tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89437265349082942432024-03-05T23:32:35.050-06:00Bike Run YogaBikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-82659698983710631772022-07-20T06:43:00.002-05:002022-07-20T06:43:59.786-05:00<p> </p>
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<iframe src="https://snapwidget.com/embed/1003946" class="snapwidget-widget" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:640px; height:1058px"></iframe>BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-38595844433513159452013-09-30T00:03:00.001-05:002013-09-30T00:03:56.119-05:00How do you get stronger arms? Do push ups.I went to Gaia Flow today to get a little more arm and ab work than what we get in Bikram yoga. Gaia Flow has a "Weekend Warrior" class that is fairly warm, though certainly not as hot as Bikram yoga. They start the class with something like 300-400 ab moves. Seriously...300-400...I guess it depends who it teaching or what kind of mood they are in. Then they move into the good stuff, arm balancing, core working postures where even the fittest of people start to quiver before the teacher says to move into another posture. And if you aren't challenged, there are always variations of the posture..I stayed with the basics.<br />
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I've been several times, they always stop after the ab work and discuss something the studio is "working" on or "focusing" on for the week. This week it was moderation. Moderation in your practice and in life; letting go of the ego and knowing your limits that day. I thought it was interesting and perhaps not a coincidence that I am participating in a moderation eating group and he referenced attempting to practice moderation in your eating...like only eating a few chips at a Mexican restaurant. And many of the things the teacher used as examples of moderation in yoga were things I try to communicate when I teach.<br />
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Today in class I tried to practice moderation and not kill myself doing postures I am not totally familiar with or frankly, that good at. Downward dog is a favorite and a "go to" transition posture for just about everything we did today. After awhile my wrists started to hurt. I probably could have stayed in the postures but only to the determent of my ability to move my hands later. I opted to be safe and sit out a posture here and there, sip my water and wipe the streaming sweat off my face. Much of the arm balancing postures I couldn't do, arm strength is not something I have and though we do some arm work in Bikram, it isn't one of our top selling points.<br />
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After class a friend and I were talking about what we thought of the class and I got to the part about class when we did the arm balancing postures and my weak arms. I commented that I was trying to "work" on my arms by doing push ups at home. He asked how many I was doing. "Uh, 3-4 at a time at the moment." he laughed and the proceeded to tell me I should be able to do 100 push ups a day. 100?! After we both had a good laugh, he looked at me completely serious and said, "yes, you should be able to do 100 push ups every day." Dude, I can barely do 5, how the heck am I suppose to do 100? He was kind enough to break it down and say I could do 10 push ups 10 times a day which sounded more achievable. And, because we did so many push up moves in class he said I should shoot for doing another 50 the rest of the day to make my 100. 50?! Sheesh...uh...ok....<br />
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I know, you are wondering if I made it. It wasn't easy but I did 50 push ups. Ten at a time. Oddly enough, the last two "reps" I was able to pump out 4 solid without stopping, then a few more, then boom, was done. It was as if my arms got STRONGER as I did more. Shocker I know. I'm eager to see what tomorrow brings. I will either be able to do 100 or my arms might feel so weak I won't be able to lift myself off the floor. Check back tomorrow to see if I can still pull myself up to the computer to type.<br />
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-72682362844032083602013-09-27T20:45:00.001-05:002013-09-27T21:33:22.271-05:00When step count doesn't matter.<p>Finally got on the bike again and went around White Rock Lake. The weather in Dallas was just perfect for a quick jaunt around the lake. I was impressed with my ability to maintain a somewhat reasonable pace considering I haven't been on the bike since April.  </p>
<p>I debated I've been using a pedometer to track my steps and have been astonished at how inactive I am some days. Some days I barely make it to 2000 steps. The only time I've ever gone more than 10000 steps was when I ran 4 miles. </p>
<p>I debated whether to run to get steps or do something different and ride. I decided it's more about being active which in the case of yoga and cycling don't include steps. So today, even though I'll barely crack 3000 steps, I feel pretty good about 12.5 miles on the bike. </p>
BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-63138639143825666992013-09-10T10:31:00.001-05:002013-09-10T10:31:21.114-05:00Getting Rid of Pain with the MELT Method<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3GINNi4Zdu73vMl934r0NE0_wtoB93iLxLdqimmiR3K42pLQchxZxDojnmd0BcLdI5ugRyiqRKnYN76U3gn4ULZvVAyK_Vx4QmzA1nzGIwJ1Y0O6oagpwjP4cuQhKg6xSNzKj0Gogxo/s1600/20130905_203211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3GINNi4Zdu73vMl934r0NE0_wtoB93iLxLdqimmiR3K42pLQchxZxDojnmd0BcLdI5ugRyiqRKnYN76U3gn4ULZvVAyK_Vx4QmzA1nzGIwJ1Y0O6oagpwjP4cuQhKg6xSNzKj0Gogxo/s320/20130905_203211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MELT Method Hand and Foot Treatment Kit<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Earlier this year a friend of mine posted she had been to the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=209871&U=852394&M=25527&urllink=" target="_blank">Hand and Foot MELT training</a>. I was intrigued so I looked it up and saw it was balls and rollers and what looked to me on initial review to be pressure point massage. I have been using a foam roller for years and recommend them often to yoga students, runners, cyclists, etc that are feeling pain. Based on my previous knowledge of foam rolling, reflexology and fascia I thought MELT would be a great compliment to what I already teach. An boy was I right!<br />
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I just got back from the Hand and Foot MELT Training and am so excited to share how just a few minutes a day can help keep a person pain free. I mean, who doesn't feel pain every once in a while? I consider myself a fairly healthy person without a lot of pain but sometimes I get a crick in my neck or I get what feels like a knot in my muscles or when I am crazy enough to think I can run more than a 10K and my legs cramp up. Pain happens. Kind of like S**t. It just happens. But that doesn't mean you have to live with it.<br />
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Here is a real example that happened to me this weekend.<br />
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We were sitting for most of the two days learning about fascia, nerves, pressure points, etc. I was sitting at an angle I guess my body didn't completely agree with because once we took a break and stood up, I all the sudden felt a crick in my neck and had this pinching pain on the right side of my neck and shoulder area. When this happens at home I usually put some Tiger Balm on the area or get a neck roll, warm it up and put it around the area.<br />
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I didn't have any of those things but we were about to do a foot treatment. We started with the left foot and after just a few minutes on the left foot I all the sudden noticed my neck didn't hurt anymore! No more pain! IN MY NECK? How the heck does pressing on my feet help my neck? The body is an amazing thing. The connective tissue, fascia, that is just below the skin is all over the body and is all connected, thus I am sure why it is called "connective" tissue. So you can effect an area not close to the feet by simply pressing on some points and sending fluid through the body.<br />
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I vaguely knew this because of reflexology but I've never studied it and haven't done reflexology in response to a pain, it has always been as an add-on to a massage treatment.<br />
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What was completely the ah-ha moment was when Sue said connective tissue can be dehydrated, even if you drink a lot of water and most of the time what we feel when we are tight or stiff is not so much about the muscles, it is dehydrated connective tissue. And dehydrated connective tissue can create pain in your joints, stiffness, reduced movement and imbalance.<br />
