The real yoga for runners...

Every runner could benefit from a gentle, slow paced, yoga class that focuses on hip opening, spinal rotations, and provides a nice calming effect without being too "yogi".  A class that allows you to take your time getting in/out of postures and use whatever props necessary for support if your body 'just doesn't bend that way'.  Heck, if you chugged a bottle of water after your run and went right to yoga, you can even get up to pee in the middle of class (the majority of participants do).  A few months ago I experienced my first yoga class that was truly perfect for runners ... prenatal yoga! 

I remember thinking "how big" I felt entering my first class, but as soon as I stepped into the room, glanced at all the huge bellies around me, I realized "damn, I am skinny".  I immediately assumed that the class was going to be super easy - how could these large mammas do any yoga poses when some of them couldn't even bend over to tie their own shoes.

So, it was quite humbling when I was the worst one in the class!  I knew I had been slacking on my stretching routine and had not been to any type of yoga in months, but I never expected to get shown up so badly by a bunch of 2nd and 3rd trimester preggos.  (I know, I know, don't compare yourself to others in yoga - but find me a runner who doesn't do that).  Every muscle was tight, my hips felt totally locked and my mind was starting to freak out.  It didn't help that I couldn't even get half way into the pose that the instructor said "is the most important for birthing".  I left the class convinced that the birthing process was going to involve at least one dislocated hip.

After I stopped freaking out, I decided to "train" for birthing like I would for a race.  My flexibility was so bad, I figured it would be like starting a couch-to-5k training program.  I always tell newbie runners "the more consistently you run, the easier it gets".  The same had to be true for yoga, right?

The progress has been similar to what I imagine running to be like in the first few months after sitting on the couch for a year = slow, but steady.  I am still in awe of these flexible women - I feel like a newbie runner watching how the Kenyans float by during the Boston Marathon, making it look so easy.

It doesn't seem possible to have such stiff joints despite the fact that my body is now (supposedly) filled with higher levels of a hormone called "relaxin".  I certainly have not seen any evidence of this.  I keep waiting for that to kick in, just like new runners wait for the infamous "runners high" that is supposed to make running easier. 

This type of yoga is exactly what my body has been needing all these years to balance out my running.  The easy pace and low intensity are also a good balance for my mind.  I keep suggesting the class to all my (non-pregnant) runner friends, but surprisingly no one has joined me yet.  I promise, it is the perfect type of yoga for all you rigid, tight runner-types :)