Sara tries yoga part II

What I wore: Purple Rese crops,
Lulu FTB bra, Lulu Salute the Sun Singlet.
Loved this outfit. 

I tried yoga!

I have done exactly one yoga class in my life. And I didn't go back. Neither did any of my friends. It wasn't my speed. I'm too ADD and fidgety. I always need to be moving. I am so bad at sitting still.

Fast forward two years. I'm determined to try yoga again. Everyone loves it. I could use some calm in my life.

There's a free yoga class I can go to. I never made it last semester. I'm determined to make it this semester.

My mood that morning.

So after an EXTREMELY STRESSFUL morning at work, I decide I will go to yoga for lunch. I will turn my phone off. And any emergencies can wait an hour until I get back. (I'd wanted to go to yoga that day so I packed yoga clothes.)

I'm leaving for yoga (I have one coworker covering my work for an hour) and another coworker is going to the same class. Even better! We ride together.

The class is maybe a dozen people of varying ages and body shapes. The light is off. It's dim and tranquil. There's calm-ish pop music playing. So far so good. I set up a mat in the back. I'm behind a fabulous woman with a white bob and cool lulu crops that I regret not buying. I bet she knows what she's doing.

People are getting pillows. And I do not know what the pillows are for. (I do like nap time!)

I make sure to tell the teacher that I'm TRYING but might not know all the moves.

And the class starts. It's lots of downward dog and plank positions. (I know these moves! Hooray!) I don't know warrior pose. (I was possibly the worst at this of anything in the class.) I wasn't sure what the position was. Where were my feet? My arms?

And since I was in back, I couldn't see the teacher. So I'd try to watch a neighbor, but when we faced the side, I had no one to watch.

I liked all the downward dog stretches. And I knew a good bit of poses—maybe just not all the details, or sequences. But I definitely wasn't lost. I kept up pretty decently.

I learned chair pose. (With eagle or evil arms!? I couldn't tell what she was saying.)

We tried tree pose, which some days I have pretty good. But the mats on the floors in this room made balance extra hard. I tried tree pose with leg extended, which I had trouble with. I'm blaming the mats.

We even got to work on crow (which I know. I hope that I impressed the teacher. Second ever yoga class and I can hold crow for 7 seconds before falling loudly to the mat. I did fall the loudest in the class.) Then we moved on crow to (almost a candle stick roll.) I like this part of class!

Playing with crow the next day. #badlighting #needahaircut

The class ends with something like supported fish, which you lay back on the pillows (they're called bolsters). Which I couldn't do with my knees open. My stupid hip flexors. The teacher came and put some blocks under my knees (so that's what they are for!). And then we decided just to put my legs straight out front (relaxed). And we sat there forever. We did some eye exercises. I was fidgety and seeing what everyone else was doing without being too obvious.

My apple watch said I burned 181 active calories in 56 minutes. (Which is interesting since it said 82 calories in a pilates class.) I also went running later that night. I think I felt less achey than I normally do going into the run. (Which yoga + running two -a-days might be what I need. Or yoga on my rest day. Decisions.)

MY THOUGHTS
I actually really liked this yoga class. I do think that I need to stretch more. And taking this class, which is a lot of stretching could add some balance to my workout schedule (run, abs, trampoline, gymnastics, run, HIIT barre, run, bootcamp, handstands, cycling)

I didn't get too bored until the end of class, when I decided just to relax instead of doing the eye exercises she was telling me to do (and think about how tight my hip flexors always are.) She had me engaged for 45 of 55 minutes, which is saying something. Some of the poses I was too ADD to hold for too long so I was looking around, but it was so much better than the last time I tried yoga. Maybe I liked the teacher better.

Overall, it was a good experience with yoga. And I liked that it was restorative. I feel like a beat myself up so hard running hills and flipping my body though the air, jumping and just pushing myself to my limit. It's nice to do something that challenges me (all the down dog pushups etc) but doesn't nearly kill me.

I'd love to go again. But it's so hard to get out of the office at lunch. MAYBE I could fit yoga in once a week?

BONUS: I was a lot calmer after class. 

