Day 29 - Class #30

Happy Saint David's day to my Welsh friends and family. It's official today I have completed the required 30 classes but in 29 days. This is a 30 DAY challenge so I still have to complete another class tomorrow to make 30 consecutive days of Bikram Yoga. I like rules and I like to stick to them or whats the point.

I was well protein fueled today with some left over silverside. I really could tell the difference with some decent food inside me. I didn't get any discomfort or hunger pangs. I did however have Yoga Brain this morning. I thought I'd forgotten my water. Easily done. I leave everything together on my kitchen floor in a neat pile and those who know me I don't travel light to yoga. Usually I don't have enough hands and have two bags on one shoulder. I even checked my car boot to see if it was rolling around in there. No, but not a problem there is lovely Fiji water to buy at reception. I did find my water after class in my car, in that spot in front of the gear stick. In the darkness the black bottle was invisible. With its insulated jacket on it was still cool which was great!

Karen was taking class today, her second day as a full time Bikram instructor after she made the decision to leave her accounting job. This is great as I only ever saw her on weekends, now we'll see each other more often. 

Today I came to the realization I actually quite like Balancing Stick. I like the way in sounds in Sanskrit "Tuladandasna." It's a quick ten second blast of pure heart thumping torture. Everything burns, arms, head, legs. You have to lock out both knees whilst lowering your body down and creating traction by stretching forward and backward at the same time. I used to hate this one, my heart would be beating out my chest, I'd feel dizzy and couldn't keep my balance. Now I just go with it and try hard. This is another example of when you do a posture properly as directed it is easier. If you give up and let your leg hand limp behind you or your arms drop too low you will use up far more energy and tire quicker. With the correct alignment and lighter, tighter limbs you'll rock it.

Tuladandasna - Balancing Stick. Courtesy of Bikram Yoga Joondalup.

I was blinded in Separate Leg head to knee today. I had a stream of sweat flowing into my left eye. I had serious problems keeping it open. This caused me to wobble and nearly fall over as I came back out as my balance was off having not kept both eyes open.

The cut on my foot was ripe again today. I let it get in the way of floor bow as where I grab my feet is where the cut is. It was very painful through out the whole floor series. Hardly surprising, it wasn't going to be comfortable an healing wound being pressed into a sweaty towel. 

Overall I had a good class. I must learn to let go when something doesn't go right. I scowl at myself when I fall out or can't quite get that last push. Other people have noticed me do it. Instead I should try smiling or even laughing at myself. I should know by now everyday is different, what I achieved yesterday could go belly up today. It's the way it is. I'm hoping I'll see some changes next week, once I've rested and relaxed and the pressure is off. If I don't it doesn't matter!

Day 28 - Monday 6pm

Due to a staff meeting commitment I had to pass on my usual 5:45am class. My body clock wasn't told this and still gave me a nudge at 4am to let me know it was nearly time to get up. I can officially say a habit has been formed here and my body has fully adjusted to the routine now.

Despite going at a different time than usual there were still loads of familiar faces there. Jo was leading us through today and we were being videoed for possible use on the BYJ website. Everyone seemed cool with this, I thought it was a good chance to pull out the stops and try hard. There were a few very alarmed people who weren't in the class but I saw afterward who didn't like the idea. I'd be keen to see the full video as you never get a chance in certain postures like Rabbit or camel to see if your doing it right.

I went front row, right next to the podium and under the hot air vent. This spot can be a killer as when you drop you head back in Pranayama you get a dry, hot blast right in your face. I felt strong but went too hard in the standing and was running on empty for the floor. This lead me to take a drink in fixed firm and before final spinal. My mind was in the zone in terms of not thinking outside the room, for some reason I managed to switch off my monkey mind.

I was given a slight adjustment to my lower hand in Triangle. For some reason I've started stretching up too much and my fingers are not aligning with my toes. My hand is floating around near my ankle. This leads me to lean my elbow to my knee for balance. It also means my arms are in the wrong place and I'm not in the correct alignment; arms - hands - toes. I sorted it out in the second set. I think I was avoiding placing my fingers to my toes as I tend to lean on them but as I discovered they can be touching without leaning. The stretch up and back will lift me up off my toes. I had some help stretching forward in half tortoise as well. It  makes such a difference with a little extra pull guiding your hands further forward and helping them stay there as you sink your hips back to you heels.

