2009 - Year End Review

Wow, what can I say about 2009 - it was... well, one of those years! I wish I could say I hit all of my fitness goals (I didn't), or that I met the man of my dreams and got hitched (nope) or had twins (what?!?) BUT, I did manage to have one hell of a year!!

First off, I ran... a lot....I also biked, embarked on a new journey through yoga, finished a du in the freezing, pouring rain and managed to have a smile on my face most of the time! I am grateful for all of those experiences, even the ones where I was cranky (the rainy du and the womens 5k...actually most of the rainy races kind of blew).

Some highlights - not puking during my first Bikram class, volunteering for the Montauk Century (even if I only did it so I could ride free), the summer run series, all 4 half marathons (holla!!). I mean, what wasn't a highlight (Ok, having to poop on a golf course) This was a great year!!!!

So I guess this is where I write out my 0-10 goals...
1. lose this damn weight!
2. build a better running base
3. have an injury free ski season
4. go on a fitness vacation (paddle boarding and yoga excursion anyone...)
5. get faster
6. COMMIT, COMMIT, COMMIT!!!
7. be a better blogger, reach out and connect more, there are tons of great people here!

I can't wait to see where I am a year form now, but most of all, I can't wait to experience 2010 one day at a time! Really relishing in all that is offered to me...whew...it's gonna be a great year!!

Woa, Hello Snow!

Well, my plans of street running have been squashed by nearly 2 feet of snow, with more on the way (allegedly). I spent most of yesterday shoveling out with my neighbors, we live on a very tiny, blink if you miss it street so we were out there in full force as a team! I had to take a Doc that lives on my street to the hospital, she couldn't dig her tiny car out and since I have a SUV I took her out...you know those December to Remember commercials for Lexus where you see the silver SUV barreling through TONS of snow...well, that was me...too funny!

Although I was hoping for some street time, I'm ok with the gym. I know that I can pretty much handle only 3 miles on the treadmill, but I figure with some spinning added in I should be good to go. I'm still on my yoga kick, and now that I am back on the no sugar, flour, wheat thing, I will be good to go for spring races!! Woo hoo!!

Dear God, Please Don't Let Me Throw Up In Class!

I think the title of this post sums up my Bikram experience last night. It is also slightly reminiscent of this post, which I could have done without ever experiencing.

I walked into class a little rushed and cranky. I was not feeling my usual zen self and it showed. I was also not really all that prepared. No towel and no dollar to rent one. I do have to say that as a first timer at the studio (a studio that has only been open 3 weeks, mind you) they should have waived the dollar fee. Whateves. I won't hold it against them, but it did piss me off.

Ok, so let's just say the place is really nice, bigger than I was expecting, and packed, which might have something to do with the first class special (pay $20 for 10 days of yoga). It was also hot. Very, very hot. I asked what the temp was and the owner just said hot (also kind of annoying). I have a feeling it was the traditional 105 degrees with 40% humidity.

Ok, so onto the postures. I almost died. Twice. I literally saw my eyesight fading and thought this is what slow-mo fainting feels like. So I sat down, which is what they tell you to do. Under no circumstances are you to leave the room - super hardcore. I got through the almost dying/puking/crapping my pants (pretty, right?) and actually got through many of the postures. It was tough though. But I'm in love, except for the smell and threat of catching a fungus.

Hot Yoga Baby!!

Ok, so the yoga bug has hit me bad, even though my body is craving serious cardio, when faced with a choice, I've been leaning towards the yoga. I have been spinning, and I ran a few times, but yoga has been where it's at, so I'm just going with it.

Tonight I have decided to take a Bikram class, a hot, sweaty 120 degree yoga class. I have a doc appointment not far from a new studio so I'm headed there to sweat it out. They offer a 10 day pass for $20, so I'm excited! Also a little nervous, if summer running proved anything to me this year, I know that exertion + heat = nausea. Not fun.

I read an article in the new O Magazine (yup, I"m that cheesy) about a woman who is following a 60 day (in a row) Bikram practice - it's not for the faint of heart, but according to the guru, is completely life changing. I'm not sure that I would go that far, but I am anxious to add this style to my practice.

As for running, well, I'll just have to see where that goes. I'm planning on a 9 mi trail run this weekend put on by one of the local clubs. Should be fun, unless there is a yoga class that's at the same time ;)

Trade Shows....BOO!!

I have been a slave to the Greater NY Dental Meeting since Sat (yes, that would be the Sat after Thanksgiving). I managed to run once in Central Park which was great! I'm not sure of the distance/pace, but based on my time, I would day about 3ish miles. I also managed to eat...a lot! Trade shows are hard, lots of dinners out mixed with very little exercise due to tired feet from standing all day. I'm back in the office and happy to be here, especially since today is the final day of the show! On a happy note I saw Jersey Boys with one of my magazine reps - it was absolutely amazing!!

I was down a few pounds, but after this week, I'm not so sure. I'm weighing myself on Sun, so I'll just have to wait and see. Tonight is yoga and maybe a spin class, depends on how late I get out of work...ahh, back to my normal non-hotel staying life!!