Generic Update for the Interested and/or Nosy

Yeah, I know it’s been over a month since I’ve written anything on here. As a writer, this is really not cutting it, but maybe this post might provide perspective and an update for the interested.

Professionally…

Since the last week of May, I have worked on back-to-back reports, most of which have been toward the Graduate Research end of the spectrum. This means that most of my waking/working/writing hours have been devoted to my day job. As I feel very uncomfortable talking about my work-life in this forum, I’ll leave it at that.

Personally…

The previous post covers the end of May through mid-July, and it’s chock full of sadness, so I’ll take this opportunity to update you on some positives.

I’ve been back on track with a regular yoga practice. I’m taking a 90-minute class twice a week and practicing at home twice a week. My classes are with the same teacher I’ve been practicing with since I started last October, and I think that kind of consistency has been good for me. My “regular” class is his Friday class, and it’s a good way for me to relax from a usually heavy week. The “new” Tuesday class is different. I’ve only been taking it for a month now, and I’m not sure that’s enough time to develop an informed opinion. My home practice has become much more intense, even in comparison with my classes. I’m doing more, holding poses longer, and learning the nuances of my form, all of which point to physical progress.

I notice progress when I’m able to do more challenging poses, or because I’m practicing up to 2 hours at home on my own, without a video. But I also notice it when I’m running, which I’ve kept up (albeit somewhat sporadically) since Easter. I still don’t identify with “runners,” and my progress in running, specifically, is most definitely a “snail’s pace,” but I attribute my persistence to my yoga practice. I’ve been practicing yoga for almost a year now, and I still have so much to learn. I figure if I’ve only been running a few months, then I just need to give myself time to find my own rhythm. Mentally, I give myself a boost in knowing that moving any distance at all is theoretically impossible, regardless of the rate, and I’m quite proud of completing up to 9 miles a week. (If you’re confused, please see Zeno’s Paradox.)

Despite my physical progress, I’m not as open or inspired as I was during the Yogic Lenten practice. It sucks. The wall I’ve hit is definitely understandable considering the mental drain from work, and recent emotional drains, but as a perfectionist, OCD, Type A-to-the-extreme, I loathe the lack of forward movement.

When I noticed that I was beating myself up more than I usually do, I did something I rarely ever do: I asked for help. Moreover, I asked for help from someone I’d only ever met once. That moment of brave sincerity has proven to be a good decision. I’ve learned a bit of Metta Meditation, and I’ve been attending a Buddhist sangha (kind of like a meditation group). Though my walls and emotional challenges are still here, incorporating these two Buddhist practices helps me feel less lost and more connected.

I’m committed to reaching fitness goals, and though no one in the vastness of Internet space really holds me accountable, I’ll post some of my current goals here to be accountable to myself.

Yoga Goals

I signed up for Yoga Journal’s 21-day Fitness Challenge. It starts September 10th, and I think it will be a good way for me to end my first year of yoga. If you want to sign up, click here.

Running Goals

When I started running, I wanted to do a 5K each month to stay motivated. I ran my first 5K at the beginning of June. Life definitely derailed me almost immediately after that, and I was in no condition to run in July, so I signed up for two in August. I ran my second 5K last week, with progress since my first one. I was supposed to run one today, but I’ve been sick all week, so that didn’t happen. My next races are as follows:

September: Volunteer Ministry Center 5K (9/29/12)

October: The Color Me Rad 5K (10/6/12)

November: Clayton Turkey Trot 5K (11/22/12) (Link gives details for last year)

December: Leftover Run 5K (12/9/12) (Link gives details for last year)

All of these 5Ks are in preparation for a much bigger race. I am registering for the Covenant Health Half-Marathon in April, 2013. Yes, a half-marathon. 13.1 miles. I might be crazy. At least when the zombies come, I’ll be able to keep up with my husband.

Well, there’s your update. Stay tuned, share, and comment if you wish. Thanks for reading.