw that it is important to use a food scale when baking in order to ensure the most exact measurements. Who knew?! I used it today and it made a huge difference. I also learned how to sift flour when you don’t have a sifter. According to Epicurious.com it is best to use a whisk if you have one, in order to thoroughly mix all dry ingredients and spread air throughout the mixture.

These delicious muffins turned out perfectly! They are healthier due to the whole wheat flour, applesauce, and of course some cinnamon for a little dose of health. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who wants a healthy snack on the go. These are now packed in Ziplock bags for afternoon snacks this week to enjoy with a cup of green tea.

After enjoying one of these muffins, I knew it was time to stretch out my tight hamstrings with my weekly dose of yoga.

While I love Equinox’s yoga classes, their class times don’t always work with my schedule; especially on Sunday. The clubs near me only have morning or late evening classes which and the morning classes are normally packed.

I realized that I have a great resource in my home that I rarely use: Comcast FitTV OnDemand. It is amazing! I was able to do 3 different classes including a YogaWorks yoga class, Kim Kardashian’s ab class, and a 10 minute relaxing meditation class.

After spending so much time inside today, Bo and I both wanted to get out of the house. We enjoyed a leisurely walk back to our house after completing a few errands in midtown. We had time to stop in Madison Square Park to enjoy the dogs and beautiful weather!

I fully intend to spend the rest of the evening on the couch enjoying the Academy Awards with Bo. Have you entered my Academy Award sized giveaway yet?