Coined by a friend of mine on a Facebook post – Yoga Runs – I wish I’d thought of it! I’ve been incorporating a regular weekly advanced yoga practice into my exercise routine, and as a cross-train to my running schedule. Additionally, and this is what my friend was commenting on, I’ve recently been stopping during long runs (and sometimes short ones) to do a yoga pose. I’ve shared pictures on Facebook – hopefully not to the great annoyance of my friends – but I wanted to write something about it here too.

As I taper this week in preparation for the Illinois Half Marathon this Saturday, I’m incredibly inspired by the runners, especially the elite women’s field of runners, who ran the 118th Boston Marathon that took place today. I’m also reminded that 16 weeks ago I was laid up with a very painful broken rib, wondering how I was going to recover, the thought of running a yard beyond my wildest imagination. That was also about the time I was accepted into the NYC marathon, and I was already signed up for the Illinois half.  I decided then that as I recovered, and as I began to run again, I would not complain. Sure, I still have tough moments, but I decided that I would enjoy the training process and be grateful for the joy of running, the benefits of it and yoga, and the combined strength – both physical and mental – they give me.

I’ve run 190+ miles since then, and 11 weeks of advanced yoga. I’m having fun. 🙂

Naturajasana – Dancer Pose

Eka Pada Vasisthasana – One-legged side plank pose

Bakasana – Crow/Crane pose

Urdhva Dhanurasana – Wheel pose