Tri Stories: Saturday’s



Uttanasana (standing forward fold)



Tri Stories: Saturday’s





Still on the unbelievable high from yesterdays events, I’m ready to go this morning…..no time for a complete home practice, so after my meditation I get ready & I head out to my first class. This is a group of people I’ve been with for a few years, I like teaching at this location because its actually where the students live…..A nice condo complex on the lake, and we tend to have rooms with awesome views of the city ( classes are held in different apartments). Once we were on the 50th floor with a east, south and west view (AMAZING!), it was a evening class and the SOX were playing at Cellular Field (Sox Park)…..and as the class moves from a standing forward fold (uttanasana ) back up to standing at the top of the mat, one of the students (Joe), says “homerun” ……I have no clue what he is talking about, so I say “what” he repeats “homerun, fireworks just went off in cellular field” …….I’m still clueless, must have shown in my face, because his fiancé (Adela) chimes in “whenever the Sox hit a homerun, fireworks go off”, ‘oh, I say”, we all laugh ( I need to get to a game )….the views can make for a great teaching environment.



Chi-City



I leave there and head to my class at Trump, where I finish up around 12:30. It was my intention today to teach my two classes then head over to the gym and take a yoga class then a spin class. I forgot to pack my bike shorts…….I could have taken the class without them but I’ve become somewhat of a shorts snob (ha-ha) I love, love, love, my gel bike shorts and the thought of taking the class without them….well, just not a option…..so I decide to go for a run instead.



Long road ahead....I'm ready!



TRUTH, I'm really not feeling these Saturday trainings, not because I don’t want to train I just don’t want to do it on Saturday! I mean I teach all week and set my classes up on Saturday’s so I’m done teaching by 12:30, allowing me to have Sat afternoon and evening off leading into all about me Sunday’s…..I believe off time for your personal life is a necessity, even if I sit home and clip my nails, it’s my time for me…..Uggghhh, OK, I’m gonna let that go…..

I decide that I need to keep myself motivated today,  so I hop on the treadmill and work on endurance & pace today…..I begin my run at my 13:02min/mile….10 minutes later I get my pace to 12:42min/mile……10 minutes later I move to 12:00mim/mile…I was feeling great! Again running with awarness of my feet and how I was landing, as well as being in tuned with my knee  incase (respecting my body)  it began to call my name (it did not), the last ten minutes I RAN at 11:00min/mile….YUP!! I was really getting’ it in and feeling good while doing so, my heart rate went up nicely and I was sweating like there was a thunderstorm going on, on the treadmill….I was in a zone! After my run, I had five minutes left until the yoga class began so I hoped on the recumbent bike and peddled for five minutes just to stretch my knees a bit (felt good may add that in my training). Then I was off to take this SWEET yoga class with a teacher I practiced with quite often a few years back…..I’ve decided to add various styles of yoga classes to my training, today I choose her multi level vinyasa class….the class is just what I needed…..well put together sequence with challenging asanas but also nice relaxing asanas and a beautiful savasana…..melikes! I love taking other teachers classes, as I’m a believer that a good teacher is always a student! I also like learning different things that I sometimes incorporate into my style of teaching. Sharon’s class was wonderful, I will be back!

Feeling that post training high, I head out and run a few errands…..I’m exhausted! I have a bunch of work with deadlines that I need to take care of by Monday, I’m going to do my best to embrace these long Saturday trainings…..Until I come up with a different game plan.....Nevertheless, I’m loving this process…..I’m changing, growing, becoming more, and more  aware of myself….growth is a beautiful thing but growth with complete awareness of self …..well…. to me…..that’s PRICELESS!

Tonight I will get down to work and have a glass or two (keepin’ it real! ) of a nice Cabernet, with a sinful meal….Lol! Salud Peeps!!



Peace & Love Y'all
Om



Peace,

T

Tri Stories: She’s no SWIMMER!

Tri Stories: She’s no SWIMMER!



You want me to do what!?



Oh, yes she is!! (throwing up the peace sign) Today was INCREDIBLE! I awoke ready to get in the pool, I let go of all attachment to the training as I sit in meditation, then move into some back bending asanas to help create openness in the heart & chest, followed by shoulder stretches, a short savasana… then I head out to teach my first class. I packed my gym bag last night so I would be sure not to forget anything……Leaving my first class I run into the fitness director and she was excited to find out I was in training for the tri,….she trained a group of athletes for a previous tri and has participated in a few herself……I love talking to people that have been down this rode…..she offered up some great training tips and mentioned she was going to dig up some of her old training plans for me!! Like everyone that I’ve mentioned my training to, she said “you’ll do great!” and added “if you train correctly, you will have fun!” its great to see and feel the enthusiasm in peoples faces & words as they talk to me about training, its like a instant bond and support, from like minded peeps (inspiring)…..I grab something light to eat before my noon class, I was feeling good and honestly was not thinking about the swim until I reached the gym….So to mellow myself I head into the studio crank my Ipod and the heat, then I move back into my backbends (Urdva Danurasana), I love this pose, whenever I’m feeling heavy in the heart or like I’m holding on to negative thoughts and emotions, I move into this pose and hold for 4-8 breaths, sometimes this leads to a very emotional release as I exit the pose other times like today it gave me a non emotional but a letting go sensation….like, my heart is open and content ready for what ever was to come (I love that feeling!). Just another benefit of yoga….no drugs needed ….just a yoga mat, breath, and the willingness to let go and be in the moment…Ahhh, I tell ya, YOGA…the NEW PROZAC! (y’all better come get some!)