In the first savasana Jo read out a piece I found from the BY Manhattan blog about not attaching. It really helped me in this class as I had a nice fresh cut on the top of my foot (I dropped a gate on it) right by my Bikram scabs. The pain of sweat running over it and then having it pushed into the floor wasn't very nice. But after hearing that piece it helped me not to focus on it or let the pain become part of me.

Camel today left me feeling really sick. I laid down after the second set and I was spinning. I managed to breath through it, do the next sit up and get into Rabbit. It vanished, just like that and I carried on as normal. That posture is bonkers, does weird things to you. I must have had something that I needed releasing. Actually I know I did and now it's gone, washed away onto my towel in a salty puddle.

I felt good about this class, it wasn't my best but I didn't struggle. No breakthroughs. I think I am winding down now as I know the end is so close. When really I should be pushing hard as I'll be having two full days off at the end so I can afford to kill myself just a little bit.

Li'tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage

I headed back to Bodhi J Day spa again yesterday. The 30 day challenge is a perfect excuse to get some pampering. Some people may feel uncomfortable in such surroundings as a day spa but the staff at Bodhi J are so professional yet totally relaxed and normal. When I arrived Danny who was running the desk was chatting away to me like a long lost friend.

My treatment of choice was the 90 minute Li'tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage. I've had a hot rocks before but this one knocked the pants of it. I had the same therapist as last time, Tegan, which was a nice surprise as I hadn't requested her. This was a nice touch as I liked her approach and felt comfortable with a familiar face. 

We started with a relaxing foot soak whilst we sensory tested the massage oil to see which I connected with. I went with the second one I smelt which turned out to be the detox oil! It was full of refreshing lemon myrtle, I think this is why I was attracted to it. Then I was asked to select four out of eight stones that were laid out in a spiral. I had to pick up each stone and see which I liked in terms of shape, weight, colour, feel. This is another part of the experience I like. Everything is connected to the earth and your feelings. For me to select which stones I wished to have used and which oil is very personal. It makes it unique.

The rest was pure bliss. The warm pressure of the stones is amazing. Your muscles wake up and react to the heat, just like in Bikram. I think I did actually fall asleep at one point I was that relaxed. 90 minutes seemed to fly by. I felt great afterward, so good I sailed through a multanova on the freeway 8km over the limit. DOH!!! What an end to a great day, I may get stuck with a speeding fine. (if I do it will be my first ever speeding/driving offense in 15 years of driving so hey ho!) I still highly recommend Bodhi J, it's only 20 minutes from Joondalup with loads of free street parking down the side. Go get some pamper time both guys and gals you'll love it.

Day 27 - Bon Voyage Liz

Sunday 8am. I don't usually head out so early on a Sunday, I like to spend the morning warming up for the afternoon class but today I had a good reason. It was Liz's last class at BYJ. We all went out for a lovely lunch yesterday to say goodbye but I felt like I needed to be there for her last class as well. Plus I was in charge of the her leaving gift and card so I had to be there!! My man was working today and headed out at 5am so no excuses I was up and moving at 6am.

I had just enough time to squeeze in a slightly more substantial snack before class. I had my usual nut spread but with half a slice of whole grain toast. I thought I might be pushing it with bread an hour and a half before class but it was fine. I managed a litre of water too.

Usually the 8am is pretty busy but not today. It was heating up outside for another 40 degree day. Some non-Bikramites might think we are totally crazy on a day this hot to want to go into a just as hot room to do yoga. It's awesome, your already warmed up, acclimatized and ready to go. Summer is a great time to practice. Plus you don't get a chill when you come out, you just keep on sweating!!

I matted down next to fellow challenger Gemma and I had 60 dayer Dee to my right but way over. It's nice to be surrounded by your friends, especially those who are sharing the challenge experience. I believe you can share energy and help each other through. We were second row but with a sparse first row we had good mirror views. Apart from mine was just on the join which makes one side of your body look huge between the two mirrors. 

I felt good today. Pada-hastasana warm was crunchy the first set. I did notice how I'm in need of a pedicure and polish, ahhh stay in the room! Jessica my first Bikram instructor always used to comment at this point, "Don't look at your pretty toe nails." I find my mind/eyes wondering in the set up for fixed firm too, 'oww look at my scabby heels.' So stupid how you notice these things in the yoga room. 

