I had a horrible ashtanga practice this morning. I could blame it on my back being tight or on being pressed for time but the real issue was what was going on in my head. That said, I’m not really sure what was going on with me but I was in tears before I even made it through standing series. By the time I was on the floor the only thing I wanted to do was get off my mat as quickly as possible. I thought about leaving but then I considered how many times I’ve challenged my own students to stay with their practice even when it doesn’t feel easy or especially good.
So instead of fleeing from what was drawing up uncomfortable emotions, I finished. I will admit that I rushed through some poses and skipped a few that I just didn’t have the heart to do but I made it to savasana…and then immediately rolled up my mat and left as quickly as possible fighting back tears. A couple of hours later I had to teach a class. The thing with teaching is that you have to do it even when you don’t feel like it. The thing about teaching yoga is that you don’t have to pretend that it’s the best day ever because if it’s not, and you do pretend, the experience you give your students feels anything but authentic and heartfelt.
Forced, fake happy is uncomfortable and people don’t connect with that. Instead I told my students about my crappy ashtanga practice and reminded them that you don’t always have to come to your mat at 100%. Some days you may be at 10% and wondering how you’re going to make it to the next pose. But breath by breath, pose by pose the practice happens and growth occurs. You learn that it’s okay to feel things and you know that you’re not the only one in the room that is feeling something. Energy and emotional states are different every day. Learn how strong you are from the difficult practices that challenge you physically and emotionally.
Apple cinnamon oatmeal after practice helped.
A soy latte after teaching really helped.
Lots to do today. Getting to it.
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July 22, 2026
I am such a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast. 95% of the time I’m craving a breakfast that is on the sweet side. That mostly alternates between smoothies or yogurt bowls with overnight oats, chia pudding or oatmeal occasionally thrown in there. On the rare occasion I go savory – it’s scrambled [...]
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July 19, 2026
I want to bottle up this summer and make it last forever (well, maybe minus the wildly hot and humid weather that makes running a big thumbs down). I mentioned this in my last post…but I am really enjoying the slower pace and the days that feel like they have more space. While I’m trying [...]
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July 10, 2026
Happy Friday! I hope this post finds you well and enjoying the summer. We are in the dog days of it over here in Charlotte – the heat and humidity is off the charts – but it’s something I’ll embrace because I deeply appreciate the massive slow down that summer has brought. A lot of [...]
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June 21, 2026
I recently traveled to Big Bear Lake, California for the inaugural Big Bear Peaks + Pines three-day stage race hosted by TransRockies Running. This was my third TransRockies event in 12 months (see also Colorado + Moab) and I’m here to tell you that they can do no wrong when it comes to race organization [...]
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May 30, 2026
Happy weekend! Another week in the books! I got three runs in (6.5 miles, 5.5 miles, 5.5 miles) and I have a trail run planned for tomorrow. Total weekly mileage will end up around 30-35 miles depending on if I go for 13 or 17 tomorrow! I’m 16 weeks out from the Golden Ultra so [...]
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May 23, 2026
Happy Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a very rainy one here in Charlotte and while I am a little bummed not to be spending the weekend in Florida with the fam or by the pool at our swim club (just opened for the season!), I’m also welcoming a slower pace and time at home. It’s been [...]
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May 3, 2026
Hi and happy May! As we roll into the first full week of a new month, I have almost a month’s worth of lunch ideas for you. It’s a great mix of sandwiches, bowls, salads and wraps. I hope you enjoy and find some inspiration for your midday meal! Open-faced chickpea salad sandwich on toasted [...]
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