So is it the running or the yoga that’s keeping me calm?

I was out with my friend the other night. I rarely go out at the moment (except to go running!), as work is so intense.

I was talking to her about everything that’s going on right now: the pressures that my promotion has brought with it; the death of our friend; just a few other personal and family things. I remarked that I was busy, and I feel under pressure, but I don’t feel stressed.

I said this with some surprise. I am not a laid-back person! I don’t always deal well with stress. I can get uptight or grumpy or upset or panicked.

But I’m coping well right now.

I don’t know if it’s just that I’m running again, and I feel a bit more like “me” after years of just being “mum”. Or whether it’s because I’m doing quite a lot of yoga, compared to what I’d usually do.

I don’t do a long practice very often, and I don’t get to a class, but I try and do a few poses every time I get back from a run (just a few sun salutations, then a few standing poses: triangle, side angle etc). And I fit bits and pieces in when I can. Sometimes when I get a few moments, I do some sun salutations and feel really invigorated.

And sometimes, when I’m in the garden, I’ll do a few poses and hold them longer (shoulder stands, seated and lying down twists, seated forward bends etc).

And each night, when I put the kids to bed, and they ask me to stay in their room til they fall asleep, I sit and do a wide-angle forward bend. This feels lovely on my hamstrings, and it’s one of the core parts of the yin video I’ve talked about before, so I hold it for as long as I can. When I first started, I could barely lean forwards at all. Now I can put my elbows on the floor.

Who knows the reason. But let’s hope it continues. This is one of the most stressful times of the school year, so it’s a good start.

Changing the subject, I haven’t done a list in ages and ages.

I’m loving the Garmin. I’ve done 4 runs this week, but the first 3 were short (2-3 miles) as I’ve been a bit under the weather. However, I ran 7 miles this morning. And the first 10K was in 65 minutes! Very pleased.

List

weight: -6kg (it’s stayed here for a while) miles run: 16 (over 4 runs, including a 7 miler today) other: cycle commuting and lots of yoga. Hopefully swimming tomorrow…