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Want to learn more about <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=209871&U=852394&M=25527&urllink=" target="_blank">MELT</a>? Want to try it? Connect with me on twitter for news on upcoming classes, I'll be teaching classes in Austin and the Dallas area. If you are interested in more immediate help, email me at carolyn (at) bikerunyoga (dot) com.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=209871&U=852394&M=25527&urllink=" target="_blank">Purchase MELT products and Sue's new book!</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGmtokvf-uWjaGdSlZ1gJeiufOS8V-9raztfyT1Ee8Jjeh7eo62FNse-ThDgk5yD-0WbC5WuuGzDXxrZVtGsltxT1JXDxNfzRX6MWJoJVQ1quf9bPVtSCzAW1lfATNMo2k_tnGXyFR5M/s1600/20130906_174236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGmtokvf-uWjaGdSlZ1gJeiufOS8V-9raztfyT1Ee8Jjeh7eo62FNse-ThDgk5yD-0WbC5WuuGzDXxrZVtGsltxT1JXDxNfzRX6MWJoJVQ1quf9bPVtSCzAW1lfATNMo2k_tnGXyFR5M/s320/20130906_174236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took a full MELT Class the day before training started.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfJBnWd6IX_BCDmxG7cNljKjMREEB_z84JunuW0o3x5r2Qo12DtXSlU-BMCv_9V81OmcnN_-Q3OVGlkELodqsK1UkgFgM2GQP9oD-nN4IEexBpopatdErgsMVD4VRrVa58o01Di00kxI/s1600/20130907_192028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfJBnWd6IX_BCDmxG7cNljKjMREEB_z84JunuW0o3x5r2Qo12DtXSlU-BMCv_9V81OmcnN_-Q3OVGlkELodqsK1UkgFgM2GQP9oD-nN4IEexBpopatdErgsMVD4VRrVa58o01Di00kxI/s320/20130907_192028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is super cool, bunion treatment! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNAecDvF7xcBGgRtbBhyphenhyphenBwthrvdVxOJv_ZK50Pi63enMVUOq-gNjj-6_UAEnWaytTKNkfSJpyURC47Q3SjZ1H92mondYhJAq-XoLNcwZmNL-oUDvMf8GXCygRz9E55ogSJsSCfHF_Wdc/s1600/20130908_175037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNAecDvF7xcBGgRtbBhyphenhyphenBwthrvdVxOJv_ZK50Pi63enMVUOq-gNjj-6_UAEnWaytTKNkfSJpyURC47Q3SjZ1H92mondYhJAq-XoLNcwZmNL-oUDvMf8GXCygRz9E55ogSJsSCfHF_Wdc/s320/20130908_175037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue Hitzmann and me after the training, MELTed and happy!</td></tr>
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-69212906927708199242013-07-28T08:13:00.001-05:002013-07-28T08:13:18.767-05:00Bikram 30 Day Challenge - As Simple as Going to Class Everyday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv5sXW4-zii98q7Eoa8rlRWpI9R7KgES10DA20Jweat6KwNrj4f1BykJ84SlurHYhRdDzPa6OlK1bHj6PfXjOyuQfmutEXEtxCKqZj-emQ16PGzVt7NurWgzIBYoD0tRI1kDJaMmbTZs/s1600/20130725_132149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv5sXW4-zii98q7Eoa8rlRWpI9R7KgES10DA20Jweat6KwNrj4f1BykJ84SlurHYhRdDzPa6OlK1bHj6PfXjOyuQfmutEXEtxCKqZj-emQ16PGzVt7NurWgzIBYoD0tRI1kDJaMmbTZs/s320/20130725_132149.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thirty Day Bikram Challenge - Done.</td></tr>
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I recently (three days ago) finished my fourth Bikram Challenge. I kind of wimped out and only did a 30 days challenge but I consider that pretty good since I didn't initially start with the intentions of doing a challenge, it just sort of happened.<br />
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It started with just going to class every day. It has been easier, I dropped my teaching class level down so I stopped teaching three and (eekk!) four classes some days, making it impossible to take class. So since I am not teaching as much, what the heck I think, go to class. And I did....every day, except two. The nice thing about my studio is during a challenge you can take one day off per week, so in a 30 day challenge, you only need to take class 26 times to complete the challenge. Back in the old days you had to do 30 classes and doubles every day at the end were a common trend. This often resulted in being "over Bikramed" and you wouldn't see people for days or weeks.<br />
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What I thought was interesting was my non effort. I wasn't trying to do a challenge, I was just going to class everyday. It wasn't even until half way through that I decided to start marking down on the Challenge Calendar all my classes. Once I starting actually tracking my classes and adding stickers, the idea of going to class everyday was more of "I have to go to class to finish my challenge" and less of "I am going to go to class today". And since I finished the challenge what have I done? Still gone to class everyday, without really even thinking about it.<br />
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What is the moral? Get out of your head and just go to class.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7EVG4wbJfbQmwXTaaq86stHXun4OautNuAH2aEUOOQ938rJyoBNb8XfN1oxxGAqzHq8tC4FX0Sk09wGpcKpRsdKJlIV4LvHL-HenTwPfDI5aA6dXMsWbeSHYgPDeMTLpatEybKgddbo/s1600/20130725_112349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7EVG4wbJfbQmwXTaaq86stHXun4OautNuAH2aEUOOQ938rJyoBNb8XfN1oxxGAqzHq8tC4FX0Sk09wGpcKpRsdKJlIV4LvHL-HenTwPfDI5aA6dXMsWbeSHYgPDeMTLpatEybKgddbo/s320/20130725_112349.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew and me after class.</td></tr>
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-22132041495918773402013-07-07T11:43:00.001-05:002013-07-07T11:44:48.614-05:00Helpful Yoga Tip of the Day: Men, don't stick your hands down your shorts.<p>Guys, please, don't thrust your hand down your shorts to readjust what you failed to get right in the changing room. One, we can see you do it, not ideal. Two, you have now just grabbed you "package" and are about to sweat all over yourself or other people. Ick. </p>
BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-46897507087376994942013-05-13T15:00:00.000-05:002013-05-13T15:00:01.249-05:00Ellie's New Collection is Coming Next Week!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/C206HAUPoQY" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Have you heard of Ellie? It's a new yoga wear line you can only buy online. Click <a href="http://ellie.evyy.net/c/50891/59586/1664" target="_blank">here</a> to access their site. They have a unique model, you have to become a member to buy their clothes. Don't be intimidated though, it is easy to sign up and their clothes are super cute.<br />
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They sent me some cute clothes to try, I got the <a href="http://ellie.evyy.net/c/50891/59586/1664" target="_blank">Kiss Me Capri</a> and the <a href="http://ellie.evyy.net/c/50891/59586/1664" target="_blank">Peek-a-Boo top</a>. I've worn and washed both several times and love them! They dry quickly, a plus for hot yoga, they fit great and they wash well.<br />
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Kiss Me Capris have a two tone color look on the waistband, it is pink with a portion covered with black mess so it looks like two colors. Fit is true to size, I got a medium, which I normally wear and they fit just like all my other mediums.<br />
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Peek-a-Boo is open in the back and has long armholes to allow a cute bra top to peek through. The above bra is one I have had for years, it isn't Ellie, though they have some really cute bras as well.<br />
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They are coming out with a new collection next week, a great citrus yellow and bright royal blue. Last month they have a wonderful coral collection. Check their <a href="http://ellie.evyy.net/c/50891/59586/1664" target="_blank">site</a> often, they have new collections monthly. #loveellie<br />
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-39166587872605328192013-05-13T09:09:00.001-05:002013-05-13T09:09:28.281-05:00To Fall Out or Not Fall Out, that is the Question....<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A student asked me recently what was more important, staying in the posture or trying to keep going further even though she couldn't stay in the posture, specifically, keeping her balance. This is an important question, one that many students have, probably because as teachers we have different philosophies and depending on who you ask, you will typically get one of two responses. The typical main responses to this type of question are one, "challenge yourself to not fall out" and two, "if you fall out, get back in and keep trying"; or some version of these. Neither is right or wrong in my opinion, it just depends perhaps on where you are in your practice and what your goals are for your practice.</span><br />
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Here's my interpretation of what both of these mean and why both are good things to practice.<br />