If I went again
1) I'd sit up front so I could see what she was doing. (So get there earlier)
2) Ask the teacher about the warrior pose, triangle pose sequence
3) Maybe do some stretching on my own--when I feel like I need to stretch something else or stretch further down. (I always want to do splits instead of pigeon.)

If you go:
1) I was really worried I'd be lost and wouldn't know the poses. I've learned so many of these poses from other exercise classes and stretching that I was not lost. So, don't think you'll be lost. You'll be fine!
2) Don't be afraid to sit up front. (Or bring a friend to watch).
3) Find a a teacher and speed of yoga that works for you.

And I was a dork and used the yoga blocks to do an L hold after class. I totally wanted to try over-splits on them.

A lady came up to me and had heard this was my first class (they'd all been coming all semester). I said it was. She smiled and said it was the toughest class they'd had all semester. I told her I was a beast. Bring on the hard classes!

Running blahs

I think I've officially reached the running blahs.

I am horrible for getting bored with workouts and switching to the next thing.

I've stuck with running for 15 months now, and I keep finding excuses to get out of running

• I'll take food to my sister and run tomorrow
• I'll take today as my rest day instead of Thursday

I just find myself putting off runs.

The weather is gorgeous. There's sunshine and green leaves. The trail runs are so beautiful I have to stop and take pictures of the golden light coming through the canopy. The temperature is perfect to run. So why don't I want to run?

1. I'm discouraged because I'm slower. Those two weeks I was sick killed my endurance and generally slowed me down. I'm having to get back down to times I had months ago. There's a lot of progress down the drain.

2. IT band issues. I had to take almost two months off running last year because of my knee. It's acting up again. And I've been battling tight achilles tendons, which has started to worry me lately. I can barely walk the day after a run and I don't think that's normal or good.

Last year it was because I upped my miles. This year, I'm running the same 8-10 miles a week I've been running for 6+ moths. Nothing is different this year, but the knee pain is there. It's especially bad at gymnastics. So I do want to take time off to get my knee healthy again. I should rehab my knee. But it's hard to make myself do my physical therapy.

3. Boredom. I want something different. Maybe I should run at the track? I went to the trampoline park last week. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE trampolines. But I can't do that every day? Sigh. I would love to do trampolines once a week.

4. Lonely runner. I have no one to run with. Maybe a friend would hold me more accountable. I sort of want to try local group runs, except that I DO NOT RUN ON PAVEMENT. It's too hard on my knees. And that's where the group runs are.

I've been thinking of cutting down my days running. The internet says you really should run three times a week, so I probably shouldn't cut down to two days a week, though that's what I'm thinking of doing. I should be looking forward to workouts (like I do for my other classes) but I'm not excited to run. It's just a cheap, fast way to burn calories.

Trampoline birthday party

I love trampolines. Love! And since I needed something fun to do for my birthday I invited a bunch of my friends to the trampoline park Tuesday night.

It was great workout and my friends had a lot of fun. My husband might have had the most fun.

We went to the local trampoline park. It has lots of trampolines, with some tumble tracks, a foam pit, dodgeball courts, a small dunk trampoline and a ninja course with a rock climbing wall.

Flip!
I've been able to flip now for a year and a half. But I flip into the foam pit or a gymnastics mat. I have never tried flipping landing on a trampoline. I was scared of rolling my ankle. I tried flipping on the Olympic trampoline at TSNY. I was feeling brave at the end of our jump time and I tried it when no one was looking.

Jump. Wait. Flip.

And I landed on my feet. First try.

I didn't hit my head and my flip wasn't too low.

AND my husband tried a front flip for the first time. He got it on his second attempt.

To outdo him, I tried a handspring to front flip. I almost got it. Not quite, but close enough to want to go back immediately.

I didn't turn the workout app on my watch on, but I burned at least 250 active calories and had so much fun. I should really start going back every other week or every two weeks.

Birthday offers and activewear

I love a good birthday offer. I decided to track what birthday offers I got via email this year. Food. Clothes. The works. I like a good excuse to spend money.

Birthday offers have definitely declined over the years. Companies want to spend less and less money.