Urdva Danurasana with variation



After my noon class, I meet with John for his first private yoga class…..then we head to the pool. In the locker room as I changed in to my swimsuit, I found myself rushing like a kid, all excited and giddy about getting in the water…..I pulled out my brand new pink goggles (yea, I said pink ), my new Speedo swim cap and my Ralph Lauren bathing suit that I purchased a few years back but never wore…..I tell ya I was feeling soooo giddy. I met John in the pool and we get started…..I really enjoyed Johns training style, as he says “we have plenty of time” so there will be no rushing…..I move into some push offs and kicking drills, then I practice my face in the water blowing bubbles and last I add the head turns….AWESOME! John has been a trainer, swimmer & competitor since childhood and it shows. I felt really comfortable with his instructions and not once did fear sneak up on me…..I actually had FUN! We kept it short and sweet today as he wanted to see where I was in my swimming experience….I was feeling wonderful when John said “that was good” after I did the kick of and swim….good, swimming and ME all in the same sentence…..Yayyy!! I finished things up today by chillin’ in the steam room for 20 minutes with a big ol’ smile on my face and in my heart……PURFECT first day in the pool!



Look mom I'm swimming!



I’m a true believer that people come into your life when you need them (GOD sent) and the very first night I met John (in my yoga class), we spoke of bartering yoga for swim lessons (blessings)…..I love when life works out that way, I was not in search but I did put the need out to the universe, and the universe sent me John and in turn sent me to John…….I’m soooo looking forward to my next lesson, and warned John that he will be seeing my happy dance often (Yes, I did the happy dance today!) Such a WONDERFUL day! I’m floating right now and I LOVE this feeling! I’m loving this tri training journey, and what ever emotions it brings….To top off such a awesome day, I’m heading out for sushi tonight with a dear friend I’ve not seen in a while at my favorite sushi joint! Life is GOOD……

I’M A SWIMMER Y’ALL!!!


I got this!!



Peace,

T




"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
 ~Paulo Coelho ( The Alchemist )

Tri Stories: Swim, bike, run!

Tri Stories: Swim, bike, run!


I Love the water



Yesterday was my day off, and I was completely wanting to train!! I felt like my day was missing something……I really LOVE the way I feel after training, I mean there is a certain inner strength that I feel when done, I feel alive and strong within, I feel GOOD!!

Today I was up and ready to hit the gym, I ended up going to a different location because I wanted to try out this particular spin instructor that I’ve heard about……..So I did a home yoga & meditation practice, including sun salutations, inversions and backbends & forward folds…..then I headed out…….I also teach at this gym so I knew I had to get there a bit early as they have you sign up for class (classes get that full!)….The studio is less than two years old and it’s NICE! Under each bike is nice padding to protect the floors from sweat dripping from bodies and the colors in the studio reminds me of taking a bike ride at dusk……As soon as I walked in I was feelin’ it…..I set up my bike and hop on. The teacher was AWESOME!! I loved the music and her sequence was challenging but in a very fun and creative way…….Music is a big factor in a class for me, and she did not disappoint…we started out with a nice climb and then some sprints to the sounds of The Ting, Tings “That’s Not My Name”…..I never heard this song before today and I love it!! By the middle of the song I was running & jumping singing “that’s not my name” (FUN!), we came down for a little recovery and moved into Madonna “Like A Prayer” , followed by a little Timberland “The Way We Are” the class was on FIYYYYA!! Then to top things off she played…….ready…..she played…..GEORGE MICHAEL “Gotta Have Faith!!” ….SERIOUSLY!…..I’m telling you everyone was killin’ it! I really like when a teacher of anything puts there own creativity and energy into what they do, it makes for a great learning and teaching environment……I will be back in that class….it is my new Thursday morning spin class!!





Non Violence



I was so pumped after class that I hoped on that treadmill and RAN!! I was a bit pressed for time but I ran 2.5 miles instead of the 1.5 mile that I had intended……I was in it! My quadriceps were feeling like lead, but my knees were feeling great.....I can tell when I’m running with awarness, it just feels good and my posture was good…..I like to feel my core involved when spinning & running...I could definitely feel my core in both today!! I’m really feeling the two rest days and how they fall in the week……I really wanted to train yesterday and missed it on Sunday, but I’m going to stay true to my rest days as they are needed ( respect the body )…..I don’t want to…..ya, know…..I’m not going to look for injuries! If I start getting all attached to the high of the training I will burn out in the long run, and more than likely create many negative feelings in my mind and soul. I’m practicing Ahimsa ( Ahimsa is a term meaning to do no harm ), and in this situation it’s no harm to my entire self…..mind, body and spirit…..I’m going to enjoy each day as it unfolds, bringing my best to each day and accepting the outcome (good or not) and learn and grow from them……..



