My workouts were all yoga this past week since running + yoga – running = just yoga. I’m starting to really feel the effects of my running/cardio break now and I’m kinda liking it. I have MORE energy, I’ve been cleaning, creating new recipe without having to force it, my typical “runger” is gone, and my yoga practices feel different too, probably because I’m not constantly “recovering” from my runs. Which I suppose makes sense, since when you run 6 days per week, you really are continuously recovering from something. This break is very much appreciated!
I still have many yoga links to share since I did something every day this week and tried several new videos as well. I practiced yoga in the early morning each day when I normally would run, which cleared out the time later in the day when I’m typically trying to squeeze in some yoga.
Monday – Total body vinyasa flow with Lesley Fightmaster. This class is intermediate level, just under and hour long and the perfect well rounded flow. I love Lesley’s voice (really soothing, not obnoxious) and her videos just make me happy! I’ve been working on crow to tripod headstand and back, so the above and below photo are taken from that transition. The trip back down to crow is the trickier part of this (lots of core to stay up) but I’m almost there. On a good day, that is.
Tuesday – Vinyasa Flow with Tim Senesi – just under 45 minutes, intermediate/advanced and packs a lot in in a short period of time. Good amount of core work too! His instruction is very alignment based which is great, not something I want every day, but it’s taught me from the beginning of my yoga dabbling how to do these poses correctly.
Wednesday – Yoga for Stress and Depression with Lesley Fightmaster (38 mins.) I must have been feeling down this day. Or, maybe I knew that Lesley does a lot of backbending in this type of practice and I wanted backbending. Most likely both. There were many positive affirmations in this video and honestly, I can’t imagine completing one of her videos and NOT feeling good afterwards, she really has that effect.
Thursday – Yoga to twist, detox, and purify with Lesley Fightmaster – 48 mins. I’ve done this one before and it’s challenging and fast paced. The “detox” means a focus on twisting, after getting the body thoroughly warmed up. I find it a bit too fast paced with me and poses aren’t held quite long enough, but if you want a flow like this to get your blood pumping this is a good one!
Friday – Chakra Flow with Fiji McAlpine, 43 mins. I noticed this was recently added on Do Yoga With Me and had to try it. Like with all of Fiji’s classes, I really loved it. Mentally it made me feel calm and connected, it’s not what I would consider a well rounded flow but rather, it goes through and explains the different chakras and poses to open each one.
Saturday – Power to Paradise, 59 mins. This was another new one on Do Yoga With Me with Rachel Scott. Bird of paradise is one pose I just can’t get on either side for different reasons (oh how our bodies are so complex!) so I was interested in trying this. I’m not totally sure if I liked this or not, it might just not have been a good fit for the day, but I felt like my balance was off and I wasn’t feeling like one pose flowed to another for me. The closest I’ve gotten to Bird of Paradise was in Fiji McAlpine’s Power and Precision, there is something about her sequencing that just works for me.
Sunday – A quick 20 minute well rounded flow with Tim Senesi. I was originally not going to do anything but felt like I needed SOMETHING to loosen up/wake up in the morning. This was perfect.
Our weekend was filled with recitals! Emily had her gymnastics show on Saturday and both girls had dance recitals Sunday. Diana was actually in the 12, 2 and 4pm shows so I spent my entire day watching dance on Sunday. It’s amazing how much more manageable watching these shows is when you’re not trying to nurse/rock a baby or worrying about nap time, crying, and tantrums. It’s still a little rough making sure Drew is entertained but it’s 1 million times easier than it was 2 or 3 years ago. Hallelujah.
It was tough to get good photos of the shows but here are a few –
Emily is all about the trophies and medals. She’s sort of obsessed with collecting them, whereas Diana doesn’t seem to care at all and just gets excited for the event itself. Emily doesn’t so much “expect” a trophy but rather figures out what she needs to do to get one and then does that. It goes along with the competitive spark she’s always had I guess, and she’s already talking about beating me in a 5k when she’s older. I don’t doubt it will happen at some point, and I’m curious to see how this part of her personality develops in the future 🙂
And now for lots of recital photos. I don’t have the brain power at this point to pick one or two after watching shows from 12-5, so here’s the jist. First Emily…
…and now Diana
Enough? Okay it’s time for me to rest now and gear up for another week! I’ll be continuing my break from running at least part way through, I’m thinking I might head out for 4 or 5 miles Thursday morning, but we’ll see.