Food
On the Border - Free cheese dip or brownie sundae (Perfect for people with a dairy allergy. Did not use. I actually used to eat here all the time but haven't been in years.)
Zoe's Kitchen - free entree. (Yes!). Received about 10 days before my birthday.
Moe's - got a coupon for a free entree. (Yes!) Received four days before my birthday. Got a burrito bowl :)
Schlotzky's - free original. (Last year it was a free sandwich. I don't eat The Original as I don't eat red meat, so didn't use and unsubscribed since their offers have gotten worse over the years.)
Panera - free dessert (received day of)

Clothing
Fabletics: 10% off order. (I did order some neon crops, will report back if they're sheer.) Received at the beginning of my birthday month.

Revolve: 10% off order. (Couldn't find anything. Looked several times). Received at the beginning of my birthday month.

Express: $40 off (I've had one of their premier credit cards for more than 10 years. Don't shop here much anymore because I've gotten older. I got some dress pants and a sleeveless button down!) Received at the beginning of my birthday month.

Workouts/Misc
A spa I visited on vacation sent me an offer for 50% off a massage or 20% off retail.

Pure Barre sent me an email for 10% off retail. Good for 3 months. (Received day-of)

Ulta also sent me a birthday offer for free mascara. (I am allergic to mascara :( Do birthday offers target things I can't use?) (Received day-of)

Offers I didn't get
I have an Athleta card. I thought there was a birthday discount, but apparently not for me.

Workout clothes/Activewear sales (non bday related)

• I did order a pair of reversible crops with the Sweaty Betty Friends and Family Discount. Free shipping. (Not a birthday offer, but maybe a bday present to myself).

• Bandier had a one-day sale near my birthday. Everything was 15% off. I almost ordered some K-deer leggings but didn't want to pay $10 in shipping. #dealbreaker

• Athleta has 20% off their sale with a coupon code. There's only one sale item I want and think I already have too many long sleeve shirts. (Extra20 through 3/30)

• I've been eying some Lorna Jane crops with pockets. LJ has 30% off their clearance, but I can't quite bring myself to spend the money.

• I also ordered a S'well water bottle last week (as my husband's bday present to me). I love this pretty metallic colorful bottle. (Color: Neptune). I'd hoped it would get here in 7 days in time for my birthday, but it will be nine days before it gets here: So two days late.

Travel Worthy Activewear

I have never been a light packer. I was the girl that brought everything from formal wear to Pringles to summer camp. But with airlines get stricter and stricter with carry-ons I've had to pare down.

I wanted to pack especially light for a recent trip to D.C. because if I had to check a bag, I'd miss my shuttle home. So I packed the bare minimum. And activewear is so versatile, it's most of what I packed.

Here are the activewear pieces that I got the most mileage out of on my recent travels (Lululemon unless otherwise noted)

Hi elephants!

1) Vinyasa Scarf
I wore a grey herringbone vinyasa scarf—and it is just perfect for travel. It wore it looped around twice in the airport. I got hot and put it on my suitcase handle while I waited. On the plane, I got cold, so it worked as a wrap/blanket. And it was great to have in D.C's chilly weather. It's soft, stylish and super functional. Will definitely bring this scarf next time I travel. I might even need a second scarf.

Vest and 5 mile long sleeve. 

2. Down for a Run Vest
I tried this on in the store for giggles. I had no intention of buying a $139 vest. And then I looked in the mirror. It is cute, so flattering. And it has a million pockets. I waited a week and broke down and bought it and then wore it every weekend.

This is what I wore in the airport—so I didn't have to carry a purse. It has two pockets that are big enough for a wristlet mini wallet. It also has two pockets on the side that can fit a can of Coke. It's stylish and more hands-free than a purse. I stocked my mini wallet, inhaler, winter hat, and anything I'd usually carry in my purse when I went out.

I sent a pic to my sister—she thought it was perfect for moms, but needed a spot for a pacifier.
This vest is a winter staple. I wear it all the time.

Upgraded to exit row on my rerouted flight through Charlotte.
Lots of leg room. Love my jet crops.

