A day of cross-training

Yesterday was Wednesday.  Wednesday is our cross-training day.  Cross-training is essential to the training process.  You have to work out your muscles in a way that is different than running.  I had a very... let's say interesting experience this week.  It was a good one, just very interesting.

I finally, finally, finally made it to the 5:30 spin class at the gym.  It started off rocky when I walked in and there was one bike left and I was asked if I was "on the real list or the wait list."  Well since I called the night before I was of course on "the list."  After I sat down the instructor announced that it is "bad karma to lie about being on the list."  I'm not exactly sure who the comment was directed to... but we'll let karma play itself out there...

Aside from the instructors horrible taste in music (Coldplay, really?) the class was actually great.  It was an incredibly intense work out.  There was a massive amount of sweat pouring off of my body - I really wish I would have taken my make up off... gross.  We did hills, jumps, sprints, the whole bit.  My muscles were screaming by the end.

Since I was feeling all cramped up, I decided to check out the 6:30 Vinyasa yoga class.  I had been to this class before and enjoyed it so I thought it would be nice to stretch out.  Yoga is new to me.  I don't know the moves, I have trouble with the moving/breathing timing.  I can clear my mind I think only because I have to pay attention so I don't look like a total fool. I feel like I can keep up, but I'm 2 for 2 in having yoga bring out the "weirdsies" in me.  Any guesses?



Yoga makes me cry.  I have no idea why, but this class and the class prior I cried.  In public.  At the gym.  Please tell me the first "spiritual" revelation I have ever had is NOT happening at the Boston Sports Club in Copley Square on a sweaty, nasty mat.  What?!  It's the strangest thing I have ever experienced; I can't help it... my jaw quivers and everything.  We finish up, the instructor turns down the light, we sit in the cross-legged position with our hands together (I'm sure it has a name, but I don't know it - looked it up "Namaste") and I cry.  I hope that you are all incredibly entertained by my "story" since it is completely embarrassing for me, but I also think it's very, very interesting.

Namaste Postition

So why the tears?  I did some reading.  Check it out:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21073097/
http://www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/806

My best guess is... after much pondering... that this whole running thing is putting an incredible amount of stress not only on my body, but on my mind.   The stress on my body is no surprise.  I assumed that I'd have sore, tight muscles.  I figured I'd be exhausted.  But I truly had no idea just how much committing to this would take.  It's constantly on my mind, sometimes it's excitement, sometimes it's anxiety, doubt, pride.  And it's taken up so much of my time, so much.  Don't get me wrong, I'm so glad that I'm doing it, but it really is taking everything that I have.  I so much appreciate all of the support everyone.  Apparently, I need it even more than I imagined.

**If anyone has any other thoughts on what the heck my problem is, or if you have ever cried in yoga class, let me know.... let's chat.  :)

Even though I have a mini meltdown in yoga class, I can't tell you have good I feel when it's all over.  So, I'm going to keep at it.  Even if it makes me cry.