Rob thinks barefoot running or monkey feet will make him faster than Schroff. He's experimenting with various aspects (diet, cross training, technique, gear, etc.) of his training. But in his search for performance improvement he discovered a secret that enhances not simply his running but so much more. He found yoga. Initially he came to stretch out those incredibly tight muscles. But then he found his breath. Breathe in, breathe out. Simple. With this he can achieve mental focus and clarity. The breath was the link between mind and body. The breath is an essential key to more focused training. Being self aware during a training run or a race and learning to control your movement and stay in the momement. I try to draw on the Prāna, our life force, or vital energy. Particularly, it comes from the breath. If you master the breath you are energized.
Outside of India, yoga is mostly associated with the practice of asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga or as a form of exercise. We work as much on strength and balance as we do on stretching all the time being aware of our body. Maybe yoga won't make Rob faster than Schroff but yoga can bring him new awareness of his body and the role of the breath.
When greeting a peer, a "namaste" with hands in front of chest and a slight bow is considered polite. We use it to indicate deep respect. Get your body and mind working together. Learn to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Come join us on Monday evenings at 5:30 for a yoga session tailored for runners at all levels. Walk-in's are welcome.
Namaste,
Sheila
Some more pictures of Sheila's class:
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