I had a good class today. My kick out was better today but I backed off as I felt a slight pinch again in my hip like yesterday. I went really hard in the first set of balancing stick which led to my balancing leg crumbling in the second set. I couldn't set a solid foundation and performed a perfect broken umbrella! I really enjoyed Camel today, I felt I went a touch further back and my hips further forward. I had no crazy feelings or cravings. I must have been cleared out in my massage yesterday.

One thing I will take away from Liz's classes is how perceptive she is to people not staying present. The moment I feel I've lost the plot and come down early Liz is there, on it, "stay present!" I also love in the first part of Awkward the way she says "push your booty back towards the back wall." The word booty wouldn't sound the same in any other accent. It's a light relief in a posture I swear under my breath about. Oh and "no crazy fingers" in Awkward as well. It's true so many people forget to keep their fingers together and have the crazy fingers going on! Liz we'll miss you, come back soon!!

I contemplated doing the double today. I felt good and strong but realistically I wouldn't have enough time to get my errands done, get back home, eat, hydrate and be back out the door by 1pm. I had a busy day yesterday so had to take this afternoon to catch up on all those boring jobs that have mounted up over the past few weeks. Real world life can only be put on hold for so long.

A couple of people have asked me about the Himalayan salt I'm always talking about. Here's a picture. It is expensive ($11.95 for 500g) compared to table salt but it is packed full of 84 trace minerals that is bleached out of normal salt. I've had this box since August but using just a pinch every day it lasts a long time. Not everyone likes the taste but you get used to it and I actually crave it if I forget to put it in. I put a pinch or a third of a teaspoon in 750ml of water. I have it in my class water and it tastes so good at the end when you need some salty goodness. You can add fresh lime and honey to the mix to make a natural electrolyte. But I'd keep this outside the room as there is nothing nice about a bottle of warm, salty, lime mush. Limes are very detoxing and the sugar in the honey stimulates digestion and replaces lost sugars. I get this from any Health Kick store, there's loads round the city and one in Lakeside Joondalup.

Only three more classes to go now. I have a long 33 hour mini break now between classes as I'm going to the 6pm tomorrow. That means I miss Karen's first 5:45am and I won't see the morning crew but that's okay we'll all be reunited on Tuesday morning!

 

Day 26 - Do what you love

I'm going to start with a great saying from my fellow challenger and good friend Karen Lewis.

"Do what you love or else you'll get wrinkles."

How awesome is that and so true. Karen lives by this and looks fantastic for it! Take a look at any Bikram Yoga instructor how much do they radiate happiness and light as they are doing what they love.

Saturday 9:30am. I toyed with the idea of trying a back to back double for fun but you know what I didn't need to do one, why kill myself with five days to go. The challenge of it which would be awesome and such an achievement to do three hours of Bikram in one hit. Even at teacher training students are required to do daily doubles five days a week but these are splits not B2B. If your in training for training I would certainly see the point of getting some split doubles in but the idea of a back to back is a bit hardcore. Despite this two fellow challengers did do B2B and survived. Well done Courtney and Gemma you rock!!

Karen was leading the way today. I matted down in the third row right next to the post so had to watch out I didn't smash my hand when going sideways. I had a totally blocked view which occurred very last minute. I did find it hard today not to being able to see at all. I know I've been wanting this but now I think I have done blocked views enough. It will be time, when I return to my regular practice, to get back near the mirror so I can really concentrate and develop my form to get the full benefits from doing this challenge. 

The room was very steamy after the 7:30am had finished but we had some nice blasts of fresh air circulating. My hips were pinching today in standing head to knee so I didn't get near the full expression. I kicked out for as long as I could stand but did feel I gave up a bit. That being said I followed up with a fairly good standing bow as I'd not used all my energy up. I came so close in toe stand to lifting my gaze and myself off my heel. I've been a bit wobbly the past week after doing so well in this one. It still makes me laugh at how one day you can be awesome at a posture then the next day totally useless. That's what makes this yoga so interesting, it's the same every day with the dialogue but your body is so different.

Cobra is coming along after some shared tips from another student that Anne gave her last week. By putting your hand so close into your body that they are actually under the side of your boobs to start with makes it easier to keep your arms in the right spot when you come up. If your hands are too far out you won't be able to get your arms in the right place. This made such a difference to me as in Cobra my elbows always seemed to hurt and I couldn't keep my palms flat. Probably as I was bending them in to get them closer to my body when I should have been moving my hands in to keep everything aligned. 

