This past year, I've been super into hot yoga, as the town I moved to has an adorable little spot called The Yoga Barn. The majority of classes are either Hot Power Vinyasa, or Warm Yin Yoga. So depending on whether or not you want a solid sweatfest of a workout, or a peaceful relaxing stretching session, those are the options. For me, it all depends where my schedule and shift work lands. Most times after a night shift, I'll stay up to attend the 9am class. Or if I am off, I'll go to which ever one is the hottest class of the day. This week, I was luckily off for all 4 days of yoga! (She has classes Monday-Thursday with some extras on weekends sometimes).
So I registered into the Hot power classes all four days. And as I'm sitting here typing, I'm realizing just how sore I am from 4/4 days of hot yoga. It's not as easy of a workout as everyone seems to think, and so I figured I would share with you all the thoughts that go through my head while I'm in class.

Okay, here we go I'm ready for a workout.
Woah, should have came earlier, its PACKED in here.
Okay there's a spot I can fit in!
Shit, it's at the front of the class..
Well I hope people behind me don't try to follow what I'm doing.
Alright, childs pose to start. I can handle this.
Deep breath in through the nose, deep breath out through the mouth.
I'm totally not a nose breather.. it sounds like I'm snoring over here..
First pose.. I got this.
Okay this isn't so bad, I'm not even really sweating yet!
Well then.. that must have just been the warm up.
Yup, now I'm sweating.
Right, focus on breathing. Opps.
Downward dog, my favourite because I can take a breathing break!
Oh, never mind we're doing another flow again.
If we do any more chaturanga's I'm gonna chaturanga on the floor.
Okay, yes focus on breath.
I've never sweat SO much in my life.
Warrior 2.. my shoulders are on FIRE.
Is anyone else sweating as much as me?
Like.. I'm literally DRIPPING on the floor
Chatu-friggin-ranga.. aka just do a slow motion reverse pushup until you collapse on the floor
Embrace the pain
Okay the sweat is literally in my eyes and I can't see.
Good childs pose, I'm just gonna lay here and die for a second.
Nope, no break were going again.
Damn it there I go losing focus again!
Breath in and high mountain, breath out and fold.
Maybe if I grab my towel and wipe my ENTIRE BODY no one will notice?
I think I have ADHD..
Just. Breathe.
Warrior three.
Yep and I just fell over onto the girl beside me.. SORRY.
How do some people have such good balance?
Phewf I think were slowing down.
Ah my breathing is almost normal now.
Savasana.. my favourite pose.
YES the cold compress.. ALSO my favourite.
Mmm it smells like peppermint.
I never want to move from my mat EVER.
That was amazing.
Im gonna be sore tomorrow!
When can I do that again!?
Maybe after a shower..
Ew, is that really how much I sweat?
What a GREAT workout!

Some day, I might be able to get through an entire yoga class without letting my mind wander, but today is not that day!

Peace, Love, Yoga.

Namaste,

The Rural Runner

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When I go for a run, there are a few things I take into consideration when deciding what to wear (I know right, typical woman figuring out an outfit first haha). In all seriousness, there are important things to think about before stepping out that door.

Here are my thoughts, especially when running in the fall:

1. What's the current weather like?
Am I gonna freeze my ass off if I only wear a t-shirt? Or is it mild enough to get away with no jacket? Sometimes in the fall it's cold enough I'll wear a short sleeve under a wind breaker and then once things heat up, take it off. It's reaching that time of year where it's important to layer. Weather and temperature will dictate. Some days it will be cold enough to wear gloves and hat, where as today on my run it was around 10 degrees and the perfect weather for a ball cap, long sleeve and cropped compression pants. Just make sure you will be warm enough to prevent injury and muscle cramps. Here was my outfit from today's 11km trail run:

2. Where are you running?
Running in the woods, especially in the fall or when you're alone, can be dangerous. For me, living in a rural area, it's important to wear something of a bright Color so you're not mistaken as game by a hunter. Last thing you want is to be shot on your run by someone thinking you're a deer (not like I run fast enough to be a deer haha). Something else to think about is carrying your phone on you in case of emergencies and whether or not to listen to music. Again, use your judgement and make safe choices!

3. What will I be running on?
Some of you may be like me, and only just realized this year how there's a HUGE difference between road shoes and trail running shoes. HOLY cow do I ever love how it feels running with proper trail shoes. My boyfriend bought me my first pair in May and I'll never go back. He got me pink Nike Flex Trail Run, and since then I've bought a second pair myself in grey (similar to the ones in the picture). When running on technical terrain, they grip EVERYTHING. I've experienced a lot fewer ankle rolls with these shoes and have never gotten a blister. Definitely recommend trying these babies out if you're looking for a new trail shoe. That being said, they are specifically a trail shoe and feel kind of like running with soccer cleats when on pavement. Only downfall, but trails are much better for running anyways ;)

4. How long will I be running?
I say this because if your bra is going to be chaffing for 21.1km, you might not wanna be wearing that one. Same can be said for undies, a 2 hour wedgie is NOT FUN.