I'm ready



I get in the pool tomorrow!!! YIKES!! I’m soooo ready, and excited, not nervous though…..I feel good about it……I love the water and I want to establish the same loving relationship while in it……I tend to get so overwhelmed once I actually begin to swim that I loose any awarness of the act of swimming and I just let panic take over……NOT tomorrow……I’ve meditated on this and I’m READY! Emily (friend & yogi) said “you’ll swim well” “you have good breath awarness”….I laughed, but then another student said the same thing…….Well, I’m going to use my breathing techniques tomorrow! I feel like such a kid on the first day of school……I’m very, very, excited to face and conquer this long term fear of mine…..Swim, Bike, Run =Triathlon !!

Peace,

T





Peace Y'all













Tri-Stories-Bricks

Tri-Stories-Bricks


Inspiration




I did a brick today (spinning & run )……… I really enjoy the bricks they are very challenging…..So far sleep has been on point this week, I was up this morning and ready to go ( even though I have later start time on Tuesdays ). It is snowing here in Chi-city, and the gym was not as busy as usual…..my yoga practice this morning consisted of holding poses such as; Down Dog ( Adho Mukha Savasana ), extended side angle (utthita parsvakonasans ), Spinal Twist (jathara parivartanasana), Warrior II (virabhdrasana II ), and of course my staple Pigeon variation (eka pada rajakapotasana).





Down Dog



I have mixed feelings about the spin class today, this was a new teacher and he talked Yayyy to much and I was not feelin’ his 50’s bee-bop “lets go to the hop” music….I could not find my groove, but his sequence was challenging and we did lots of hills which I like, building up some strength in the legs, complimenting the building of endurance on my run…..I’m going to give him another chance because of his sequence not his music, nor his constant muffled chatter (annoying!). I got my heart rate up nicely and felt really strong for my run…….in between my spin class and run I hit the studio just to stretch out (gotta respect the body)…..I hop on the treadmill and about 10 minutes into the run I’m feeling.....meh!….I could of used someone running on either side of me, but the gym was rather empty…so I shuffle thru my I pod for some much needed inspiration and let Jay-Z’s Black album take over (best purchase ever!), I must admit I was getting tired my legs were heavy and I even reached out for the side rails on the treadmill a few times (keepin’ it real), but I kept running my legs were heavy but my knees were not irritated (that's how i know the difference between fatigue & ego ), and I was hitting the belt with a nice step…..near the end of my run Michael Jackson’s, Off The Wall (single) took me to the end and just a little beyond…..I ran 3.20 miles today at my 13.02min/mile pace!! I’m happy with that! I like this three mile run and plan on taking my time increasing time and distance ( I have plenty of time). This is my challenge as I want to go, go, go….but on a day like today doing the brick, that kind of go, go, go, is sure to take me out, out, OUT.....so I’ll go easy.



extended side angle (utthita parsvakonasans )



Fatigue had begun to settle in as I headed to the steam room, and I could not wait to just chill in there for a few…….I was a bit uncomfortable today, after my training…..I tend to develop hives all over if I’m exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold….Uggghhh, (such a pain) and as I prepared for the steam room I notice I was covered in hives, and getting itchy (skin sensitivities ain’t no joke!)….this is the type of stuff that has kept me from participating in extreme sports….I just ignore the hives and itchiness and chill for a few in the steam room....taking  a shower I noticed I was blotchy & hives  all over……Oh, well I guess it could be worse…..( my niece Lauryn has the same condition)….the only thing that helps is taking a antihistamine (which I don’t like doing) so I’m going to have to make peace with the need for antihistamine during this training…..I know Whole Foods carries a nice one......I would like to just ride the hives out but, not only are they UNCOMFORTABLE! But I also don’t want things to get out of hand, so here is where I make peace with the need for them during this part of my journey…….Another thing I’m learning about myself…..Letting go when I must! Life is not meant to be controlled on every aspect…..Yea, I know, but darn it I don’t want to take them! Gotta stay focused........



I was HUNGRY after training and was craving pancakes and greens (ODD I know), so I came home and made some Danish pancakes (golf ball size pancake….YUMMY!) and I had the rest of a mixture of greens I made last night (collard, kale &spinach ), so good I sautéed them in a little garlic and olive oil ( been on my mind all day) sooo, good!



Tomorrow is my day off, but I have a busy, busy, schedule so I’m going to turn it down before midnight…..I hope!







Stay Focused Y'all



Peace,

T

Tri-Stories: Monday, Monday…..

Tri-Stories: Monday, Monday…..