<br /><u><b>Challenge yourself to not fallout- don't allow yourself to fallout.</b></u><br />
This way of thinking was most vividly presented to me by Lynn Whitlow during a workshop. She said something to the effect of "Choose to not fall out." and then did this thing with her mouth to imply "just do it". It stuck with me, I try it every class. Some might think this is complacency, it isn't. it isn't about "hanging out" in the posture and not improving, it is about drawing up every gumption, strength, determination, focus, etc to stay in the posture - as if your life depended on it.<br />
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So many times people think they will fallout/come out of a posture and they do. That is mind over the matter. Think in your mind you will stay in the posture, and then struggle, try, breathe and stay in the posture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />It isn't all about mind over the matter though, sometimes it is the body. If you are in tune with your body, really seeing the self while in class, you often know why you weren't able to stay in the posture; either you moved your weight and didn't compensate right and became off balance, or you got a cramp, or you let your hand slip, or you stopped breathing, or something else. This is where I believe this philosophy works best, in those exact moments when you are about to give into whatever is it and about to come out of the posture, simply don't allow it to happen. Don't let the body fail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I remember one time in and advanced class Susan Anderson explaining mountain pose and how it looks like people are perfectly still in the posture when in fact their muscles are contraction and relaxing as they necessary to keep balancing on the knees. I try and remember this when I am in class and really pay attention to the muscles in my body, which ones are working and how they are working together, some stretching, some contracting, some relaxed, all to keep me balanced. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Challenging yourself in this way changes your practice. I believe it provides more focus and more benefit. Yes, we say you get benefit from just being in the room, however, you get MORE benefit IN the posture. Working to not fall out of a posture builds physical strength and flexibility and improves your mental determination. When the going gets tough in life, what do you do? Struggle for 90 minutes and your ability to handle the "tough" outside of the room improves greatly. </span><br />
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This isn't easy and it isn't for everyone. Sometimes you do need a break and need to come out of a posture. Allow yourself that choice from time to time. Don't let the ego take over where you are trying to do more than you can because of some ego trip, desire to compete with yourself or someone next to you, or with some expectation of how your class would be. Be smart, just don't give up on yourself.<br />
<br /><br /><u><b>Continue to try to go further each time, if you fall out, get back in and keep trying.</b></u><br /><br />
So sometimes "don't fall out" becomes "hang out" and people stop trying to improve and they just stick a posture the whole time in a position that is easy and not challenging the body. That is not the purpose, if confused, reread above.<br />
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Sometimes a person might need the second option; if you fall out, get back in. Revolutionary? Perhaps not, but it is often a forgotten mantra. How many times have you fallen out or come out of a posture and just waited for the posture to be over, never trying a second, third,or fourth time? It's hard to get back in; you typically have exerted all your energy in the first attempt and any energy you had left was expended as you came out of the posture, mentally beat up yourself for coming out, fidgeted with your towel, chuggged some water, and maybe reached down to grab that hand towel to wipe off your sweat. Getting back in seems worse than......hmmm .......worse than....let me think...a poke in the eye?!</span><br />
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The class is 90 minutes of struggle, no one said it would be easy, no one said you would enjoy every minute of class.....you have to struggle to get out of your comfort zone, change your perception of what you think you can do and mostly, let go of control.<br />
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If you fall out, keep trying, get back in no matter how tired you are, no matter how hard it seems, no matter what your mind is telling you your capabilities are....give 100%. Pay attention to your body, just don't let self doubt, ego and personal judgment dictate what benefit you get out of class. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Consider "falling out" as an opportunity to understand the body, its limitations and its abilities, on your journey to improving your health. Every time you fall out of a posture, learn from it, notice why that happened and improve the next time. One day, as we say in class, eventually in the future, you will find the balance, strength, flexibility to stay in the posture. And why do you care about staying in the posture? Because through the postures, the practice of yoga, one can find unlimited health benefits. Improving your health, whatever that means for you, is yoga. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;">I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.</span></span> ~<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/michaeljor385092.html" target="_blank">Michael Jordan</a></i></span><i></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #101010;">Failure is the key to success; each teaches us something.</span>~<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/moriheiues183597.html">Morihei Ueshiba</a></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Just for fun: The pictures below are of my standing bow over the last 5+ years, maybe after another 5 years of determination I will be able to lock out my knee! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiopt4LH3_PLfQbeV4rGfOflDbzFWbX6tWi_-hCRwCIUkw0WXZLF54wuwSIdoLzBFRP80z4LOAr2DtKqiJgmcQzwIHgSfqx-vZKaYGASYhdiJNR6UvcLDqUCBiT1adj40ksEa3vavhyM/s1600/TomDean-CCummins_038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiopt4LH3_PLfQbeV4rGfOflDbzFWbX6tWi_-hCRwCIUkw0WXZLF54wuwSIdoLzBFRP80z4LOAr2DtKqiJgmcQzwIHgSfqx-vZKaYGASYhdiJNR6UvcLDqUCBiT1adj40ksEa3vavhyM/s320/TomDean-CCummins_038.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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March 2013</div>
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Sept 2012</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_LeH-ZL_g8Ibs4JPUV9OEmHqdStOEMkocHUYSrkzQ11prgHkKR8xhH61jNcE5PwMMmq6Ll2g8MSJoX-RChh94R2Chued00ECW-aThx7z4BfESOsowOiS30A2OgwZEQ_4K3APGUW_wkQ/s512/DSCN6031-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_LeH-ZL_g8Ibs4JPUV9OEmHqdStOEMkocHUYSrkzQ11prgHkKR8xhH61jNcE5PwMMmq6Ll2g8MSJoX-RChh94R2Chued00ECW-aThx7z4BfESOsowOiS30A2OgwZEQ_4K3APGUW_wkQ/s320/DSCN6031-1.JPG" width="304" /></a></div>
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May 2010</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOdKqDqDErvzepxNHcqaMTYUMANiB9G9jD2fMVc2408F-3UmypACYK5ELIpMGvTpkAVhywe97G5-HFUEbCkG22QG06DByJ__v1-f_stWpjRrHxClnvTxwj4hYjfjD2QMfs0xujPET2e0/s512/2983470427_c21a41b2a7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOdKqDqDErvzepxNHcqaMTYUMANiB9G9jD2fMVc2408F-3UmypACYK5ELIpMGvTpkAVhywe97G5-HFUEbCkG22QG06DByJ__v1-f_stWpjRrHxClnvTxwj4hYjfjD2QMfs0xujPET2e0/s320/2983470427_c21a41b2a7_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Oct 2008</div>
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<i>2013 photos by <a href="http://www.tomdeanphotography.com/TomDeanProductions/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Tom Dean</a>, 2012 photo by <a href="http://www.yogablissphoto.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Bliss</a>. </i></div>
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BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-40484188584139401842013-04-30T11:57:00.003-05:002013-04-30T11:57:34.590-05:00I actually cooked something GOOD, Quinoa and Kale Patties<br />
I found these yummy looking quinoa and kale patties on Pinterest, the picture really made me want to make them. I saved the image to my food board and clipped the website to my evernote. It took me a few days but I finally made it to the store to get the ingredients. These are easy to make and really don't take that much time. Plus, bonus, I can easily heat these up on my Cuisinart Griddler for a fast meal.<br />