My go to for comfy fall run clothes is a pair of compression crop leggings (I don't do shorts due to chafing haha #TeamNoThighGap), a Nike sports bra (not much padding but I've literally had my black one from the picture for years and it's still perfect condition), a pair of injini socks (also thanks to my bf for getting me these GREAT toe socks.. More on these soon), and recently my new fabletics black long sleeve (can see me wearing it here). I love fabletics, it's lululemon quality without the huge price tag. I received this shirt for free (because I'm obsessed and had enough points for free stuff haha) but I think it retails for around $34. It wicks sweat and water really well (learnt this when I accidentally poured an entire bottle of water all over myself - opps). I also consider whether or not I'll need snacks or water. If I'm running further than about 15km, I'll bring water and a cliff bar or other quick energy source. Currently planning to invest in a camelbak because carrying a water bottle and granola bar stuffed in my pants just ain't cuttin it! I also like to bring my watch for pacing (totally optional but I'm competitive and like to know stats).

5. Will I see anyone I know?
Seriously, this sounds like a stupid concern, but anyone who lives in a small town will understand.. If I'm panting and sweating my ass off, I at least want to look cute doing it. I will not be known as the town weirdo!

What do you like to wear on your runs? Am I totally crazy with my suggestions? And tips for me?

Stay fashionable friends,

The Rural Runner

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Last weekend I had the opportunity to run my first half marathon through the rolling farm hills of rural Nova Scotia. I've been running for quite a while now and have had the Valley Harvest Fest half on my bucket list for a few years. However due to different circumstances each year, I never ended up being able to make it. The race is nearby to my hometown in the Annapolis Valley and is held yearly during thanksgiving weekend. Every year when I'm home to visit family on this weekend, I would see the runners passing by, being cheered on and hope that the next year I would be able to make it. The year before, I tried to enter and was too late as the race was sold out!

This year was though, I made the commitment during the summer to finally attend, and registered WAY in advance. Somehow, I was also able to convince a couple friends to join in on the race festivities as well!

The months passed, the leaves changed colour, fall was finally here and so was thanksgiving weekend. The night before the race was spent celebrating Thanksgiving with family and stuffing our faces with Turkey, veggies and of course.. Stuffing!

The next day after loading up on plenty of carbs the night before, race day was finally upon us.

It was a chilly morning, fresh crisp air and clear skies. The perfect day for a run. My boyfriend Kirk, my friend Erika and myself all met early at Acadia university to warm up and prepare ourselves for the race. (I'm in purple, Kirks in the middle and Erika in green - no we did not plan on matching, ha ha). 

We lined up shortly behind the 2:30 pace bunny and waited for the gun shot to go. Excitement was rushing through me (with a mixture of nerves too). 

Due to circumstances out of my control (more on that later), I was unable to train for 6 full weeks before the race. The fact that we were about to run 21.1km in a row was very daunting. At this point, the furthest I had ever ran was about 16km.

After waiting for this day for basically 3 years though, I knew that I had to run, or live with the regret of missing the race again this year.

The countdown ends and the race begins, marking the first steps of the race. We start off with a steady pace, on track with completing the race within 2 and a half hours, or less. We hold this pace for around 8km. Around this point, I start to feel a familiar sharp pain in my left hip joint. We continue on with running until the pain was bad enough that I needed to walk. You can see where the pain started on the map, and where we had to walk in red.

Lost a lot of ground and time by having to walk, but sometimes preventing further injury is more important. We slowed down the pace by a lot, luckily Kirk is very patient, and this race was for fun for us, not time... And we stopped to take cute selfies!

It didn't matter how much pain I was in.. Or even if I had to crawl across that finish line.. I was going to finish the race that had been on my mind for years.

Running with my hip hurting so badly was almost unbearable, however, being able to run through such a scenic route did make it much easier, especially since I had such great company! Look at him, not even breaking a sweat, haha.

We ran by farms, fields of corn and cows and a gorgeous view of the basin. Then, after over 2 and a half hours, we finally made it to the last stretch of the race. Exhausted but also elated from finishing the race, Kirk and I crossed the finish line together. Look at that big smile!!

To me, just being able to finish the race with someone I love and no injuries, (we hope.. Seeing a chiropractor next week!) meant the world to me. It was such a fun weekend spent with friends.

Erika continued on when me and Kirk slowed, to beat her personal goal and actually passed the 2:30 pace bunny (way to go girl!!). You showed that bunny! Here's us reunited after the race.

The finish time really doesn't matter to me (although I am glad we still made it plenty under 3 hours). I've already caught the race bug and will be registering for the hypothermic half marathon put on by the RunnersRoom that takes place in January! My new goal for this race is under 2.5 hours (and to not eat it on the trail that will more than likely be COVERED in ice and snow - gotta love Nova Scotian weather, eh!)

Overall, it was such an incredible experience and I had an amazing time. The race was really well organized (props to the coordinators and volunteers!) and the race swag was great. We got awesome fleecy blankets as well as bright yellow wind breakers (what kind of race gives out such nice race kits?!, love it!). The medals are so pretty too. Well worth the wait and will definitely be returning next year to race again. 

For now, I'm going to enjoy some relaxed fall running, and heal up for my next race.

Happy running friends,

The Rural Runner

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