buddy run

Before yoga, I used to run. I remember back in May 2013, J and I would run in Ultra as preparation for our hike in Tarak Ridge, which was the second mountain I hiked and my first major climb. I didn't appreciate running as much as I did later on. I remember begging J if I could just do 3 laps when he wanted me to do 6 - haha! Eventually, I found running quite therapeutic especially on days when I really felt like running away from challenges I am obliged to face.

What started as a training for hiking eventually turned into something I enjoyed. J and I eventually joined organized fun runs and the first one we joined was the Robinsons Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run 2013. This happened in BGC on a drizzling August morning. I found that I actually enjoyed the entire 5km run with intermittent light rain. It was quite refreshing.

Over a year from that time, admittedly I have already forgotten the things that happened during the run. But I do remember feeling very accomplished upon crossing the finish line. These days, I do miss the rush I get from running. I miss checking to see if I've beaten my personal record - I'm competitive like that. But I will never forgot the rush of high I have felt during that run and all the other times I've ran.

my first flight

I've been practicing yoga for almost 5 months now and a regular practice has really improved my flexibility, strength and self-awareness. The improvements did not happen overnight; it happened gradually.

More than the physical benefits, I delight in the emotional and mental benefits. I have noticed that my mental focus has improved and my mood improves after each class. I always step out of UAM feeling rejuvenated and each time I am going through a rough day, stepping inside the UAM studio makes me feel good. I realize that I have come to associate it now with calmness and peace.

One of the highest points I have recently experienced in my yoga class is finally being able to take flight with my first arm balance: bakasana, also known as the crow or crane pose.

I am still a work in progress but finally being able to take flight through bakasana has given me confidence. It was true what my cousin (who's into a far more advanced yoga practice than I am) said when I shared with her my struggles with bakasana in my earlier classes - that I already have the strength to hold this pose and that I only have to strengthen the trust I have in myself. I'm still working on this pose though. Some days I have the strength and confidence to take flight, other times my body requires restoration.

By January, I will start attending Vinyasa open classes in order to deepen my practice.

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