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Flip the grill sheets around to the flat side.<br />
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Here is what mine looked like once I formed them into patties.<br />
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Brown the top and bottom in a pan. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSPUD6XKbE5k0OWdi6t7mPYnzqgEhP3-qyOFN3J96VXXHPPI9PhkkNumgxMUou5SYI_YC5jrN0A1gdxNP0HJWmbjANOngLz2syMqCzY20PFfJUaiIkLDgogIBOiIsiz1zuuGjjLAMooQ/s1600/20130429_132735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSPUD6XKbE5k0OWdi6t7mPYnzqgEhP3-qyOFN3J96VXXHPPI9PhkkNumgxMUou5SYI_YC5jrN0A1gdxNP0HJWmbjANOngLz2syMqCzY20PFfJUaiIkLDgogIBOiIsiz1zuuGjjLAMooQ/s320/20130429_132735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finished! With an avocado spread. YUM!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1FjmFanYVnbaXaBLXLyLgas6p8mPzngXAYxZNZnkgWaGVl4qN7juS82IZX5YOxJEkrAuLW7E7CaHuW2O-M8KRmO_GjH92KZYxvICKLPkKfTTGgu8Q6sS7QOU5v_P786g0QiILVCk8ow/s1600/20130429_194004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1FjmFanYVnbaXaBLXLyLgas6p8mPzngXAYxZNZnkgWaGVl4qN7juS82IZX5YOxJEkrAuLW7E7CaHuW2O-M8KRmO_GjH92KZYxvICKLPkKfTTGgu8Q6sS7QOU5v_P786g0QiILVCk8ow/s320/20130429_194004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is where I got the original recipe.<br />
<a href="http://yummysupper.blogspot.com/2012/09/quinoa-kale-patties.html" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: #047ac6;">http://yummysupper.blogspot.com/2012/09/quinoa-kale-patties.html</span></a>BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-40726341264622925212013-04-28T20:43:00.001-05:002013-04-28T20:43:53.326-05:00Gatorade lemon and cucumber sport drink has no lemon or cucumber in it!<p>A friend of mine came to yoga class recently with a new Gatorade, Lemon and Cucumber. Have you tried it? She gave me a taste, it tasted like lemon and cucumber, it was actually kind if good. Then I looked at the label ..it said it had NO FRUIT JUICE! The only ingredients are chemicals! </p>
<p>Why people drink Gatorade is beyond me. If you want electrolytes or carbs to get through a workout, there are so many other healthy choices, why put chemicals in your body?</p>
<p>I was so disgusted with the stuff I told my friend I would make her REAL lemon and cucumber juice. It's delicious by the way...100% juice.</p>
<p>I used my Hurom juicer and bought 4 organic cucumbers and 2 organic lemons. It produced two bottles of great juice. You can drink this before, after or during a workout for electrolyte replacement the natural way. </p>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Yesterdays yoga class sucked. I know, I'm not suppose to say that, we tell students all the time not to have judgment, to have no ego and to be happy with just being there. But really, it sucked. </span><div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
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Why did it suck? I don't know, could be because I only took one other class since Sunday, could be because I haven't been eating very well or it could be because of all the water I drank during the first part of class. Any or a combination of all could have contributed to my struggle in class, which is what I equate as "sucking". </div>
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I've been feeling physically weak lately, my muscles seem to fatigue very easily. I took a spin class a few weeks ago and really struggled, my legs just didn't seem to want to move. I tried to run 4 miles recently and could barely make it, had to walk most of the way. </div>
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No doubt it has something to do with what I am putting in my body. You are what you eat right? Eating well and maintaining a regular workout schedule are so important to "feeling" energized. Note to self: must do more yoga, must eat healthier. Good thing I am on my way to my food co-op, Urban Acres, looking forward to healthy eating this week!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy fresh organic veggies from Urban Acres!<br />Cleaned and ready to eat<br /></td></tr>
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Update: Happy to report after drinking some green juice and pacing my water intake in class, today's class was MUCH better. :) </div>
BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-3615861619475784142013-04-06T14:58:00.001-05:002013-04-06T15:13:11.128-05:00Got back on the bike after a long hiatus <div><p>Got back on the bike today and rode 17 miles after not riding for a year. It seems fitting, today was the Tour Dallas as I think that ride last year was the last time I was on my bike. I didn't ride in the tour this year; have been focusing on other things and missed the emails about the ride. But that's ok, the good news is you can still ride around town, even if you don't pay a race fee. </p>
<p>Weather was great, very windy, especially around White Rock Lake but warm and sunny. I've always thought White Rock Lake is a great place to train if you are looking for tough conditions, there is a never ending supply of wind gusts, people and dog obstacles and the lovely gnats. </p>
<p>It was a tough and slow ride, maybe as slow as when I first got my bike. It proves you have to use it or you lose it; not that I lost my ability to ride but I certainly have lost my speed and endurance. </p>
<p>Hopefully my next ride will be a bit faster and less painful. ;)</p>
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Yoga? Sure. Strong Core? Yes! Sign up for Yoga Journal's two week ab strengthening yoga program. Starts April 8th. </div>
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I signed up, looking forward to great abs! I'll keep you updated on how I do. </div>
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BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-69950380453991247452013-03-09T16:07:00.001-06:002013-03-09T16:07:16.622-06:00Legs, Abs, Arms Workout You can do at Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs3hUWWZg_C7oBER98_6iY9tSBnO-VZczZKZvURFRnQtR3Tlut5FQDcYClZN8KnGbRwEsk5YPI4Ptk3bNX4sj5wWRowjhyphenhyphenfbbbgyqmXO_HgamC6kGKxCSABDJH_9_EA0ExNpqul4uJsg/s1600/MP900337325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs3hUWWZg_C7oBER98_6iY9tSBnO-VZczZKZvURFRnQtR3Tlut5FQDcYClZN8KnGbRwEsk5YPI4Ptk3bNX4sj5wWRowjhyphenhyphenfbbbgyqmXO_HgamC6kGKxCSABDJH_9_EA0ExNpqul4uJsg/s320/MP900337325.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lately I have been motivated to tone up. I bought a cheap "ab trimmer" from Aldi, on sale for $5.99, got my hand weights out and started my own workout routine at home, abs and arms. I was doing bicep curls, tricep extensions and sit ups and noting them in a workout note in Evernote. That was going pretty well for a week or so, I could really see a difference when I practiced the advanced Bikram class, I was able to do a lot more. This was motivating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I was suppose to workout at the gym with a friend, neither of us really know what to do so after researching a few things online I came up with a workout routine to target the areas we really wanted to focus on, legs, abs and arms. As it turns out we didn't get to workout so I tried the routine at home. I skipped the running part because it is raining in Dallas and I already took a 90 minute Bikram class. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is the workout routine. Try it, let me know if you like it. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few notes about the workout. I put the weight I used and the number of reps in each set, feel free to modify. I'm not a trainer so some things I do might be a little weird. For example, I don't know why I do bicep curls from the front and side, I just feel like it does slightly different stuff. All I know is my biceps are definitely more defined than two weeks ago! </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Legs, Abs, Arms Workout</b></span><br />
<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete noted or as many as you can in each set, three sets of each</span></i></span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Run 20 minutes Skipped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Lunges with weights (8lb) 20, 20, 20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Squats over a step 30, 30, 30</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tricep extension (12lb resistance) 13, 15, 15</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Bicep curls (8lb) front 13, 13, 13</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Bicep curls (8lb) side 13, 13, 13</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Upright row (8lb) 15, 15, 15</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Side plank (60 sec, 45 sec, 30 sec) 60, 45, 30</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sit ups 25, 25, 30</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwyFcIBo9nBj90VmyplrjLqTVteVRpPr196U_0OT1Qgig-vxkAF0f9xZmlwLmZLB4Diy1K8OjWCi8vqsbbG_AhMewLEr3hgXtFeVMTMF8JM7ybBYtaIGwbnDXC08jUBOXER7QAunGeN4/s1600/20130302_125600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwyFcIBo9nBj90VmyplrjLqTVteVRpPr196U_0OT1Qgig-vxkAF0f9xZmlwLmZLB4Diy1K8OjWCi8vqsbbG_AhMewLEr3hgXtFeVMTMF8JM7ybBYtaIGwbnDXC08jUBOXER7QAunGeN4/s320/20130302_125600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you can still find one at Aldi, they are on sale for $5.99</td></tr>