3. Jet Crop Slims
I wore these pants in the airport because they're comfy and don't have metal. And I could dress them up or down if need be. They're something I can wear ALL day. (They feel kinda like pajamas). I ended up wearing them the next day to walk around the zoo, and pulling them on over my leggings when I was in a hurry to get from a last minute trampoline class to rush to the airport.

4. Athleta ponte pants
These are my dress yoga pants. They packed well and didn't wrinkle. They work well for a dressy business conference.

5. Align leggings
I packed these because they can work as leggings under a dress or workout leggings. It was freezing in DC so I wore them under a dress when I went out for lunch, and wore them to an exercise class that night.

6. &Go Where-To Dress in grey (grey is sold out)
I got this on mark down and where it every week. It packs well and doesn't wrinkle. It's comfy and has a pocket that's perfect for a hotel room card. I like that it dresses up well for a T-shirt dress. I got the short sleeve, so I can slip a sweater on if I'm cold/want to dress it up.

I brought some other activewear: I wore a 5 mile long sleeve on the plane, and got too hot, and got too hot again at the zoo. I brought some purple leggings for trapeze.

 I ended up buying a black Cool Racer Back from Lululemon near the Whitehouse and wore it that night for trampoline class and I think twice since. I'm always looking for a clean black tank.

And I wore everything I packed in my tiny carryon suitcase and laptop bag—except a pair of shorts I brought in case I wanted to run on the treadmill. But I walked so much around D.C. that I decided I didn't need to run. (And I did two more trampoline classes than I'd planned and still had clothes for this :)

Oh, and I missed my shuttle home anyway. There was light snow in the forecast so it took 40 minutes to de-ice my plane going home, so it was really late coming in. #Fail.

TSNY Trampoline classes

Trampoline classes at a trapeze school sounded like THE BEST THING EVER to me. I love trampolines. And I love flying trapeze. So when I had a work trip to an area with a TSNY, after I booked my flight the first thing I did was book a trampoline class. (And trapeze class second.)

I didn't know quite what to expect in this trampoline class, but given my history with trampolines—well I was just hoping it was fun.

The day of, I met the instructor. I told him my goal was to have fun, that I'd never even been on one of these fancy Olympic trampolines before but that I'd spent a lot of time at the trampoline park. I don't think he was expecting much from me.

My class was three people. Me. A girl who had done trampoline as her college PE (that sounds amazing) but was out of practice and a lady who was an instructor at TSNY and was working on cool flips.

Since there's only one trampoline, we all took turns.

The warm-up was to bounce up and down and stay in the middle. And the trampoline was a lot bouncier than I'm used to so this took some calibration. I also use my arms to balance me and the teacher was standing to my side, so he had to move before I could do this. Once I got the hang of that (and staying in the middle, not bouncing off to the side), we practice straddles, pikes, seat drops and back drops. I think the teacher was surprised I could fearlessly do a backdrop.

We tried cradles—back to front. And I'd never been taught the right way to do a lot of these things, so he had to show me where my hands should go etc. But I got back to front and front drops—he was pulling a mattress in front of me.

And then he decided I should work on backflips.

I have never been brave enough to do a backflip. Ever. But I was feeling brave. So we decided to go for it.

And Rich is the best spotter ever.

He would jump with me, count to three, and then I'd try to jump back so my shoulder would land on his shoulder, with my back and butt in a straight line with my shoulder.

After a few rounds of that, I'd try to get up and over. And he'd kind of push me so I'd get in the right—back and over.

And I had the same problem as with my front flips. Not waiting. And rotating too fast. My flips were all rotation. No height.

But I started getting them. And I was so SO CLOSE. I was pumped.

I went back to the hotel and sent the video to my adult gymnastics instructor. And I was high as a kite on adrenaline for a few hours.

Almost doing a backflip when you've been terrified for years is amazing. And that was some amazing spotting.

I ended up taking THREE trampoline classes in three days while I was in D.C.

I came back the next day and took a class with a gymnast. I wanted to get my back flip. Only the second teacher couldn't spot that. I was so disappointed. She had me working on front drops and cradles. And I am not good at them and don't care to do them.

