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yoga & running combined

I've mentioned before my feeling that yoga makes me a better person.  It does. I think yoga helps me personally feel better about myself and more understanding about life.


Running.  Running makes me a better person too.  The difference I think is running makes me a better person for other people that I interact with everyday.  My best thoughts about what I can do for others and some great, creative brainstorming sessions happen while I run.  As well as making lists (in my head) of things I've meant to tell people (nice or informative things) or do.
I read a different blog that seemed to be a great explanation of how I feel while running.  When I read it I wanted to yell, "YES!  Exactly!"  Here's a little excerpt:

"Truth be told, I do most of my deepest and best thinking while running. I have never been able to figure out why this is the case.  Is it related to the endorphins? Am I so in the moment that my mind and spirit simply open up? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that running does magical things for people. It just makes us better. Not only in the physical sense, but in our hearts and minds too.
Running is expansive – it opens you wider than you thought you could go. It gives you courage and confidence to tackle other parts of your life that might otherwise feel unmanageable or impossible.
When I started running three years ago, it was to do a marathon. Plain and simple. To me it was only a physical endeavor, an athletic goal. Before that time, I thought running sucked. It was hard and I hated it because I’d sprint down the block and almost throw up. I had no clue you could pace yourself. I also  had no idea what would happen to my psyche once I settled into my runs and listened to my body.
For those who don’t run, I’m not sure they get it. There are a lot of people out there who not only kind of don’t like to run, but they actually HATE it. But for those of us who can’t get enough, it seems it is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical. Running is healing."

(via)
Oh, and I'm registered for my 4th marathon.  October 7th.  Chicago.  Bam!  Registration is already at 30,000 so if you're interested... don't delay!


Biking just sort-of relaxes me.
I often give myself pep talks on my way into work (when I'm not on the phone with Karen).  
And on the way home I try to forget about the day and relax a bit.
I'm very happy this winter has been quite mild so I have been able to ride almost the whole time.  I do try to give my knees a bit of a break in the winter and focus on speed (on the treadmill), lift weights (in classes only - I hate it - I have to be forced), and spin classes with my favorite instructor.  Basically just giving my knees a break from pounding the pavement all the other seasons of the year.  
Although sometimes I slide in runs because I need it.  Yes, need.

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