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BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-1305929665996019092013-03-07T13:34:00.000-06:002013-03-07T13:34:16.878-06:00Dash Down Greenville - Price Goes Up March 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA_nmAYJa_THdAzfIt8TCIeX7U7X_qGJOcugXrmtlG3OHnREChjnBpxw0-dxpxlikqZbPcShoiu8VEIjDspdpOSsSV7Gs7jWT1gXn4p0VkU8EoOXJ0FcAnOrshprZelvRPxwTVbFSOOs/s1600/2013DDGlogo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA_nmAYJa_THdAzfIt8TCIeX7U7X_qGJOcugXrmtlG3OHnREChjnBpxw0-dxpxlikqZbPcShoiu8VEIjDspdpOSsSV7Gs7jWT1gXn4p0VkU8EoOXJ0FcAnOrshprZelvRPxwTVbFSOOs/s1600/2013DDGlogo2.png" /></a></div>
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Need something fun to do?! Come run the St. Paddy's Day Dash Down Greenville! <a href="http://www.runproject.org/node/12" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a><br />
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-81925895527802042742013-02-27T09:06:00.000-06:002013-02-27T09:06:03.198-06:004 Tips on How to Avoid Bad Habits in Yoga Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is a bad habit in yoga? How does one form one? These questions and how to avoid bad habits floated through my mind recently while teaching. Students try so hard in class to do the right thing, but for what purpose? So often there is a misconception that your goal is to look "pretty", look effortless. The look of effortlessness comes from being at peace and not fighting against the body. Gaining the benefits from the pose comes from practicing each move the right way.<br />
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Bad habits are things we do as students because we either don't understand what the teacher is saying or we can't or won't do what the teacher is saying. Over time, the body remembers these tiny modifications and a bad habit is formed. Maybe it is something as simple as where you place your foot or how you hold your arm or something simple like twisting the wrong direction or not standing in the most stable position. It is muscle or body memory, the body gets comfortable and before you know it you are doing postures wrong, not getting the benefit and in an extreme case blaming yoga for either an injury or lack of results. </div>
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The right way to practice postures is not easy, news flash, it isn't suppose to be, but it is the safe way and more rewards are reaped from correct form than allowing the mind to decide what you should be doing. </div>
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When I think of people modifying small parts of poses to fit their body, I am reminded of something I learned in multi-level marketing; opi, other peoples ideas. The basic principal is the use other peoples ideas to improve yourself, in the case of multi-level marketing, financially. In the case of yoga, physically and mentally. And they say to people that balk at this notion, "If your ideas were so great, you would be the successful one." Use the ideas of those before you to improve the body, no need to reinvent the yoga, to change it or to improve it, it is what it is. Just follow the instructions and reap the rewards. </div>
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Another way to look at it. "If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you've always got."<br />
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<b>4 Tips on How to Avoid Bad Habits:</b><br />
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<li><b>Be mindful, be present</b>. - In class and listen to what the teacher is saying and only move to the instruction. </li>
<li><b>Look at yourself.</b> - Really "see" yourself in the mirror and notice where your body is and how it is moving. Don't just stare in the mirror at yourself, SEE yourself. </li>
<li><b>Self correct.</b> - When you hear a correction or instruction, look at your body and self correct. The teacher might not be talking to you yet it might apply to you. And even if you don't hear something you need to do, if you are looking at yourself, you might see you need to make a tiny adjustment; foot, hand, head, arm, etc. </li>
<li><b>No expectations, no judgement.</b> - Let go. It's just yoga. The goal is not to get a PR or to out do the person next to you or to mimic the girl in front of you. The goal is to improve the body, mind and soul. </li>
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BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-39868728378438949312013-01-10T17:39:00.003-06:002013-01-10T17:39:39.002-06:00No Excuses, Go get Your Sweat on for FREE! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yogadallas.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLnYr4f3MIe840ZpK7_4-Ixxp5fQ6er9ucxYE0QDBK90aUlef1O9NbDPyim_rUD0RTQLzIrJssMmmD4f_5cT1HTVYazP6vGFKhyOUlKGGuMsnpsr2ovJonUH6W9gs_lF4DzAoL8p-770/s320/FreeClass2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yogadallas.com/" target="_blank">Free Class at Bikram Yoga Dallas - West Village</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever wanted to try Bikram Yoga? Too cheap to pay $49 for an unlimited month? Too cheap to pay $20 for a class?! Don't worry, you are running out of excuses. Bikram Yoga Dallas- West Village has a FREE class every Sunday in January at 2pm. The time is now. Grab your mat, big towel and an even bigger jug of water and get to class. Sweat out that last part of 2012 and get ready for 2013. Don't have a mat? All your towels in the dirty clothes? No excuses, they will let you borrow one for free your first class. It is advised to register for class as these often have a waiting list. <a href="http://yogadallas.com/" target="_blank">Click here to sign up.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And if you need more motivation, here is a great "thought of the day"....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/" target="_blank">Getting On With It</a></b><br />Worrying about how everything will get done or whether I am capable of doing it limits my ability to respond to challenges considerably. The less I think about doing something and the faster I just get on with it, the fewer problems I cause myself. Good planning is always helpful, but time spent fretting and procrastinating is a major drain on my energy. The more willing I am to respond positively to opportunities, the more my capacity will grow.</span></div>
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BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-33700702156018633992013-01-05T23:22:00.001-06:002013-01-07T17:04:27.169-06:00Slap Bracelets Hold Wrapping Paper<div>
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I saw this on Pinterest I think, or Martha Stewart, slap bracelets used to secure wrapping paper. I love the idea and have been looking for slap bracelets on sale. <br />
Michael's has some on clearance for $.40! I found a few in a red and white stripe, perfect for my holiday paper. The other ones are just random colors...cheap was really the goal. The bracelets work great around regular sized rolls. <br />
I have some rolls that are very tiny, I got them from my nieces school fundraiser, the rolls are too small for the bracelet to hold on, I need a slap bracelet for a baby!<br />
Here is a sampling of the bracelets on the rolls. <br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rtx-30I6Wrco_zpefwubZB4fB_MADiozwgGFv5yeRvYUMRI5bBfK8-7xyGCcLgkmiN4aWnD9lW6buGG1l0RhRDdEIkgtVAdNZkvIiTZAhcW0WsXaYY9DUKdSMq1Gqf5uSc9lEED0H1o/" /></div>