Plow with variation




Well after such a relaxing Sunday, I was looking forward to hitting the gym this morning. I slept 12 straight hours Saturday into Sunday!! Clearly I needed the rest……awoke late Sunday morning and spent the entire day chillin’! I cooked, danced, meditated & read…..I will not do to myself what I did last week, nope, I’m going to get proper rest at night…..BUT I still may take a nap (some things are necessary). Anywho I was up and after meditation headed out to teach my first class……Let me just say….I LOVE what I do! I’ve met some really wonderful people, the husband of the couple I spoke about over the weekend (they became new parents), came to class today and mentioned that his wife told him I was in training for the tri, and the first word out of his mouth were "you will do great!" (smiles). He also offered to help me out if needed as he has completed a few tri’s himself…..it’s this outpouring of support that keeps me motivated!


Entering Plow





Plow with variation



After my class I move through my personal practice…..usual sun salutations to start out and then I moved into some floor work beginning with Hero pose (virasana), into seated staff pose (dandasana ), seated forward bend (paschimottanasana) all in prep for my bike ride helping to stretch quads, hamstrings, lengthening the spine….then I moved in to plow pose (halasana), finished my floor work off with splits (hanuman asana)….I was ready to move into my final resting pose but had the sudden desire to move into half moon pose (Ardha Chandrasana), glad I did!! My body and breath loved and needed it (must listen to what the body desires!). My ego was definitely NOT in the gym with me today! I was feeling AWESOME as I entered the spinning studio, psyched because my favorite teacher was there and per usual took us on a fantastic ride…..Justin Timberlake’s Cry Me A River took us thru run’s and my girl Eve, took us up a long hill and back with Let Me Blow Your Mind……Not to mention Jay-Z & Usher with Hot Tottie kicking things off! FABULOUS RIDE! No Steam room today, as I was hungry and wanted to get some food…….Once I arrived home I made myself a spinach and goat feta cheese omelet….um, YUM!! I try to stay away from dairy especially cow’s milk because of my eczema, so I use goats milk cheese instead (delicious!)



Half Moon with variation



I have one more class to teach this evening, which I’m looking forward to, this is one of my favorite classes to teach.....this class is a solid group that have been with me for over a year and they always bring FANTASTIC energy! Also this group and I started monthly yoga & wine outings, and tonight is our wine night!! I love that in this gym we have managed to create a group of yogis that have established a community within a community as we all get to know a little more about each other and establish new friendships ( beauty of yoga)



Well, I ‘m still waiting for feedback on the exact group I will be raising money for and I will let you know as soon as I’m 100 %……Again my students are waiting to hear as each have expressed great interest in supporting me on this……I’m so grateful for the beautiful people in my life……I know I say it often…..and I will continue to do so…..I knew NO ONE when I moved here, and have since been blessed with some beautiful souls! I don’t take that lightly and I tend to get a bit emotional when I think about all the love and support that has come my way……Blessings, blessings, blessings!!

Oh......I get in the pool Friday!! OMG!! Can't wait!!




Half Moon

 Peace,

T

Tri-Stories-Get it in!

Tri-Stories-Get it in!




Chillin'





Well, I started my day off with a GREAT meditation! Which actually played a part in my late training today…….I never time myself in meditation (anymore) I just enjoy with no attachment. I slept in this morning knowing that I had a late morning class, so when I sat for meditation, the plan was to follow with my yoga practice then my run……well I sat in meditation much, much, longer than I anticipated…..after I was feeling……..I really can’t put the feeling into words, so I’ll just sum it up as…..AMAZING!…..but it left me short on time so I moved through my sun salutations and held an inversion (forearm balance), I had to get moving after that, so no time for my run.


Forearm balance




After teaching I had a few errands to run, I was carrying my gym bag, BUT I also went grocery shopping and picked up some perishable items, so now I had to stop home before the run…..uggghhh,…this is where things got challenging. Once I was in, I really did not want to head back out, I mean I taught my classes ran around taking care of errands and now home groceries away I just wanted to chill ( it was 17 degrees here in Chi-city….brrr)…..I sat down for 10 minutes and could feel comfort setting in, I gently remind myself that I need to run, I sit for five more minutes and I gently remind myself again that I need to get this run in…..five minutes later I’m literally saying out loud “get up!” , “gotta get that run in” I get up and I’m out!



Once I arrived at the gym I was good…….In the locker room I chatted with one of my students, she and her husband are regular students of mine and took my class during her entire pregnancy! It was great to see her, this is my fifth mom from the gym that took yoga with me through their entire pregnancy…..I love that because once I’m informed of a pregnancy, I put together sequences and variations that allow the expecting moms to continue in my class the entire pregnancy…..All have come back with positive experiences……as a former ob/gyn high risk pregnancy nurse I take great pride in that…….Seeing her put a smile in my heart and I was ready to run!