Weekend highlight?
Runs/workouts planned for the week?
Did you dance growing up or do you have kids who dance now?
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
May 18, 2015 at 5:00 amI spent many, many years dancing when I was growing up and I will never forget those long recital weekends! Not sure how my parents made it through those:) I always feel like I have so much less every when I don’t run. I started adding some yoga back into my routine last week and it felt great!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:31 pmYoga feels amazing and I even a little bit every day really helps me feel my best. The recitals are pretty exhausting when they’re that long but exciting and really fun for the parents!
The Cookie ChRUNicles says
May 18, 2015 at 5:48 amAw I love those pictures from the recitals! It’s definitely easier to sit through those shows when you aren’t worried about feeding and entertaining a baby. I cant wait to see how going back to running feels after taking a break. I bet you will be so refreshed and ready!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:32 pmI think the first few runs will be tough! It’ll take me a week to feel like myself I’m thinking. And yes everything is easier without having to entertain a baby 🙂
CARLA says
May 18, 2015 at 5:53 amOH OH OH THE CHILD RECITALS.
Nothing cuter or sweeter <3
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:32 pmThe best!!
Tina Muir says
May 18, 2015 at 6:48 amAwwwww I saw some of your pics and videos this weekend, gorgeous girl! SO cute! Ihope someday I have a little girl as cute 🙂 As for your yoga, wow you are really making huge improvements, it is great to see….I must get back into it….I know I will be thankful I did!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:34 pmThank you, we really had a great weekend! Yoga feels so different to me when I’m not running, it’s strange. I’m suddenly more flexible, especially in my back, and I feel stronger. I guess we only have so much energy to spread around 🙂
Skinny Fitalicious says
May 18, 2015 at 6:57 amYour girls look so precious! I practiced ballet for 12 years then had to give it up as it was causing my knee to form improperly. I was a substitute teacher for many years then starting choreographing my dance/cheerleading squad routines. I still love putting choreography together which is part of the reason why I love fitness and would love to instruct again.
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:36 pmThank you! 12 years is a long time to dance! I never studied dance but I did gymnastics/cheerleading and enjoyed choreographing with that. You’d be an awesome instructor with that background I’m sure 🙂
SuzLyfe says
May 18, 2015 at 7:04 amAwwww, love th pictures of your girls. I danced for years–I think that is part of my base in yoga, and I still can tell in my arm carriage in certain poses!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:38 pmI can see where dance lends to yoga, same with gymnastics! I never studied dance past the age of 5 and my girls critique my hands/arms when I try to imitate them 🙂
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
May 18, 2015 at 7:44 amI spent so many weekends in gymnastics performances and dance recitals. I loved it but always got so nervous! I can kind of nail Bird of Paradise except I can’t straighten my leg the entire way. Thanks, perpetually tight hamstrings.
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:39 pmThat’s my problem too! It seems like on my left side my hamstring is too tight and on my right side my back feels too tight. Darn imbalances 🙂
jillconyers says
May 18, 2015 at 7:49 amI love weeks of lots of yoga! My daughter was a dancer turned all start cheerleader to crossfit beast. Can you tell I’m a little proud 🙂
My workouts this week are yoga + elliptical + HIIT.
