Om on the Run

My agenda for this past weekend was completely blank except for the words “12 mile run”.  As I lay in Savasana during Friday night’s yoga class I was completely relaxed knowing that I had nowhere to be for two whole days.  Although I crave structure with my workouts and training, I despise it otherwise.  I prefer to fly by the seat of my pants.

I left hot vinyasa completely drenched and entirely cleansed of all the tension I carried throughout the week.  I like to think of yoga as a gift to myself, never an obligation.  While I know it is not for everyone, the practice itself feels like an act of love.  Often I dedicate my practice to someone or something, and I keep that in mind with each posture and breath.  When class ends with a “namaste” from teacher and student I walk away renewed.  I am emptied of all negative thoughts and refilled with a bright light that carries me through my weekend.

Saturday was a day for on and off napping and reading.  You better believe I enjoyed every second of it.  I love days when I can embrace my inner bookworm wholeheartedly.  The following day, we took our time drinking our morning coffee before heading north for a 12 miler.

The beaches close to home are the rowdy, spring-break style beaches full of vacationers and college kids.  I don’t mind running here during the week but when we have the time we like to go up to Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas.  Instead of beach cruisers and bikini clad women you see wetsuits, surfboards and fancy triathlon bikes.  I love being surrounded by other active people when I am running.  It is far more enjoyable than passing through a cloud of smoke or getting offered beer bongs in the middle of a run.  One of these days I might just take one.

It is no wonder San Diego is the Mecca of triathlon with its mild weather, ocean breezes, insane hills and non-existent humidity.  Trust me, if I didn’t grow up in the Midwest I would not appreciate it like I do.  Anyway, I ran the first 8 miles of my run with Ang then we stopped at the car to refuel.  I realize now that I need to start using a hydration pack or fuel belt for future runs.  I felt depleted by the time we hit 8 miles.  Ang hopped on the bike and I sped off to finish the last 4 miles.

My shoulders were aching from all of the chaturanga dandasana and my feet were hurting, simply because I need new shoes.  Other than that, I felt fantastic!  There is nothing like running along the ocean, watching surfers and feeling a cool breeze on your face.  I finished my run by standing in the ocean, nature’s ice bath.  It was painfully nice.

Poor Ang had a flat tire within minutes.  To make it all better we went to Swami’s for some good eats, where they accept us in all our sweaty, sandy, smelly glory.  I enjoyed a smoothly blended bowl of acai and other colorful fruits with some black bean soup.  Mmm Mmm Good!

Hours later, I lay in bed listening to the sounds of brazilian jazz playing throughout our apartment as I write this.  That bright light I mentioned from yoga has not dimmed.  It burnt strong this entire weekend and I am glad for that.  I have remained at peace and full of love and gratitude.  If only I could find that inner light on busy days, crazy days and especially stressful days. 


Thanks for reading... Namaste!