I hop on the treadmill and RUN!! I maintained my new pace 13:02mim/mile and when my 3 miles were reached I kept running (ego)…and I know it was all ego because I could feel my feet hit the belt different, heavier not with much awarness, once I become aware I slow down to my cool down…..I will not share miles that I run out of ego….because I’m working toward training in a healthy respectable way to my body, mind and spirit….as I love to self challenge myself, I want to learn how to do that without it being ego driven ( this is my personal growth)…..I’m not going to be hard on myself about it, I’m just becoming mindfully aware and learning how to challenge myself from a place of peace…….My intention is to train and complete this triathlon without injury….also I know I’m doing this for something much, much, bigger than how…..fast I run…how.. good I swim or how….hard I peddle….NO…..this tri is much more than that. I finish my run and head to the steam room…..N.I.C.E……It’s like the best treat! I think I dozed in there….oops! I came to thinking, you’ve been in here to long, get out! I take my time showering and I was slow to get going…. I was moving in slow motion for sure……I came home ate a great meal HUGE spinach salad and some pasta…..I’m tired, I’ll do a few things and read a bit then I’m off to bed! I’m Sooooo looking forward to my day off from everything tomorrow…..I call Sunday’s my ALL ABOUT ME DAY! And boy, OH boy I need it this week!!

I’m really aiming for better sleeping habits next week, as this week got a little rough, burning the candles on both ends…….No worries though it’s all about the journey and I LOVE learning more about myself and growing internally and externally! Oh, another thing I know….I’m addicted to sunflower seeds……Sigh….



RUN



Peace,

T

Tri-Stories: TGIF

Tri-Stories: TGIF








Triangle



I’m preparing to head out to my 7:30 am class this morning and I check the CTA bus tracker to see what time the next bus is coming, cool I think to myself I have eight minutes to make it to the stop ( it’s a 3 min walk), I gather my bags and head out, as I approach the stop the bus is rolling by….”oh, crap” I take off running, “seriously” I say out loud ( too early for this )….just as I catch up the bus pulls off….I pick up my pace and meet the bus at the red light (where the driver is lookin’ at me like I’m crazy ), and get on huffing like I just did my run for the day ( I side eye the driver). I think they see ya sometimes but get a kick out of watching you run like a nut. Needless to say I was not feelin’ this morning already….but I shake it off arriving at the studio ready to teach. As soon as I see my students all of my CTA frustrations go out the window and we have a really sweet class….this is a solid group that takes my class every Friday and our first time together this year, the energy in their was lovely…….We all chat a bit after class, and share CTA stories, after some hearty laughs I move on to my training for the day…..I decided to head back to my regular gym ( not wanting another CTA mishap ), as my noon class will be there. I stretch out in the studio for about 10 min, David ( a student of mine ) walks in, and we chat a bit then I hit the treadmill…….I’m running at a good pace I brought my time down just a bit from 13:20min/mile to 13:02min/mile…..OK, I like that, but I don’t allow myself to get caught up on it, I add a slight incline to the treadmill and I get in the zone, music playing, body warming up and I’m mindfully aware of how my feet are landing on the treadmill (mindful of the knees)…..Just about 5 min into my run, David hops on the treadmill next to me……We don’t chat, we just run….I’m sweating at this point and its nice to have another running next to you sometimes to help push you without saying a word ( I was tired this morning so I needed this energy), I quickly glance over at Davis pace, and dude is running two times my pace….Arrrgggh….”focus”, “focus” I say to myself……Arrrghhh….I pick up my pace, Davis stops running, I glance over again he’s walking……I slow down and get back in my zone, two minutes later David starts running again at that same pace…”what, the what!” I think to myself, I pick up my pace, he glances over, and we run……David stops again about five minutes later, and begins to walk, I slow down. I realize he is sprinting then walking, sprinting, walking……..I full out run when he runs and I slow down when he walks…..It was working for me, once I realized what he was doing, and I let go of the fact that his pace was twice as mine……I mean after all he was taking walk breaks and I was not. I paced my self with him, when I reach my 3 miles I slow into my cool down and just before getting off the treadmill I give David the peace sign and we both smile and I head off to the yoga studio……Thanks for the run David!



Revolved Triangle



Today I wanted to work on hips, inner groins, core, and holding poses……I’m getting really tight in the calf’s, hamstrings and knees with all the spinning and running, so mindfully I put together sequences to help with flexibility …..I begin with my sun salutations, then move into Triangle pose, Reverse Triangle, wide leg standing forward fold, extended side angle posed and tripod headstand, completed with a much needed savasana (final resting pose) where I really let go and melt into the earth quieting down the mind and being one with myself……I’m glad today’s training is over…..I’m tired…No steam bath today I needed to get going. This week has been great as far as training goes but today I think the late nights and early mornings caught up with me, I was feeling it…..but…..not really ( I know this is the norm )…….

I talked with John today ( my swimming coach ) and we set up pool time for net week, I also set up sometime with Pablo next week…..tomorrow I’ll spin or run only not both, I’m only doing bricks 2-3 times a week ( I don’t want to crash ). I must say knowing that I’ve started this training early gives me a boost of confidence, I have time to train the right way. I’m going to start taking asthanga yoga once a week, I was talking to a asthanga teacher ( and triathlete) who took my class today and she recommended I add some asthanga to my training, I agree….Thanks Mary for the suggestion!!