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BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-76382207434013563492012-12-31T08:36:00.002-06:002012-12-31T08:37:08.884-06:00Workout Equipment isn't a Place to Store Stuff?! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtxtDuuXFCI/UOGiLX7FxKI/AAAAAAAA-rs/UxNP6wFrfGo/s1600/20121231_081114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtxtDuuXFCI/UOGiLX7FxKI/AAAAAAAA-rs/UxNP6wFrfGo/s320/20121231_081114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy New Year! As 2012 winds down, many people, including me, think of making resolutions. My philosophy lately has been to make a resolution I know I can accomplish, get up every day, drink coffee every morning, feed the cat daily, etc. You get the idea. Nothing too dramatic like reduce spending by X, or eat only healthy food, or workout x times a week. I did sort of make a resolution for 2012 to complete 12 events as part of the Bike Run Yoga Challenge, sadly this didn't happen. I had 14 possible events picked out and only made it to seven.<br />
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This is what happens though right? I always say "life gets in the way". There are always so many things, people, needs pulling you in all sorts of directions, hard to carve out a few minutes for yourself to take care of your health.<br />
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I met a personal trainer the other day, he wants to start practicing Bikram yoga, he commented he is very tight, hardly stretches. We discussed his many athletic endeavors and years of activities that damaged the body. I asked him what he told his clients about stretching and we both had a chuckle because of course he tells his clients they need to stretch and the importance of stretching but he doesn't do it himself. Easier to fix other people than yourself.<br />
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So this year, I'm going to go out on a limb and post it here....I am resolving to do a better job is using my workout equipment as it intended and not as a shelf, table or doorstop.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx9n492fTg0/UOGiLaif6wI/AAAAAAAA-ro/suJ0vOWdPJU/s1600/20121231_081148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx9n492fTg0/UOGiLaif6wI/AAAAAAAA-ro/suJ0vOWdPJU/s320/20121231_081148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What resolutions or goals have you made for yourself?BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-25146176885934249312012-10-19T15:02:00.001-05:002012-10-20T08:34:10.139-05:00First spin class at the new Fly Wheel in Dallas<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd88Jtd1MxXYP9Wm4Bs3eDXIHhZCgGU0D_P_WDW4seZRX9gfZdOCk1UGjpOIrF4dHS4TiaCFGYVHblpb5abERIBv8BTyuD034Rj7hUE9rnWcfM_DmQq8p1WcNlSGdQIIBv2IaiGmFyKa4/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd88Jtd1MxXYP9Wm4Bs3eDXIHhZCgGU0D_P_WDW4seZRX9gfZdOCk1UGjpOIrF4dHS4TiaCFGYVHblpb5abERIBv8BTyuD034Rj7hUE9rnWcfM_DmQq8p1WcNlSGdQIIBv2IaiGmFyKa4/" /></a>When my friend, Karen, said she wanted to go to a free class at the new Fly Wheel spin center on Oak Lawn I was a bit oblivious as to what I was getting myself into. It's harder than it looks folks, and it doesn't look easy once you see the bikes! It is however a ridiculous workout in 45 minutes and super fun. <br />
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When you go in, you walk into a very spacious welcome area where computers are set up for you to register yourself. Desk people are there to help you get signed in and they have shoes to borrow, though I brought my own shoes and they worked just fine. <br />
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They have a common/co-ed locker area and then several shower/bathrooms with various necessities to primp up after, remember, you are in Highland Park after all. We put or things in lockers and walked to the spin room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WXfP-neX12AINEGvP7iSEy1rLKVPuMi5WoUy47rIPrky17ddyyydCNDWhA_R1L0gae0VWEgwHaMQqpPmAYvDFERBW_5zIRH1dsFfrHCihNkJoBYem5mtPgF2y2baASE4T7IC-PChLQs/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WXfP-neX12AINEGvP7iSEy1rLKVPuMi5WoUy47rIPrky17ddyyydCNDWhA_R1L0gae0VWEgwHaMQqpPmAYvDFERBW_5zIRH1dsFfrHCihNkJoBYem5mtPgF2y2baASE4T7IC-PChLQs/" /></a></div>
Man, this place is decked out with some top gear, these bikes were nice! They had plenty of staff to help adjust the seat height and position. The guy that helped me even tightened the clips for me. There are also two weight bars, 2lb and 4lb, for use near the end of class. I guess my upper body weight against my arms as I leaned in wasn't enough of a workout! <br />
Bonus, each bike is already prepped with a bottle of water and a towel. I might bring my own water next time....16 oz of water is such a tease when you are in full sweat mode. <br />
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Class was kind of like riding a bike at a club with rockin' jams blarring and lights dimmed. Lights low were good for me, less people noticed my knees going up and down slower than everyone else! Only after she posted the rankings of the bikes and I saw where I was did I decide it mattered to me to not be last. I mean, how can I be so slow? I have completed 2 century rides and clocked countless miles on the bike training... Why all the sudden did my legs not want to cooperate? Lots of it has to do with speed and like running, I'm not the fastest but I can get out there and do it. Cycling is the same, I can ride for a long time...just not at the fastest speeds. And spin is all about speed. <br />
We went through a series of fast, less fast, um never slow though, more resistance, less resistance...for 45 hardcore, sweaty minutes. When we did the arm stuff near the end I was pretty much done, not really wanting to participate...but they turned the lights up a little so now everyone can see me...must participate! Ugh. My arms were not happy. <br />
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When Kate, our instructor finally said we were done, it was better sounding than the teacher in Bikram when they announce final savasana, I was so happy! Whew, what a workout! Looking forward to going back!<br />
If you have never done spin or have but want a new challenge, go this week, they are offering free classes until they officially open Sunday. Go online, <a href="http://flywheelsports.com/">www.flywheelsports.com</a> and set up a profile and get a free class! <br />
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Also, added bonus, <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/flywheelsports/status/259278992782290945/photo/1">Troy Aikman</a> was there! Not today but I'm hoping if I go enough maybe his sweat will land on me! <br />
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Here are a few pictures of Fly Wheel. <br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJE3hLtBRMaFJZ1MvpZ1cCK3BtrGXz38RUdLeUxlanwQ9j_MOG9W9uZGC99GTozPVZoOD91qmn4jbo01Fs0mtZrP0uC-6tbHDe2dylSnvsHeW6SscARl6S9Y_xH1cSQNr32F0RQGq_98/" /><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5WpbVcE4c21D-oMgMKnwpJmLdkQ9ldVbc2gDNvw-GdzugyScru35ptK5sE-fkgQ9q7jhx_3uv99Mit4VJEoEu_PQZ7Mx2Z8KOZ0rzCjMO_KMJkmTilnQshU-LT2loI5r3aU3Zag-1Cc/" /></div>
BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-56607517200007742132012-09-18T11:13:00.000-05:002012-09-18T11:13:09.322-05:00Tour Des Fleurs, no surprises until the end! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotSuVZJiXqKQ_-_prROx8YYKXqFxtTrZ7Zccb91j_Qh2oqY-8E3bNxxjjtEhM_SQ843NfTRxRaJM1g7bbTww4x-zT7cYs2cNye1A2Ef_2uSh44xFnfqdaGiXnbANz1ws-RqcBRWtGlBE/s1600/TourDesFleurs2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotSuVZJiXqKQ_-_prROx8YYKXqFxtTrZ7Zccb91j_Qh2oqY-8E3bNxxjjtEhM_SQ843NfTRxRaJM1g7bbTww4x-zT7cYs2cNye1A2Ef_2uSh44xFnfqdaGiXnbANz1ws-RqcBRWtGlBE/s320/TourDesFleurs2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my dad and mom after the race.</td></tr>
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Well, the end of an era, or at least a decade is near. Running the 2012 Tour Des Fleurs (TDF) marked the last race I would run in my 30's. I was greeted with a wonderful surprise, my parents drove up from Austin to celebrate my 40th birthday! It was equally if not more emotional an experience as crossing the finish line at my marathon. Maybe more so since I wasn't expecting them to be there. It is a wonderful feeling to know people love and care about you so make time to do something so special.<br />
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I actually almost didn't sign up for the race. I saw the emails and had decided my running days were getting farther and farther away from me, that trying to run a 10K was a little to ambitious. Then my friend asked if I wanted to run with her, she was training for the Tour Des Fleurs. I agreed to train and explained I hadn't run in quite some time, that we would need to take it slow. The first day we went out we ran an hour. That is not taking it slow. But, it did make me rethink running TDF and I decided if I can run for an hour in a training run, I could probably run the race. So I signed up. And I am so glad I did. I had a great time running. I was hard and I was tired but there is something about running and crossing the finish line that makes me feel such a sense of accomplishment. And having my parents at the end was the best prize a girl could ask for!<br />