I really pushed hard in head to knee stretching to make up for my poor effort in standing H2K. My arms are still up round my ears and no where near my calves. My rounding in is coming along and my head in further up on my thigh than knee.  


No breakthroughs today, which I didn't expect really but you never know. I am very pleased my lower back has held out and my thighs aren't as sore as I remember from the first challenge. I was still having a treat today as I'd booked in for a 90 minutes hot stone massage back at Bodhi J Day Spa. I'm sure my body will appreciate some pampering after 26 days of yoga.

Day 25 - The last Friday 5:45am

Not only was it the last Friday 5:45am for the Challengers, it was the last early morning class Liz would be guiding us through as she's leaving on Sunday. I know we shouldn't attach to things or people but it is sad after six months when an instructor moves on. Other visiting instructors only stay a short while, they do this job as a life style so they can travel, see the world and teach Bikram. It's Liz's time to move on to her next adventure. 

I am tired. Mentally I think, not so much physically but the former does impact the latter. I found I was looking for some comfort today. Usually I take care to select which work clothes I'm going to pack. Today I wanted easy, I wanted my jeans, trainers and thick hoodie. (My office has freezing air con, despite being +38 C outside today I needed warm clothes!!) I'd also decided I needed a Sumo Salad lunch so I didn't have to think about packing any. I also had an important task to complete and not forget. My mind was fully focused on not forgetting that task and hence everything else went to pony poo. I forgot that I needed a new book for the train today so ended up lugging the same novel with me today which I didn't feel like reading again so soon. I have a very basic mobile so didn't even have the luxury of internet. 

Even with the important task done, I was still all over the place. I matted down in my crutch spot of under the vent. I don't know why I did,  I've not been there for a while. It was steamy this morning, even driving in when it was still dark it felt warm outside. We were treated to some cool air early on, it was right on top of me and very icy. This actually was quite uncomfortable so I ended up stepping back a bit on my mat to avoid it. Apart from in Balancing Stick when I got it full force on my back. I love a cool blast in the floor series but this early on, even though the humidity was up, it wasn't good. Time to let go of the vent spot for good, it doesn't help, I need to keep sweating. After class I mentioned the cool air and it hadn't circulated its way around the room, not everyone had felt it. Maybe I was too attached to the cool air,  but now I don't need it as much as I think and it's a distraction. (However the air was very welcome by the time we reached camel!)

I do feel like I'm pushing through now. If everything else in life vanished for the next five days that would be great. But I know it won't and I can't afford to waste three days annual leave so I can spend next week purely focusing on yoga. (I can dream though!) At least it's the weekend and lots to look forward too tomorrow including a hot stone massage!  


Here's the poster for the Craig Villani Posture Workshop, I just finished it yesterday. Still don't know where the venue is yet but I'll got anywhere. (Most true as I first planned to go to his South of France retreat!)

 

Day 24 - The last Thursday

I woke up this morning thinking it was Friday. Don't you just hate that?! Our last Thursday of the challenge. I only have two more 5:45am's to do as Monday I will be 6pm-ing it due to a staff meeting. (*tut* don't they know by now I have yoga Monday mornings! hahaha)

It was Sarah's last class with us today as she's jetting off back to South Australia. The general vibe at the studio is the challengers are feeling a bit flat, a bit over it. The end is close. We've all tried so hard and achieved a lot in 24 days. I am looking forward to having Wednesday nights off as I find the night classes followed by the early mornings a bit tough. I got home late, 8:30pm, as I stopped for fuel and couldn't be bothered to wash my yoga clothes. Double load tonight. After eating and blogging it was time for sleep nothing else. You can only juggle the rest of your life for so long.

I had a good class today. My balance and strength have returned in equal measures. I did fall out one side of Standing Bow pulling but I did have a strong standing head to knee which always then sends SBP a bit off. No water issues today. A few random crazy monkey mind moments that are too shocking to mention. Why I was thinking such things during class is beyond me. Standing separate leg stretching has gone to s**t as I'm doing it properly. Courtney yours was awesome last night, I caught a glimpse as I was looking in the wrong place! Class wrapped up quickly and I even managed to get a quick chat with Jo in before dashing off for the train.

Six days to go and four weeks till Craig Villani's posture workshop. Posters should be out very soon so watch out in all the Perth studios and book your place QUICK as this will sell out.