Tripod headstand



Again I’m so grateful to all that have come out and offered suggestions, support….I mean so much positive energy is being sent my way……Blessings, blessings, blessings…….

I’m looking forward to this evening I have a small event to attend and I can’t wait to get DRESSED…..I feel like a spandex wearing sweat ball, I want to put on some heels, take down these two stand twist and pop my curls out and get DRESSED…..I’m gonna get all cute and sexy….I need it!! I mean I don’t mind the yoga wear but I need to feel like a fresh clean woman…..Seriously!! And tonight I will do just that…..back to yoga wear manana!! TGIF y’all…..



Wide leg forward fold



Peace,
T

Tri-Stories: Whoa!

Tri-Stories: Whoa!





Happy Biker


Whoa! Ok, so I did it but not sure if I’ll do it again!! I was up at 5:15 this morning ( not a good look ), at the gym and on the spin bike by 6:30 am, I did a brick today (bike & run)…….once I was on the bike all was good but getting there!! Well…..I realize, that I can’t ride my bike or take the bus there ( not that safe to be on the bike or on the bus that early ) so I decide to take a cab, with a almost finished green apple in one hand and my gym bag in the other I head out…..There are cabs waiting for me when I walk outside. The problem is these cab drivers really get annoyed when you attempt to pay with a debit card (even though it’s required they accept them), so I decide to walk to a secure ATM (inside a nearby building with security)…..All is going well until I exit the bank and slam my entire body into a steel beam, um, OUCH!! (too early for this) I really felt like I was going down for the count…but I shook it off as my chest and right arm began throbbing, I hailed a cab with my left hand…….I arrive at the gym with three minutes to spare….During the class my arm is calling my name but I zone it out and peddle……This class was ok, slow start but very nice finish and I worked my heart rate up nicely and was feeling energized for my run.



I’m feeling pumped as I hop on the treadmill, pop in my earphones and crank up my Ipod…(I get a little gangsta when I run)….So as Little Wayne & Eminem began singing about how they’re gonna Drop The World, I pick up my pace and get into a nice rhythm, I sing throw air punches and pump, pump, pump it up! Oh, yea, I’m feeling good now…..my right arm was still a little tingly, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I caught my ego sneaking up on me as Kanye West began to belt out Stronger in my ear and I increased my speed…..but my right knee immediately asked what’s going on, so I backed down……I WILL NOT let my EGO train for this tri….I WILL NOT do it!


Plank






King pigeon variation with quad stretch







I began to look at my pace and decided that instead of rushing into increasing my distance I would focus on getting my time increased as I stay at my 3 miles ( build some endurance),,,,Lupe Fiasco sang Superstar and I was in a zone, I love music it has a great way of putting you in the trance you need to be in. I completed my three mile and was drenched and feeling that runners high ( I remember that feeling from my marathon training) ahhh…..melikes that feeling……..I did things in reverse today, so after my run I head into the yoga studio. Today I focused on my core and upper body, after a few sun salutations I moved into a nice shoulder stretch (to help out that right arm ) then I held plank pose for a few breaths ( several rounds )….and daily I add in pigeon pose to help with my knees, hamstrings, lower back (clearly this will be my staple asana ) as well as pigeon with the quadriceps stretch……I rounded it out with navasana (boat pose) along with holding plank pose I love this for core work…..After a nice savasana (final resting pose ) I make my way to the steam room…..Ahhhhhhhhh! 20 minutes later I hit the showers and shortly after that I’m heading out the door in search of FOOD!!



Navasana


It is nice to be done with my training by 10:00 am but getting up at 5:00.….Arrrrggghhhh! I’m really going to try and embrace this, but it’s not easy. I keep learning some thing new about myself daily…..I don’t like early mornings, I love oatmeal (only if made correctly), and even a little gangsta rap to help push me through my runs (don’t judge me )…..all in all, so far so good! Thought I’d share my Ipod running play list (including the above mentioned);



-Bring Em Out- T.I

-Uptown Anthem-Naughty By Nature

-A Star is Born- Jay-Z/ J Cole

-So Fresh & So Clean-Outkast

-Flashing Lights-Kanye West

-The Choice is Yours-Black Sheep

-Back That Thang Up-Juvenile

-I Just Wanna Love U (Give it 2 Me) - Jay-Z

-We Fly High- Jim Jones

-Rosa Parks-Outkast

-U and Dat -E40 & T-pain

-Touch it (remix) Busta Rhymes)

-What you Know- T.I.



Yup, that’s how I run!! If you have any great running play list please email or inbox me on facebook……..I'm always in search of new tunes!



I’m going to try this early morning spin thing again next week! On Tap tomorrow running and yoga no spin Friday!!



