Spring Training: Mixing It Up

4/2/2019

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The last couple weeks have brought a few days of warmer weather (with some snow mixed in), so I've finally had a chance to get outside and begin training for the 2019 race season. In addition to brick workouts, I'm trying to mix it up a bit with some backpacking and yoga. It's been several years since I practiced yoga consistently, and I can tell my body is going to need time to readjust. But I know it's something I desperately need.

My biggest challenge during this time of year is pacing myself. It's so easy to overdo it when the weather finally turns a corner and you've been waiting all winter to get outside and enjoy it. This is why I'm doing my best to find a balance between different types of activities and avoid overtraining. In the last two weeks, I've hit the gym, explored new trails and attended classes at two different yoga studios in an effort to maintain balance. Here's a quick breakdown of my spring training so far:

Yin Yoga at Hot Yoga Findlay

This was my first hot yoga class. It wasn't nearly as sweaty as I expected - the room stays at a balmy 85 degrees. Yin yoga is a slower flow, where some poses are held as long as five minutes. It's a great class for beginners, but I'd recommend practicing later in the day. I attended the 8:30 AM class, and I was a little too stiff at that hour to get the full benefit of some of the poses. It's also a very relaxing class (which means you may need a nap afterwards!).

Modified Brick

My first brick of the duathlon season consisted of a 10-mile stationary bike ride followed by a 2-mile walk with my puppy Harper. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor workout, but since my bike is still hidden away in the deepest recesses of the garage, I hit the gym for the cycling portion of the workout.

Mixed Level Vinyasa at Harmony Yoga

This Sunday morning class was a bit different from other yoga classes I've done. There was a greater focus on meditation in the beginning of the class followed by a transition to a more active practice, focusing on balance and flexibility. The class ended with the traditional savasana, but with a twist. As I relaxed on my mat, the instructor placed a warm towel over my eyes and massaged my scalp for a few seconds. It was the perfect reward for a solid hour of focused work.

Backpacking on the Slippery Elm Trail

I recently explored the southernmost end of the Slippery Elm Trail, a 13-mile paved bike trail between Bowling Green and North Baltimore, Ohio, with my new Cotopaxi pack (now available at Dave's Running) and Harper in tow. I have zero real experience backpacking, but the idea of taking my walk to the next level without the impact of running - and the sheer practicality of carrying everything you need on your back - make this the perfect cross-training activity for me. I can't wait to head back to Slippery Elm with my bike this summer to cover the rest of the trail.