My last day in DC I took another trampoline class after flying trapeze. Another class with Rich. I needed to get my backflip. This class was also three people. Another girl from the flying trapeze class—who used to live in Athens and work at UGA. And there was another lady who worked at TSNY in NY.

The instructor was working on cradles, which is a back drop, and you go up like for a front drop but rotate over so you land on your back again. I can't do the rotation. I think it's all about waiting and getting enough height in the air. I have enough power in my drop but can't.

The other girl really wanted to learn net tricks for flying trapeze. She was working on back drops. They are so scary and hard to learn.

I wanted to work on my backflip.

(Thanks Nadia for the video) 

I didn't quite get it. Either it wasn't as good as a few days ago (or I was tougher on myself. The first time I was so thrilled just to be making progress, so not as tough on myself.) And then I worked on front flips. I don't know how to land them. I was trying to stick the landing. Like on a mat. But with a trampoline you just bounce. Haha. That's what I learned.

I love these classes and wish I could find one in Georgia. I found a gym that does have trampoline classes—but more for kids. I messaged them and they told me about their open gym. Not interested.

Verdict: Trampoline classes—LOVED. Need in my town.

Taking a sick day

Haven't blogged at all this week because I've been sick.

I've had a fever over 100 for four days. I think this is the sickest I've been since college. Ugh.

(And I am utterly worthless when running a fever. I do not think straight. Or do logical things.)

And here's the deal: DO NOT WORKOUT WHEN YOU ARE SICK.

Don't go to the gym and get your germs all over the equipment and breathe on your class mates. It's just a bad idea.

I've done easy runs with a mild head cold before (solo) but that's the extent of it.

This week, I was tired Tuesday so didn't work out. And the fever started Wednesday so I just stayed home and whined. And took my temperature every hour. (101.4).  I did try to get some exercise in. I have a stationary bike at home—so I tried that—super low speed to get some calorie burn in and meet my Apple Watch goals for two days but it really was really a bad idea. I was already burning up inside from the fever. I didn't need to get even hotter.

I think I was most upset that this illness made me break my Apple Watch move streak. And because I couldn't work out, now I can't get my perfect month badge :(

The Apple Watch is SOOOO ANNOYING when you are sick.

1. It gives you TIME TO STAND reminders every hour.
Seriously, it needs an option for I'M SICK today. Because you can't get more than an hour's worth of sleep for this thing chiming at you.
It does have a mute for the day option. And I could take it off. But I'm running a fever and therefore not thinking straight.

2. It reminds you that you haven't met your goals for the day. You've only exercised for a minute. You've only walked a mile.

Really, I should just take the watch off. But I didn't think of that until my fever went down. (I did this Sunday and it was glorious!)

I went to the doctor Saturday morning. My doctor was a former U.S. Rep known for saying unintelligent things. He was nice enough.

We did a strep test. Not strep. Then blood work.

And that went badly.

My head started to feel funny and I felt like I was going to puke. I was still holding tissue on my arm to clot the bleed and looked at the nurse and told her I didn't feel good.

They went into emergency mode. Told me to lay back, put a cool compress on my head, told me to do something with my arm.

I was trying so hard not to puke. And then my leg started to shake. I was so light headed through all of this. It was a horrible combination of my head, nerves and stomach. It was really scary.

That happened ONCE before in college when I was super sick. I get blood work done once or twice a year and like to think I'm tough. Not this time. I hadn't eaten that morning. They didn't ask. I was too sick to realize this before hand.

I laid there for a while. I sat up to get something out of my bag and got REALLY dizzy. That was a bad idea. I laid there for a while longer  and eventually, it passed. I ate a granola bar when my stomach calmed down.

The doctor gave my a prescription for some cough beads and I picked up some stronger decongestants than I'd been using. After the cough beads made my cough worse, I switched to a different medicine and am hoping for the best.

Hopefully, I can workout again soon. I've dropped about two pounds since I've been sick and have had zero appetite (and felt bad when I ate more than a few bites of food.)  I'm ready to be healthy again.