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-65294015594633535942012-09-08T22:11:00.000-05:002012-09-08T22:11:05.538-05:00DaLat Pho Restaurant Review - Might be my new pho place! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVfzoKH-eRYYt6anNdOG96ucB-5_1Udcb5OGUGutDG7nofrPB8rBJ5w0NeJGtR7x7kp0NEmAiMGmzedlz03lDjptxe5ytFGMlRw6qFE9yWKJH2_881ahgkqThiYFbtVmyRSa0irPSJPk/s1600/1347151487255+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVfzoKH-eRYYt6anNdOG96ucB-5_1Udcb5OGUGutDG7nofrPB8rBJ5w0NeJGtR7x7kp0NEmAiMGmzedlz03lDjptxe5ytFGMlRw6qFE9yWKJH2_881ahgkqThiYFbtVmyRSa0irPSJPk/s320/1347151487255+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable Pho with accouterments </td></tr>
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I buy a lot of "deal" vouchers. I get email from <a href="http://deals.dailycandy.com/dallas" target="_blank">Daily Candy</a>, <a href="https://www.voicedailydeals.com/r/x:8434t2c414" target="_blank">Voice Daily Deals</a>, <a href="https://www.livingsocial.com/" target="_blank">Living Social</a>, at least two <a href="http://www.groupon.com/l/uu1189551" target="_blank">Groupon</a> cities at any one time, <a href="https://www.kgbdeals.com/" target="_blank">KGB deals</a>, <a href="http://local.amazon.com/dallas" target="_blank">Amazon Deals</a>, and a site called <a href="http://yipit.com/dallas/" target="_blank">Yipit</a> sends a recap email daily of all the deals in categories I already selected. This is besides all the emails I get from businesses.<br />
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For the most part I use the deals, there have only been a few, maybe two that I ever forgot to use. And yes, I know, I can probably go back and get at least what I paid and use it towards a visit, but really, if I couldn't make it in when the deal was going on, what makes me think I am going...ever?! My mom recently was giving me a hard time for NOT using the deals I buy, I just bought a deal for a place in Austin and forgot to use it when I was there. Since then I have made a concerted effort to find my deals and USE them!<br />
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Today was a special day, I used TWO deals! I bought the <a href="http://starbucks.com/" target="_blank">Starbucks</a> Deal off Living Social earlier this week. It was $10 worth of Starbucks. That was a no brainer. I bought it, loaded the value onto my Starbucks card and enjoyed a latte and smoothie. Fifty percent off at Starbucks is ALWAYS good.<br />
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I also used my <a href="http://www.dalatdallas.com/" target="_blank">DaLat</a> voucher I got a few weeks ago on Voice Daily Deals. It was $10 for $20 worth of Pho. DaLat is a cute place, well lit and has plenty of seating, even two areas to sit outside. My friend and I sat in the patio area along the side. We ordered shrimp spring rolls as an appetizer and two vegetable pho.<br />
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Khanh, the owner has a condiment bar set up inside so you get get as much, or as little of the typical pho accouterments; basil, cilantro, jalapeno's, bean sprouts, lime, hot sauce and a few new ones, pickled red onions and one other I can't think remember. (I went back for more bean sprouts.)<br />
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The food was good. Spring rolls looked like spring rolls and came with a nice smooth peanut sauce. Pho broth had good flavor and there were adequate amount of noodles in the soup. The vegetable pho came with tofu, which maybe I should have known but since I didn't I had to pick it off. Not really a big deal, but next time I will definitely say no tofu so they don't have to waste it.<br />
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The vegetables appeared to be baby bok choy, carrots and green onions. I would have liked some broccoli and/or mushrooms. I usually ask for extra vegetables when I get pho. I specifically didn't this time to see their regular portion; I think for my taste I will ask for extra vegetables in the future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVECwrFiFunNhC_yYGRwi0cOQj4fJuplR2ieteCAzX42TUWTq6GZ62ApjyO_XJW75o2IAbLIKkWi0PJWDcQhEKaJq5rXffoAm7qv1K_7pwhXPD59ds2nzjpi2Qg83zUyMvFCiXRys83qw/s1600/1347152193992+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVECwrFiFunNhC_yYGRwi0cOQj4fJuplR2ieteCAzX42TUWTq6GZ62ApjyO_XJW75o2IAbLIKkWi0PJWDcQhEKaJq5rXffoAm7qv1K_7pwhXPD59ds2nzjpi2Qg83zUyMvFCiXRys83qw/s320/1347152193992+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tangmosa with Pho! </td></tr>
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Khanh even offered us a Tangmosa on the house. (He might have seen me posting about his restaurant on facebook and foursquare.) :) What is a Tangmosa? It is champagne and Tang. Yes, that's right, they serve Tang. Sadly I didn't grow up on Tang so I am not a fan. The drink tasted like Tang and champagne; if you like Tang, this would probably please you. I am more interested to try their White Rabbit shot which apparently tastes like fruit loops.<br />
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I definitely will be going back. If you need a good pho place and live in Dallas, I suggest driving by and trying some pho. They are open from 11 am - 2 am so there is plenty of time to get your pho on!<br />
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-6752069884430684292012-09-02T11:14:00.001-05:002012-09-02T11:14:40.523-05:00Next Race - Tour De Fleurs Sept 15th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tourdesfleurs.org/registration-information/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHwUOMG2AkY/UEN-396Y0EI/AAAAAAAA5YU/e4f5jDheN3k/s320/TDF2012.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm finally running in another race, the last one was in May. I lost my steam as Summer hit and life somehow got busy. That seems to be my excuse lately, "life" got in the way of me living life. I don't know why but I seem to never have enough time to do all the things I want to do.<br />
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I had seen am email about the Tour De Fleurs and had decided I wasn't running in it for two reasons, cost and it was a few days before I turn the dreaded four-O. Somehow the idea of running my last race in my 30's after not running for months didn't seem like a smart way to end a decade. Then a friend texted me and asked if I wanted to run with her to help her train for the Tour De Fleurs...at 5:30 am! The real answer to that question is no. No, I don't want to run, no I don't want to get up at the crack of dawn, or before....ever. But when a friend wants to run and needs someone to run with, you can't be selfish and snuggle further under the covers of a warm bed, no, you have to say yes and get your ass out of bed and go run. So I did.<br />
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We ran for an hour. Yes, that's right....after not running for nearly 3 months I ran for an hour. I WANTED to stop running after 2 miles but as I was eyeing my watch and asking when we were turning around, my friend stated plainly, "you can run for an hour Carolyn". Ugh, fine! (I have always needed that extra push.) So we ran. It wasn't that bad. It never is. The IDEA of running is always way worse than the actual act of picking up your feet and moving forward. And I didn't die; my shins hurt for a few days but life didn't end from getting up at the crack of dawn and running.<br />
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The next week we ran not quite as long, giving my shins a break, and went to Bikram yoga after. That felt MUCH better!<br />
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I think after a few more runs I should be ready to run in the 10K Tour De Fleurs.BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-85610681924461076142012-08-02T00:25:00.002-05:002012-08-02T00:28:56.228-05:00Review of the Crofton Handheld Steam Cleaner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4RqJianrgHKo81MVM1_EAwXf-822MnqccBYS851rxOQw-65B845QgkqbrSvVzDluEYJffADOTdhnUIMwI1W1y_lsTx6p_resH81RPdKodL-IngXcF7JBr-i9YqAX67KW58CIwX1XxOk/s1600/Crofton+Handheld+Steamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4RqJianrgHKo81MVM1_EAwXf-822MnqccBYS851rxOQw-65B845QgkqbrSvVzDluEYJffADOTdhnUIMwI1W1y_lsTx6p_resH81RPdKodL-IngXcF7JBr-i9YqAX67KW58CIwX1XxOk/s320/Crofton+Handheld+Steamer.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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Aldi has a handheld steam cleaner on sale for $19.99 this week. I just had to get one! The idea of being able to clean all the tiny little nooks and crannies for just $20 was too exciting! I have seen lots of infomercials on other handheld steamers and just love how you can clean and sanitize all with steam. I already own the Shark steam mop and tried to use it once on the couch, it was awkward and it didn't work well; I don't suggest this. lol Today was the first day the Crofton Handheld Steamer was available and I went as soon as I could and snagged two, one for me and one for my parents. I can't wait to show them how easy it will be to clean the oven and stove!<br />
