Thursday, September 29, 2016

Yoga



I have a love/hate it seem sacrilegious to say hate relationship with Yoga.  I have tried to commit to this relationship for years... But here is the truth, I just don't like it.

I have tried Bikram, who really likes Bikram, Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar,  Ashtanga...you name it and I am either too hot, too bored, too challenged, too confused, too stiff, too sore, too b

I do admit that I feel better after yoga and I feel even better after Hot Yoga.  So I decided when my Coach said I had to to commit to yoga 1x a week for the last 8 weeks and ramping it up to 2x a week for the final Kona build.  Here is the deal, I may as well do Hot Yoga to help with heat acclimation.  We have had the mildest summer, as in heavenly temps, low of 65 and high of 75. Sheer paradise but not ideal when training for a hot race.   We had 2 days of massive heat this week, as in 104 on Monday, what the heck? and 95 on Tuesday.  But, alas, I am tapering thus no epic sweat fest rides or runs to "practise" melting on the Queen K my hydration and nutrition in hot temps.

Here is my 8 week yoga summary.  ITS OVER!!!    OK more to share...

1-  I will NEVER I know never say never but I am sure take Yoga Teacher Training so I wish they would stop selling it at the end of every class
2-  I "like" Core Power Hot Power Fusion, if I have to pick a yoga class.  102-108 degrees and steamy.   It is the same class every time - so I know when we get to tree pose  I am 1/2 through the class and at pigeon we are at 45 min.  I like that know.  Not that I am counting the minutes, okay really I am .
3- The room, floor and people don't have that "hot yoga BO smell" because it is lululemon encinitas kind of yoga
4-  The locker rooms are nice!  Showers are plenty cold, because who takes a hot shower after HOT yoga.  Clean floors and I can hose down- I don't know HOW people stroll out of HPF and get in their car.  I am still dripping sweat as I drag myself into the locker room- OOH, yuck - the idea of getting in my car.  
5- I did acclimate.  When I started I needed 2x 20 oz bottles of fluid and I had to take at least one break, as in walk into the AC lobby and contemplate leaving.  This AM- I had 1x20oz bottle and felt great at the end of class.
6- When I started I did child's pose at least 10x to prevent from passing out.  Today I only did it when instructed.
7 - I wish I could tell you I am better at yoga, but I am not.  I still am a falling tree on my left leg.  I refuse to really do chair pose as my quads are generally tired and this is "recovery" not my workout for the day, eagle bound airplane just does not happen and standing splits is just cruel.
8-  I am no longer angry when I go.   When the instructor tells me to stay on my mat, emotionally,  I do for most of the class.  I still wander off a bit but try to "stay present" for the 60 min.  I no longer hurl mean thoughts at the accomplished yogi's or the chipper instructors.
9- I just cannot get into Savasana when it is 105+ degrees and I am laying in a soaked towel of my own sweat.  I do a bit more stretching.
10 - I like it when the mirrors fog up as I don't want to watch ME doing yoga.

Will I continue?  ha ha ha ha ha.... I used my last class on my punch card and the person who checked me in asked if I wanted another 20 card pass?  I smiled and thought no f'ing way. I am done with this for a while  and said not today, I will get it next time, which I can assure you will be in 2017!  

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

(some) people suck

As in the people who burgled our house (not robbed) burgled ....yes on Monday I went to swim at Masters and had a long ride to make up, after my week of "fun" in Cabo.  My ride was challenging and I tanked my run due to fatigue... 19 days from Kona it is better to error on the side of conservative.  

As I drove up and opened the garage I noticed all the cupboard were open.  First thought, John was frantically looking for something, yes I have seen this before.  Next, the door to the house is open, that rarely happens and the side garage door is open.  I am more pissed at his recklessness, at this point as I glance up and realize both road bikes and 3 sets of wheels are gone. BUT John had moved the bikes into the bedroom when I was traveling so I thought he must have done that again.

I call the dogs and they sheepishly came out.  Red flag #1.  I walked in the house and all the drawers of my desk were open.  Back to "what was John looking for" and then I see my "trainer bike" is not on the trainer and I see all the drawers open in the bedroom and it hits me.... FUCK we have been burglarized.    Mild or major hysteria sets in and I call John.  I am wondering through the house realizing what is gone and I am in disbelief.  Our gate was propped open and clearly they grabbed and ran.   The aholes took my FAVORITE pillowcase (yes I have one)  and filled it with my entire jewelry box and lots of other misc items.   As I wandered around I see they took our check books and get this the 4 pairs of running shoes new in boxes, sunglasses, the hydration vests we ordered to try on for R3 and more..... The list is over 75 items.  It is surreal and I wish it was a dream.

There is so much more to say.....but I don't know who stole from us and if they ready my f'ing blog! They knew our patterns and knew what to take.  They bribed our dogs with french fries and left us feeling violated, angry, scared, sad, and more....... The last 3 days have been about building walls in every sense.  We will be living in a fortress, both virtually and physically.  I dare those bastards to try again, ok not really.

All I can say is that sure it is stuff and that can be replaced....what feels horrible is not feeling safe in your own home, wondering who did this, knowing someone pawed through all your stuff.   I go to sleep worried, wake up in the middle of the night scared and burst into tears a few times a day.  I am so thankful for my friends and the support. The outreach from so many offering bikes, wheels  and anything triathlon related is amazing and why I live this community.   Knowing we are loved means so much.  From bringing us dinner,  to an offer to simply keep me company in my house while working and reaching out with support, I feel the love and thank you all!

We are fine and will move on....but for now!  Fuck sums it all up