Have a fabulous Monday Michele!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:39 pmThat parent pride is the best 🙂 I am feeling proud for you!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
May 18, 2015 at 8:09 amYour girls are just precious 🙂 I didn’t dance when I was younger, but I was involved in so many other things that I’m not quite sure how my parents managed it all. Swimming, horseback riding, skating, snowboarding, tae kwon do, soccer, baseball… I guess I was a fan of doing ALL the things 😆
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:42 pmThank you! I wasn’t involved in nearly as many things as it seems kids are today. Just gymnastics and then cheerleading sports wise and also music for me! That’s really cool that you did so many things though, I wish I had gotten involved with more because it’s obviously a lot harder to try any of it now. You have a great base for basically any activity from all of that 🙂
Ann says
May 18, 2015 at 8:31 amI did ballet when I was young, until the age of 12 or so! I loved the costumes and recitals, and the makeup, haha. At some point I just didn’t have any friends in the group anymore, couldn’t connect really, and I gained weight so I felt very uncomfortable and misplaced in a way, that’s why I stopped. I sometimes wished I would still be dancing when I listen to music, it’s such a nice way to move and express yourself! I hope your girls will have fun with it for a long time 🙂 They look so adorable!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:45 pmThank you! I really hope they continue it since they love it so much, and I also hope I can encourage them past fears/insecurities if that is dissuading them. That said I wouldn’t want to force it, but, just wouldn’t want them to stop for the wrong reasons!
renaissancerunnergirl says
May 18, 2015 at 8:32 amI did ballet growing up from age 5-15, and it was one of the formative experiences of my young life. Dance is such a wonderful artistic outlet especially for kids who are physical learners.
Jamie says
May 18, 2015 at 9:29 amI’m hoping to get a solid longer run in, while maintaining my cross training this week. I’d like to hit 45-50 miles this week. Growing up I did ballet from when I was 5-14… I really wish I kept going, but I don’t think it was in the cards for me. Weekend highlight was watching my boyfriends rugby team win their last game this season and remain undefeated! Hope you have a great week! : )
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:49 pmIt seems like that’s the age when many girls wind up stopping and switching gears, I’ll be curious to see what happens with my girls. Sounds like a great weekend for you, and a nice week of runs ahead 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
May 18, 2015 at 9:37 amYour girls are adorable! Yes- I totally know what you mean about juggling nap times and keeping babies happy, it’s tough! Glad you’re past that phase. Good for you for taking a running break, too!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:52 pmThank you! It’s funny how when you’re in that phase you don’t even realize HOW challenging it is! I’ve been reflecting on that during this running break too, since back a few years ago running also represented getting away from all of that, and now things have changed and I no longer “need” running the way I did then, although half the time I sort of forget that.
misszippy1 says
May 18, 2015 at 10:09 amSuch cuties! It’s great that they both enjoy their “thing” so much, even if for different reasons. It’s fun to be a parent and watch your children at their chosen activity.
Lots of yoga–good for you!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:53 pmYes, I love watching their blossoming personalities that come out each time recitals come up! This is totally the fun part of being a parent!
Kim says
May 18, 2015 at 10:28 amGirls look beautiful. My oldest kids are boys, so our weekend pictures look VERY different. I am taking a forced running break this week–I think it has been in the works for awhile to be honest–I was diagnosed with shingles on Friday. Ugh! I have never had this before. How does someone who eats so healthy, takes such good care of herself, etc. get shingles? Maybe because I continue to run, etc. even when I don’t feel quite right, am tired, whatever. It is horribly depressing. I have promised myself a WEEK of rest (but I don’t know that I’ll make it–already feeling anxious…and I have missed two long runs in a row…and…and…)
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:56 pmSo sorry! That really sucks. The only thing I can say is that a break from running will definitely help. I wasn’t sick, but still, I feel like I have more energy during this break. I think there’s a fine line between where exercise helps and hurts. Try to stick with a week of rest. You’ll be fine, just focus on taking care of yourself and healing 🙂
danielle saucy smith says
May 18, 2015 at 11:05 amoh my goodness your girls (and boy!) are the cutest little munchkins ever!!! i did gymnastics as a kid, and also some musical theatre. even though i was a shy/nerdy kid, i loved performing in a show. i never had solo gigs which is what i loved – performing with others and doing a number that we got to realy learn. gah, you’re making me miss that life!!! i know there is musical theatre for adults, maybe i’ll look into it. LOL hey it’s never too late. *actually there is this free open mid comedy improv night at this little theatre near our place and we keep saying that we’ll go watch and try it out, that would totally freak me out and excite me to no end*
my weekend was full of studying for my real estate exam, but actually i loved it because in the evenings we had nice date nights, great long walks with the dogs, and the hubbs started running again (which makes me happy!) overall it was a very productive weekend 😉
happy monday, Michele!!!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 6:59 pmYes I was also the shy kid who loved to perform! I love to find people who understand how that works 🙂 Watching my girls perform I miss all of that too, especially gymnastics because that was something I really loved, but also singing. I think I would be terrified of comedy improv and would have to be blazing drunk, although that would most likely make me less funny. I’d love to hear about it if you do it!