Peace Y'all





Peace,

T

Tri Stories: Day Off

Tri Stories: Day Off





Namaste


Today was my first day off from training…..I’ve decided to take Wednesday and Sunday’s as my days off. When I speak about days off I mean from biking, running and swimming……Yoga and meditation is something I practice daily, and will continue to do so. Wednesday’s are my busiest teaching days and I’m usually running all around the city on foot and on the train to reach my classes, and can honestly say all that running around is a work out within itself !









Standing forward fold



So I was up at 5:00 am for my meditation and yoga practice, then I headed off to my first class at 7:00 am. My practice this morning included sun salutations, spending some extra breaths in my standing forward folds, to help stretch out my tight hamstrings and provide some relief to lower back tightness……I also spent time in my pigeon pose to help with the knees and hamstrings, and included some king pigeon variations for a nice quadriceps stretch, then added some back bending in the pigeon asanas (posture) to open the chest and heart……Before moving into my asana practice I did several rounds of alternate nostril breathing to get things started…….I’ve had a bit of a stuffy nose this week and love to use this breathing technique to get things loosened up (good way to rid stuffy head and nose build up…have tissues near by). Breakfast was boring a bagel and biscotti and dried fruit with some tea.

My bed time habits……Oh, well, what can I say I’m a work in progress….last night I shut it down around 12:45am….better than 1:15am but, I was not tired this morning I actually woke up earlier than I planned. I must admit I took a short solid nap today 60 minutes and now I’m off to teach my last classes for the evening.


Opening the heart in pigeon  variation




I want to take a moment and say THANK YOU to each one of you for the loving words, emails, page posts, phone calls and all around support on this, IT MEANS SO MUCH! Its nice to know that you read the blog and you believe in and support me on this journey……as I’m sure there will be some not so easy days ( human nature ) I will keep movin’ along knowing that I have the support of many, even those of you who don’t say it out loud I feel the loving energy and vibes you’re sending my way!



I received two pieces of GREAT news today which has left me even more inspired to follow my desire to help provide preventative health and wellness in my stressed communities…..I’m also learning a great lesson in patience…..I’m a pretty patient person but when things like the health and well being of children come up I want things to fall into place like, yesterday! I know that’s not realistic nor do I really want things to happen that quick ( remember anything you receive to quick without much effort is NO GOOD ), but I’m so passionate about this issue, that I can’t help but to want immediate results…..my meditation practice gently brings me back to the reality of working toward my goals with peace, love, patience and things will definitely work out……Well gotta get ready to head out to teach……..Namaste


Peace & Love




Peace,
T

Tri-Stories: People Helping People

Tri-Stories: People Helping People




Entering my inversion



Yea, I’m all over this tri-training…….Last night was another semi-late night for bed (will do better ), I think I took it just past the 1:15 am hour….Nevertheless I was up at 6:30 (lookin’ crazy ) and at the gym by 7:30, I had a nice yoga & meditation personal practice, I moved through sun salutations and a hip openers (preparing for my ride) and then I moved into inversions where I worked on holding my inversion today 10 min inverted….gosh, the high that it brings is insane…..Y’all better come get some!! Call me!





Hand Stand

 I then taught a class from 9-10 am and moved on to my spinning class from 10-11 am. A pleasant surprise the teacher that taught the Monday spin class was subbing! Yayyy! Got me all into the class I was drenched in two minutes flat……Listening to tip from Pablo, I ate a few apple slices in-between yoga & spin (Thanks Pablo) and my energy was off the chain, I rocked it out in that class……NAW…..I KILLED IT! I fell into that natural high as she instructed us up and down in eight counts, followed by 20 second sprints and some serious running drills, (my core loves spin runs). The class flew by, and again, I stand by my gel padded running shorts (Canari ), these things are just amazing, I’ve been a spinner off and on since late 90’s and wearing these shorts gives the joy of the ride a whole new meaning.





Gift from John

 After my training, I headed for the steam room, as I lay there I began thinking about blessings and just how blessed I am……..Pablo was spinning with me today and after class I picked his brain just a bit more, I sought his thoughts on the days I had chosen to be my rest days and also on how I was breaking up my training so I stay motivated without overdoing it. He liked my suggested rest days as well as my training schedule, which I’m sure will change a few times during the process………The steam began to come out a little harder and I could feel all the toxins and impurities releasing from my body………I thought back on my class last evening,….after class one of my students, John, presented me with a lovely gift, a book ( Triathelets training bible ), I was so surprised, “wow, thanks” I said to him, I was really surprised! John and I will be trading services, yoga for swim lessons….John offered to help me with my swimming and he desperately wants to deepen his yoga practice so it was a offer made in heaven (I love a good barter). I began thinking about Pablo & John and how without hesitation both have been extremely supportive to me as I take on this adventure of mine. It‘s such a nice feeling this day and age to have people reach out to help a sista’ out.....I‘m so new at this tri-training and here are two wonderful men who obviously see that I‘m dedicated to the process and really want to offer their help……And as we know nothing in life is free (and you don‘t want it if it is ), but we have found alternate ways around helping each other out, Pablo and I have many things in the works, and you will defiantly be hearing more about him and his services from me (look for him in my upcoming newsletter), as I believe he is someone you should know…and I‘m excited to be the teacher that helps John deepen his yoga practice, yes, that‘s what is about helping each other out in any small way you can.…….. I know I should be getting up by now but this steam feels great and my skin happens to love the steam room…….I have eczema ( goggle it!) and as a child it was my worst enemy I spent the majority of my life on creams and ointments for my skin (all steroid laden ), and about seven years ago I decided to give up all the prescribed meds and treat my eczema naturally…..Best thing I’ve ever done, my skin tone is evened out and I’m not putting those toxins in my body…….the steam brings the moisture to my skin that it lacks and when I’m out of the sauna I immediately put pure olive oil on my damp skin to lock in some moisture……Yes, I love steam baths! After the steam bath I make my way to the showers and wash off all the toxins that have been eliminated from within , such a cleansing experience.





