The Runner Finds Yoga (Old Dog Learns New Trick)

Finally… I have discovered yoga.  For years I rattled on about “I would really like to try yoga.”  For a variety or reasons, mostly laziness and fear of the unknown, I never got around to trying yoga.  (Just so you know: "no time" is not a valid excuse)  After my doctor-mandated “shutdown” I was searching for anything that would help me stay in shape and speed my recovery once I was given the green light to resume training.   When I resumed training I knew my muscles would be tight and weak.   I decided the time to try yoga was now.   I was not about to subject myself to a class at the gym.  I needed to experience yoga in private at first.  I purchased a “Yoga for the Warrior” DVD by Bob Harper (Biggest Loser).  It seemed like a challenging workout, it was on sale and I like Bob’s approach on the “The Biggest Loser”: “…stop talking and DO IT!” 

First reaction?  An amazing one hour workout.  Second reaction? OMG, I was shocked at how tight my entire body was from my shoulders to lower back, glutes, hamstrings, calves and feet!   And my hip range of motion?  Non existent.  Core strength?  What core???   Ok, after the self-discovery I kept going back to the DVD 3 – 4 days a week.  It took a good two weeks before I could do anything that resembled the actual poses and movements.  But then things began to click.   What did I learn?

• Tight hamstrings contribute to many ailments: sore lower back, sore calves, sore heels, etc…
• I notice improved posture while seated, standing and running due to the improved core strength.
• My feet are stronger and more flexible due to the strengthened stability & balancing muscles of the feet and lower legs.   
• I have less of the “old man” achy feeling when I stand up or get out of bed in the morning. 
• There is a noticeable difference in my recovery from running and cycling when I do yoga. 

How/ when?  I try to do the one hour workout 3 – 4 times per week.  I also use the first 15 – 20 minutes for a pre-run warm-up when time allows.  You can do yoga anywhere: home, office, gym, hotel room, outside. 

Whether you use a DVD, online workouts, or go to a yoga studio… you will reap great benefits from the workout.   I encourage you to find a few hours per week.  It is a great cross-training, low-impact total body workout.  Yoga has benefited my running and recovery as much as anything I have tried.