Your weekend sounds so perfect, Adam and I are long overdue for a date night as usual!
Strength and Sunshine says
May 18, 2015 at 11:11 amHaha, the good old days of recitals 😉 (Be happy they aren’t competitive dancers….don’t let them do it, keep the innocence!)
And look at the crow! Nice and strong!
Since I don’t run anymore, my long day cardio high comes from a super long Hiit/high tension bike ride…..it’s a bit more boring, but I still feel mentally “clear” afterwards!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 7:01 pmThe innocence really is sweet and I love that their dance school isn’t competitive and the teachers are so warm and just amazing with the kids, not sure how I’ll handle it in the future but I hope to go with my gut! A high tension bike ride sounds intense!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
May 18, 2015 at 2:26 pmIt looks like you had a pretty active weekend with the girls, who are absolutely adorable by the way. I used to do gymnastics too so I remember a little bit what that’s like.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better and more energized as a result of the running break. I’m still super proud of you for doing this. Maybe one day you’ll even be able to take a couple days off from all activities. I know I’m doing nothing today after a weekend of exercise at the retreat coupled with crazy hill walking. My shines, glutes, and hammies really feel it. Although I may sneak some bicep curls in this afternoon…that is if you count bringing the wine glass to my face as a curl. 😉
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
May 18, 2015 at 2:29 pmP.S. I think the back bends make you feel good because they’re heart openers. Those always help me too.
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 7:10 pmYes, so that’s what they say 😉 Look at me I really am a skeptic! I do love back bends though and they seem to make me happy, so maybe I should just go with it.
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 7:09 pmThank you, this break has been a long time coming and it’s completely necessary, there’s no way I can go right into marathon training without a couple of weeks off, my body would not have it, nor should it. I do like stretching every day even if I’m not doing much else. Hill walking is no joke, but that feeling of soreness afterwards is one of those “good sore” feelings that just reminds you of a great time 🙂
giannanicole22 says
May 18, 2015 at 3:36 pmThis makes me miss dance recitals! My poor parents with 3 girls all always in multiple routines. I don’t know how they juggled us to be honest we each danced played multiple sports (on multiple teams for each) and took extra academic classes throughout school. My head spins just wondering how that was all juggled!
I think my weekend highlight was Pitch Perfect 2 I went to the movies at 10am on Sunday and had the theater almost completely to myself! It was lovely!
Michele says
May 18, 2015 at 7:11 pmWow that does sound like a lot! It’s a ton of activities to balance as a parent, and my son isn’t even in the mix yet! A 10am movie is definitely my kind of movie!
Happy Fit Mama (@happyfitmama) says
May 18, 2015 at 7:31 pmAfter years of asking, my daughter says she wants to take dance now. It should be interesting. Your daughters are too cute.And your yoga practice is coming along great – I want to do headstand so bad!
Michele says
May 19, 2015 at 1:12 pmDancing little girls (and boys!) are just too cute 🙂 My son is 4 and wants to do hip hop now! And thank you, for some reason headstands came easy and other poses that I thought looked easy just don’t. Interesting what we learn from yoga!
Sue @ This Mama Runs For Cupcakes says
May 18, 2015 at 8:20 pmI did dance when I was a kid, but I have boys so we are all about mud and baseball these days 🙂 I always love when you post these yoga videos, I immediately bookmark them! Thank you!