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Here is what you get for $19.99.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKurVWkL3_eBWmU5224eSW5Wy1tlUfktxRQ6XQw6OtB32iEUwYrNnNXt_rZhS1z7NsdfIeNaC1lWTDG0nEaREjgrT4TSsYkIzJb2ienm0UUOYL9PGmkVsOdILW4m6t7UghxJrxUhOo5GI/s1600/20120801_233756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKurVWkL3_eBWmU5224eSW5Wy1tlUfktxRQ6XQw6OtB32iEUwYrNnNXt_rZhS1z7NsdfIeNaC1lWTDG0nEaREjgrT4TSsYkIzJb2ienm0UUOYL9PGmkVsOdILW4m6t7UghxJrxUhOo5GI/s320/20120801_233756.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD9wlTi_6VxqTtiQkwDHVj4mjx137TDtMSVpJaRT1YkI6q0sVPPE0YPbW5i7KwTjZj3NyPHoVQoXmPQuH9hDkUTd-KORCoJlltv_X2hvNNK5XDJY_kqm9Y1_af0P1eF5FbV9dEGhrFYc/s1600/20120801_190006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD9wlTi_6VxqTtiQkwDHVj4mjx137TDtMSVpJaRT1YkI6q0sVPPE0YPbW5i7KwTjZj3NyPHoVQoXmPQuH9hDkUTd-KORCoJlltv_X2hvNNK5XDJY_kqm9Y1_af0P1eF5FbV9dEGhrFYc/s320/20120801_190006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is the basic steamer unit, a long hose attachment, jet nozzle, a floor nozzle, window cleaning nozzle, round brush, corner nozzle, beaker, funnel and a micro fiber floor nozzle cloth. Oh, and instructions. The attachments appear to be solid, of good construction and thick plastic, must be required to withstand the heat and steam.<br />
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It is pretty easy to use, fill it with water, plug it in, press the button, clean stuff. I did skim the instructions but like most instructions for inexpensive items, they don't spend lots of money on staff that writes detailed or well written instructions. Not to worry, if you get this, you can figure it out.<br />
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To fill it you push the top in and turn; it has a clear arrow that says "open" to tell you which way to turn it. Put the funnel in the steamer base and fill the beaker with water. I used filtered water. The instructions do say that if you have hard water you should use distilled water. I did read one of the challenges with steamers is deposits corroding the inside, using clean, distilled or at the very least filtered water should prevent or prolong this issue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrI7ExZoU0jkh_pWo7G7MSI1EtAKTnmz0SctwyXmD40dnZ8cqmT4Alo1ijh9oED5w78d0lCCJU3gBIqRrJw4ynlJeHGk6Gu_EZRqQPqypnw61XGRc9VuErsJQRnIR8zKaxFSKFg7FmJ8/s1600/20120801_190140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrI7ExZoU0jkh_pWo7G7MSI1EtAKTnmz0SctwyXmD40dnZ8cqmT4Alo1ijh9oED5w78d0lCCJU3gBIqRrJw4ynlJeHGk6Gu_EZRqQPqypnw61XGRc9VuErsJQRnIR8zKaxFSKFg7FmJ8/s320/20120801_190140.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indicator light on, waiting for it to get hot.</td></tr>
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I poured the water in, secure the top and plugged the steamer in. There is a light indicator that comes one when you plug the steamer in and goes off when it is ready to steam. I attached the jet nozzle, the cone shaped one. It is as simple as push in and twist. There are two markings, one is a single dash and one is double dash. You push it in with the single dash up and twist to the double dash.<br />
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And then press the button and steam!<br />
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Here are some videos of me cleaning things. These were taken after using the steamer for less than 5 minutes. (Meaning it is easy to figure out and use.)<br />
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Cleaning the faucet and drain of the bathroom sink.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9CTiqPObwIk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Cleaning the edge of the front loading washer.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xtsS4VV5dKo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Cleaning the top edge of the washing machine.<br />
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I steam cleaned more things than this. I steamed the couch cushions, the oven/stove, the dishwasher and the back door that looked nasty and grimy. I used a microfiber rag to clean up the water and dirt particles the steamer blew out or dissolved. You do need to kind of steam and wipe, two hands are necessary for a smooth cleaning process.<br />
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I used the floor nozzle with the microfiber pad to clean the couch cushions, it worked like a charm! The cushions have those little lines in them like carpet that gets professionally cleaned; they look brand new!<br />
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I used the corner nozzle to get some of the grime in the bathroom sink. And I used the hose and tested steaming something like a mattress. I like just the jet nozzle the best, it is attached directly to the steamer base so you only really need one hand to get it to steam, verses the hose where you need one had to hold the hose and one to push the bottom on the steamer. Either way though, it seems to work.<br />
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The steamer doesn't hold that much water, about 8 oz. You have to refill it a lot, it only lasts about 15 minutes. This might seem annoying to some but I figure the base unit might be larger and heavier if there was a larger water tank and I prefer something that isn't going to give me a muscle cramps using it for 15 or 20 minutes. This steamer is perfect. It is the perfect size and weight. It also has a nice long cord so you can move around with it.<br />
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I have a whole list of things I plan on steaming before company comes Friday night. I can't wait!<br />
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If you are looking for a handheld steamer, this one is a good one that works and won't break the bank.<br />
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Not sure why you would want a steam cleaner? Here is a list of <a href="http://www.achooallergy.com/steam-cleaning-101.asp" target="_blank">seven reasons to clean with steam</a>.<br />
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<br />BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943726534908294243.post-31187621136766918162012-07-30T07:55:00.001-05:002012-07-30T07:55:09.241-05:00Why cucumbers are so good for you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfj087DCXU677IMqf2xX6DM91bPjGOmvY8OaZJsv2bZZMQNN9ZvHSelqBeY_aRlMq1LkJk1Fyk0uAy1kzEkFK9vaeqDZk0VOIgQHRrcNmPvPxIe3goIrfeKkp6okzrafuiXuSvdmxNXI0/s1600/IMG_20120605_084056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfj087DCXU677IMqf2xX6DM91bPjGOmvY8OaZJsv2bZZMQNN9ZvHSelqBeY_aRlMq1LkJk1Fyk0uAy1kzEkFK9vaeqDZk0VOIgQHRrcNmPvPxIe3goIrfeKkp6okzrafuiXuSvdmxNXI0/s320/IMG_20120605_084056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been growing my own cucumbers this year, trying to saving from buying outrageously priced ones from Whole Foods or Central Market. I successfully had 4 plants, all producing cucumbers. I almost always was able to find used for all the wonderful, large cucumbers! I mostly juiced them with other things and made green juice. However, at the height of the crop I started juicing them alone and making cucumber water and drinking it all day. I lost 5 pounds in just a few weeks!<br />
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Cucumbers are good for general hydration since they are mostly water. They also help in digestion and elimination. You just "feel" cleaner. During the entire time I had my cucumber water, I never used a supplemental electrolyte replacement drink or powder and I always felt well hydrated and energized.<br />
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The season in Texas for cucumbers has past I think...my poor plants look like someone stepped on them after having a bad day. I can't wait until next year when I plant even more!<br />
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Here are some other great uses and benefits for cucumbers....<br />
<a href="http://www.edibleharmony.com/uses-and-benefits-of-cucumber/" target="_blank">Uses and Benefits of Cucumbers</a>BikeRunYogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876758759500105824noreply@blogger.com0