I had to alter my plans today and skip my long run because I had to go to an early morning writing class for work.  I was initially dreading it, but, this one was actually really useful and provided a lot of great tips for writing legal briefs.  So, my writing might improve, but you all won’t be reaping the benefits

After class I decided to go to yoga.  The only class that was starting at that time was a vinyasa class I’ve taken before, but, I remembered not being thrilled with the teacher.  I decided to go again because I really wanted to spend some time on the mat today.  I’m so glad that I did because it was a great class.  It was challenging and felt like a great workout, but, also very relaxing with some deep stretching. 

Halfway through class the instructor came over and had me widen my arms in downward dog because she said I have “strong broad shoulders.”  I was a little put off by the “broad” comment, since I’ve never heard that one before, but, I gave it a try and immediately noticed a difference not only in downward dog, but also in chaturanga and upward dog.  I’ve been practicing with different instructors for 6 years and she was the first one to make this correction. 

Well, the hubby and I just enjoyed a great dinner of homemade pizza and I’ve got to get to bed early because I have to get up early and do my 10 mile run tomorrow.

Good night all

I’m going to try to start this blog up again … I’ve been somewhat lax in my posting, relying on the excuse that I’m too busy at work, but, I still find myself spending plenty of time at the internet.  So, I think that means I have plenty of time to keep up with a blog!!!  This is my promise to try to post once a day

While I’ve been away from the blogging world, I’ve actually been making a lot of progress in both running and yoga … I’m nearing the end of my half marathon training for the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon next month.  I’m still struggling with keeping a quick pace, but, I’ve been making it through my long runs without having to run, so, I think I’ll at least be able to run the whole thing.

Yoga has been amazing lately! My new beautiful yoga studio opened last month.  It has 3 large rooms, 80 classes a week and amazing teachers.  For the last year I’ve been inconsistent with my practice, but, in the last three weeks I’ve been making it to 6 classes a week!  I can already feel the difference in my body and I definitely notice a difference in my running.

Have a great night,

Amber

The Hubby and I just got back from running the Bay to Breakers 12k in San Francisco.  This was my first time participating  in this amazing Bay Area experience.  We got up at 6 am and took BART from our East Bay home in to the City.  By the time that we made it in to the City the entire train was packed with runners. 

After we got off the train we walked up to our corral.  We registered a bit late so we were in Corral D.  While waiting for the race to begin I just sat there looking around and soaking it in … the floats were lined up, the music was blaring, some people were in costumes, some were nakkie and beach balls and tortillas were being thrown everywhere (I’m still not sure what the tortillas represent, but, I jumped in on the action and started throwing them around like frisbees along with everyone else.)  All in all, everything you would expect from an iconic San Francisco event.  This year was the 98th running of B2B!  We also saw Jerry, the Grandpa who won the $100k at home prize this season on The Biggest Loser!

We started to run and kept a good pace for the first 2 1/2 miles.  Then at mile 3 we hit what is known as Hayes hill.  If you’ve been to San Francisco you’ve seen the types of hills that we have and this one was no joke.  It was straight up for the entire third mile.  The Hubby and I had decided to stay together during the run and he has been struggling with shin splints, so, we decided to walk the hill. 

It was a pretty hot day, but, once we hit the shade of Golden Gate Park and started feeling the breeze from the Bay, I felt like I could have run forever.  We had to stop and walk a few times because of the Hubby’s shin splints, but, we still had a great time listening to the music and watching all of the madness taking place around us.  Based on my stopwatch it looks like we finished in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but, we weren’t too concerned with our time since we were running this for fun!

After finishing we made our way over to Footstock and I think I annoyed the Hubby because  I started stressing that we wouldn’t get there in time to get a shirt in my size.  The smalls are always the first to run out and getting the shirt is the most important part of a race!  But, all was well once we got there and I got my shirt. 

We made our way back to the Embarcadero had a yummy breakfast(asiagocheese bagel with egg whites, turkey sausage and cheddar cheese) and then took the train home. 

Unfortunately some stuff has come up on one of my cases so I have to get some work done, but, I’m hoping to relax by the pool later this afternoon.  Hopefully all of you are having a great weekend!

My run was a 30 minute run that is part of my training plan for the half marathon that I’m running in July!  Although this is my second half marathon, it kind of feels like my first.  I was in Europe for a month before I ran my first half marathon last year, so, I didn’t train properly and I really felt that I could have done better if I had been better prepared. 

This time I’m following the training plan in the book Marathons for Mortals.  Other than making a few tweaks so that the plan fits in to my schedule I’m really trying to follow the plan this time and I’m really trying to improve my pace, which is something that I’ve always found to be a challenge. 

When I run I tend to fall in to a comfortable 9-10 minute mile pace.  I still sweat and get red in the face, but, I certainly don’t feel that I’m working my hardest and there still feels like there is room to push myself.  But, when I try to pick up my pace I start getting worried about running too fast too soon and not having enough energy to finish the longer runs.  My hubby recommended that I do a few of my training runs on the dreadmill and use that to try to increase my pace, but, it would make me really sad to have to skip my outdoor runs now that the weather is so nice.

If you are a runner – how do you increase your pace?  Or, more generally, how do you push yourself past your comfort zone?

I hope to blog regularly (or perhaps semi-regularly) about the trials and joys that come from my two loves … running and yoga.  I’m an average runner and an average yogi, but, I love doing both and love pushing myself to do better.

In addition to posting about my runs and my time on the mat I will also be sharing with the world the constant evolution that is my diet and my attempts to eat healthy, whole, real food.