Michele says
May 19, 2015 at 1:13 pmGreat, glad to give out recommendations! I can’t even imagine the “boy” activities and I have no idea if my son will want to get into them at some point. I’m curious to see what happens 🙂
caileejoy says
May 18, 2015 at 10:03 pmWow!! Good for you with all your yoga posses!! ….and she is so cute! 🙂
Michele says
May 19, 2015 at 1:13 pmThank you so much 🙂
tara says
May 19, 2015 at 8:14 amim very interested in how your appetite has changed since less running ! i am back to doing some longer runs and man the appetite has totally kicked in and i have gained some weight which feels soooo wrong. it happened to me last year when training for the half marathon and took weeks to get off. i have heard its a thing but i want it to not be my thing ! my boyfriend doesnt seem to get as “rungry” as i do but i think he eats junk at work i dont know about : )
i wanted to do dance when i was a kid but my mom wouldnt let me. probably because she didnt want to sit through sundays of recitals LOL. she did dance as a kid and i think she had sort of a “dance mom” and so she didnt want me or my sister to do it. my parents were pretty strict on us only doing a few activities and not joining everything. at the time i thought it was a bit wrong since there were a lot of things i wanted to try like music, dance, etc. i think it would have been good for me to develop a small artistic side vs. school and sports but it didnt really happen as a kid. Now as a working adult though i do understand how they just couldnt take us to everything and wanted us to have just general play time vs scheduled activities. I think its great you have your girls in dance ! they are still a bit young for organized sports so dance is a great way to have activity, be part of a team, and develop a bit more artistic type of skills vs. sports. i totally relate to your trophy daughter. i was the same way : )
Michele says
May 19, 2015 at 1:32 pmI didn’t dance but always wanted to, which is why I love that my daughters are into it. I don’t push them and won’t though, because I know it can get intense going forward. It really is hard to do all the activities they want to do though, especially with 3 kids and my son isn’t even in the mix yet! It’s a lot to juggle.
In my post tomorrow I talk a bit about the “runger” but overall it went away after 3 or 4 days of no cardio. I know when I’m marathon training I gain maybe 5 lbs and I’m really hungry, plus I think psychologically feeling like I need to eat more, especially during peak weeks.
tara says
May 20, 2015 at 12:55 pmthat was a great post ! my boyfriend suggested that its also possible with long runs that you are burning lots of calories then putting lots in, etc and that your body might be reacting to that stressor and is more likely to store fat/weight to prepare for what it sees as trauma and this high calorie intake/expel (do you expel calories when running i dont know). im beginning to think that after my 1/2 marathon in august i might go back to just running 6 or less miles 1 or 2 times a week. why put my body through all this, deal with the time suck of long running, etc to ultimately gain weight ? which for me…i still have some weight to lose. im thinking i might focus more on weights and other things. its just so discouraging when running to gain weight and i feel like people look at you and be like really you are running 10 miles? and getting heavier ? i know we dont do this for what people think but it is frustrating at least for me.
Michele says
May 20, 2015 at 2:31 pmI agree with your boyfriend that that must be happening, not with all people but surely with some. Our bodies respond to stress in all different ways and for some it’s weight gain. I think you know your body the best and cutting back on running will make sense. Also I think non distance runners expect all distance runners to be rail thin, but of course we know that’s not the case unless you’re talking about elite runners or something! If running’s just not working for you there’s no need to try to force it.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
May 19, 2015 at 9:44 amwell don’t you give a new name to Dance Mom’s 😉
Just kidding but wow that’s a tonne of competition on one day- I love seeing the distinction between your girls in terms of personality VS competition!
Michele says
May 19, 2015 at 1:37 pmI was thinking of Dance Moms too, we are on the same page 😉
Sandra Laflamme says
May 19, 2015 at 11:01 pmYour daughter is adorable. What a fun celebration of dance and gymnastics. I am envious of your ability to do headstands in yoga. Very cool!
Michele says
May 20, 2015 at 1:55 pmThank you, about my kids and the headstand 🙂