I’m heading home and my creative energy is off the chain ( been this way since I started training ) I have so much in store for YOGATONES that I’m smiling within the entire way home…….I have a huge bowl of oatmeal when I get home loaded with dried fruit and raw honey….YUM…..and a hot cup of raw honey and lemon tea. I collected my thoughts and call my friend Glenn (someone else you should know) founder of 220 communications ( look for him in my upcoming newsletter), and began rattling off all these ideas in my head…..since my conversation with Glenn I’m feeling great and looking forward to all that is to come……..I decide to write in my journal a bit and then write this blog…..as I logged onto my facebook page there is a note for one of my BFF’s Joycelyn, she is a entrepreneur and last night we had a long conversation about life, business, getting and staying motivated as well as some good old girl friend conversation. Well I read her post on my page and my heart lit up, as she expressed her appreciation for our conversation and how it left her motivated!!



My point......to help others out is what people should be doing, yes of course money and services may need to be exchanged and I’m a firm believer they should….But we must be willing to help each other……like, paying it forward…..I like that I surround myself around and attract energies of good people and I’m happy to know that my bff was inspired by my words and it’s no doubt in my mind that she will in turn inspire others!



Let’s get back to people helping people…..It’s that love that makes the world go around!







Om

Peace,
T

Tri-stories

Tri-Stories







Pigeon Pose



Today was probably the most challenging thus far, but I enjoyed every moment of it! Awake at 5:30 at the Gym by 6:15 got into my meditation, followed by teaching my 7-8am class then my own personal practice. In my personal practice I worked with pigeon pose and warrior one and two, to help open my hips and release tightness in my lower back…..also I use the warrior poses for my knees, I could feel the affects of yesterdays run and holding the warrior poses for two-three minutes each, helps to strengthen my knees and strengthen my quads as I remain aware of proper alignment and breath movement while holding these poses. Off to spin class by 9:30 am…..this was one of the BEST spin classes ever! The music was on point the teachers sequence was strong and high on endurance and strength, the hour seemed to fly by…….I was wearing my new bike shorts with gel seat padding ( if you spin do yourself a favor and purchase some of these), um, AWESOME, it completely changed the rides comfort level. I love spinning I always feel strong within like we’re really climbing, jumping and running on the open road……as the sweat poured off me I could feel the clarity and the high taking over!



Warrior One



After spinning I was beginning to feel the affects of yesterdays run & yoga session, but I still had to get my run in for the day…….I was chatting with Pablo and he gently reminded me to take it easy, not to over do it. I heard him loud and clear! I must remember that my ego is not training for this tri….I allowed my ego to train for the marathon and the results were bad. So I decided I would run until my body said stop…..I ran three miles and was done. Pablo also reminded me to fuel the machine! I have to work on that….teaching and practicing yoga so early I usually don’t eat until after but now that my training hours are getting longer I’m going to pack small snacks in my bag to refuel in between activities. The end of my training was complete with 20 minutes in the steam room…..Ahhhhh!! I highly recommend using a steam room if you have access, it’s the best thing for the entire body after a workout, I take steam baths at least four times a week. I could feel my achy worked muscles soften and release as the warmth and moisture of the steam mixed with the eucalyptus seeped into me, my mind chatter calmed down and my breath became soft and even as I lay back with my eyes closed and took it all in, feeling very much at peace after completing today’s training.



Front



I’m feeling great! I need to get my sleep habits in check, as a night owl going to bed at three or four in the morning is like the norm for me……but that’s not going to sustain me with this training, yesterday and today I took long solid naps…..not good, because I’m up all night, so I’m going to be realistic and give myself a 1:00 am absolute latest bedtime, hopefully I’ll go by midnight though.



Front arm up





Side arms up

I had a few photos taken so I can share the changes in my entire self during this process with y’all…..Though this is not about weight loss, it is sure to happen and as I’m able to write and express about my mental and spiritual changes, I also want to share the physical changes, via pictures and video. Thanks for all the positive words and feedback I’m off to teach my last class this evening, followed by a nice dinner and my evening meditation and tea and some reading….Bed by 1:00 (as I took a nap today), I’ll aim for midnight tomorrow!!

Peace,

T