Recently, I took a set back from my Bikram Yoga practice. We’re all working towards balance in our lives, and my body was telling me that it was what I needed to do to get closer to my equilibrium. I was overheated and clinging to a habit; I needed to let go of the hot room (again).
Enter: the hiking trails of Los Angeles.
Since moving to the West Coast, I’ve fallen in love with the challenge of a rugged uphill climb; of reaching the summit and feeling on top of the world. The views of California from above are spectacular and nothing beats the outdoors in this scenic state, especially with the Pacific as the glamorous subject on a sunny day. It shimmers like glitter.
Little did I know that this new passion would give way to an embrace of my Achilles Heel – running. Over years gone by, all attempts at running have left me feeling helpless. Excuses would include: “Running hurts my knees,” “I get shin splints”, and “I can’t breathe properly”. Recently however, short sprints here and there along the trail have left me feeling uplifted… and perplexed.
Uplifted because it feels great to run! My knees feel fine, the shin splints are non existent, and my even breathing is a support instead of a hindrance.
Puzzled though because I’ve been left wondering: Has my frequent Bikram Yoga practice conditioned my body; prepared it to allow for the experience of the lauded “runner’s high”? All I know for sure is that my fear of running had been tackled and conquered. And it feels really good!
Which means: I’m up for some experimentation. I’m on the quest to find the right balance for me, for now, with a hiking and trail running regime in conjunction with a regular Bikram practice.
I’m looking forward to developing this new skill and will be dedicating a few future posts to the topic of Running and Yoga. I’m honoured to be sharing an interview with Sage Rountree – internationally recognized authority in yoga for athletes and an endurance sports coach, in my next post.
It’s a liberating feeling to let things go, to confront weakness, and to conquer fears as it reminds the Self of its infinite potential. I’m excited of where this newfound passion will take me. If anything, I already feel empowered…
Good luck and enjoy your new challenge! Hiking in California must be pretty spectacular! I am thinking of starting running again too… it’s been a few years since I stopped. I am sure your posts about running will be my inspiration!
We can run in tandem – you in London, me – in LA. It is nice to be outdoors in California especially with the ocean views! Thanks for the wishes, and good luck with your running routine too K!
Enjoy the beautiful outdoors of the west (Im a Colorado girl)! Bikram Bikram Bikram. I love it too. I started out with it and AMAZING. Now… 7 years later and over my limit on yoga teacher training of all sorts, it is such a SMALL piece of the yoga pie. Small, small, small. Its clear from carousing this beautiful blog, Bikrams it, and I totally respect that, really I do. But there is more available to you. ESPECIALLY as you experiment with running, climbing mountains, being out of that hot room. It is great you are meeting up with an expert on the subject and I look forward to reading about it.
Look forward to following you!
I teach yoga on the beach in Mexico, this month, next month we are off to Uganda. I just returned from India. I teach wherever, and whatever people need. Runners have an entire series they can use to help facilitate the right muscles and those special areas of tightness that only runners and extreme athletes get. Yoga is totally still an option for you, maybe just a different type. You probably are aware of all this already, just a friendly reminder
Thanks so much for your comment. You know, I started out writing about Bikram Yoga as it was the style that got me into the yoga world, and I am forever indebted to it, but I have written posts about practicing Iyengar, Power, Yin… I’m all for trying out different styles. I love a home pracice too as that’s when I can focus on form, breath, and just ‘being’ in my own space. Your job teaching yoga sounds wonderful; I am all for traveling-to-where-you-work. Hope you enjoy the next post featuring Sage.
I just finished my first half marathon, and if i didn’t practice bikram i wouldn’t have ever been able to do it. not only is my body strong, but my mind is conditioned to put mind over matter, i frequently repeated mantras i heard at bikram to motivate me to the finish!
Congratulations on the half marathon! There have been so many articles detailing how athletes have conditioned with Bikram Yoga – footballers, tennis players, and runners. And running seems such a mental game – it’s really cool how you incorporated the class mantras into your run.
Well done Marina. That sounds brilliant, very liberating.
Thanks Adrian! It’s hard work though
Fantastic Marina and what amazing news! Running literally is my lifeline and without I cannot peacefully exist. I’m curious about your overheating as this was my issue with the hot room. My pitta body could not take the heat and I need the cool air outdoors to feed me. Enjoy the newfound freedom that comes with running! XO
Hi Shira! I’ve been thinking about your comment for a few days. I can’t imagine my life without Bikram Yoga – it gives me peace of mind, encourages stillness, helps me be aware of fidgety habits, inspires a meditative practice, gives me a sense of community, and I love the way I feel afterwards. That said, over the years, my body has felt the heat more. I was told by an acupuncturist that my body was “hot” so hot yoga was something I should consider giving up. Well, that was years ago and I am still doing the yoga. But I need to cool my skin down – just like you say. Share with me your experience – the more insight we can share, the better
I think I’d take up running too if I lived where you do! : )
Happy trails, Marina.
Thanks Karen. Discovered a new trail today – there are many options. Best one – at top of the Hollywood sign