…I had a complete mid-class meltdown because of my own need to modify my asana practice.

UGH. Let’s back up. (I’m shocked I haven’t written about this in the past.)

Last May, while trying to . . . → Read More: Modifying Your Yoga Practice (& mine)]]> It figures the day before I was ready to tell you all about my upcoming workshop at Nishkama Yoga…

…I had a complete mid-class meltdown because of my own need to modify my asana practice.

UGH. Let’s back up. (I’m shocked I haven’t written about this in the past.)

Last May, while trying to work on getting deeper into one of those crazy backbends that I love so much, I went too far and my shoulder let me know LOUD and clear. Looking back I probably should have found a physical therapist, but ended up at chiropractor instead – an excellent one at the Cleveland Clinic. (Enter disclaimer: I am not a medical professional – take all “medical” knowledge to follow with that knowledge.)

Over the course of last summer, I went a handful of times and started to see improvement. I also learned a lot about my body: the hyper-mobility of my joints, the weaknesses in my cervical spine and discussed what to do and what not to do: no headstands was rule number one. Dolphin pose and forearm balances became my inversions of choice. I embraced that I wasn’t going to be able to do the shoot back to Chaturanga Dandasana anytime soon and learned to modify my Sun As and Sun Bs. This past fall and winter was filled with finding new ways to modify my practice to protect my shoulder. Things were going good: sometimes I modified more often than not, but did not have any major aches or pains.

But then I started to get sassy this Spring. Hey, I’m a strong lady – maybe I can build up to some stuff.  So I would randomly (once a class) try the shoot back. I started binding my arms in some poses that I knew was going to be over-stretching my left shoulder joint (binding in crescent lunge is one of my favorites, but is a serious NO GO on the one side). In the last month, my shoulder became tender after class occasionally, but I figured it was par-for-the-course – I would just modify more next time.

But then the wacky month of May happened. Tension took temporary residence in my shoulders, and I started regularly running around lifting things boxes, rental banquet tables and such that I probably shouldn’t have. And so when I ended back on my mat last night at one of my favorite teacher’s classes, I already knew it wasn’t going to be a pretty class. My teacher, during an assist in chair pose, even said to me, “I can feel your shoulder clicking.”  And as much as she tried to remind me the class that it wasn’t about the pose but your thoughts while you were in it, I lost it and ended up in a puddle of tears in child’s pose.

I get to step back again almost a year exactly after first injuring my shoulder – pretty timely considering I’m teaching a Modifying Your Practice workshop on this exact topic the first week of June.  Today, I’ll call my chiropractor, as well as reach out to a fellow yoga teacher with a similar shoulder issue to get info on her physical therapist. And while I’ll give my shoulder a rest for a bit, it won’t keep me off my mat. Another thing my teacher said last night: when times get tough, don’t run – commit yourself to what you are devoted to. I’m devoted to this practice – all parts of it – even when it challenges me so so much.

I knew it would be a good morning when I spotting Charles Ramsey on my way to the start line.

There was one common thread between the three of us: lack of consistent . . . → Read More: the tale of three different Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon runners]]> On Sunday, three different runners ran three different races – all apart of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Sunday morning festivities.

I knew it would be a good morning when I spotting Charles Ramsey on my way to the start line.

There was one common thread between the three of us: lack of consistent training. My crazy work schedule, my brother battling off the long lasting cold of 2013, and Hans’ absolutely hatred of running made for an array of lackluster prep, including random maintenance runs and much fewer long runs that normally advised. Even so, I had a plan for all of us for race morning.

I drove down with Hans, fellow yoga teacher Kevin and his friend Kristen, dropping off those three half marathoners at East 9th and Lakeside at 6:30AM. (Drew drove himself down.) Finding an open parking lot was a breeze, so I was down at FirstEnergy Stadium by 6:45 to see the start of the full and half marathons.

Within moments, the 10K runners were lined up and I started reviewing my plan:

• Don’t line up too far forward in the line of runners at the start (AKA look for the folks with the 10K Walker bibs and place yourself a bit before them)
• Don’t get crazy in trying to get up that hill of West 3rd right at the start
• Power walk up any major incline
• Run down any major incline
• Otherwise, stick to running for a minute, walk for two… but listen to your body.

Mile 1 went by quickly – it was easy to be distracted by the downtown sights and the “oooh I’m running in a race!” excitement.

Mile 2 was an array of distractions: There’s No Place Like OM yoga studio, Indian Delight, the thoughts of that Silver Spoon tequila cocktail from Spice Kitchen + Bar, ice cream from Sweet Moses – apparently my pre-race breakfast hadn’t cut it

Mile 3 included a glorious downhill run along West 67 where I rocked the empty sidewalk to gain some distance in a short time.

Mile 4 was unmemorable – except for when a kind Detroit Shoreway resident offered me some of his mimosa.

Mile 5 felt like the longest mile I had ever walked. Yes, I walked the Shoreway. I think I was caught up in the views of downtown – and the fact I had a side stitch brewing. I wanted to finish strong, so I committed to power walking like hell until I got to the mile marker.

Mile 6 started with a glorious downhill patch into the Warehouse District, then flattened out in front of the Med Mart – which is looking spectacular BTW.  The 10Kers merged with the half marathoners on East 9th to run down towards the Rock Hall and then to the finish.

My actual chip time was 1:14:50 – I was extremely happy when I finished, and was pulled aside by a kind woman with a video camera who wanted to interview me for being “the happiest runner” at the finish line that morning. I didn’t hit the stop button on my Garmin until after the interview, which is supposed to be on the marathon’s YouTube channel. Note to self: no more post-race interviews – you’re way too hyped up and say way too many goofy statements!

As pleased as I was, Sunday wasn’t about me. It was about the half marathoners in our crew.

Speedy McSpeederson in the middle – my brother Drew – clocked at 1:46:36 in his first ever long distance race. He did run one 14 miler before the race and was anticipating a 1:45-ish finish. I think he was pretty pleased – but vowed to never run it again when the post-race soreness set in. We’ll see about that…

Kristen and Kevin (on the left) – even though having run many halfs and fulls themselves – opted to stick with Hans for the 13.1 miles and collectively came in at 2:20. That’s right: my weight lifter husband who sporadically ran since January sucked it up to bring home quite the respectable half marathon time.  I did get to watch them cross the finish line – I don’t think Hans could have been happier to be done, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.  Another huge thank you goes out to Kristen and Kevin for sticking by him to make it happen because accordingly to Hans, if they weren’t there, he probably wouldn’t have made it.  That said, we all knew he had it in him!

LONG STORY SHORT: Three very different runners, three very different races, but one common ending: crossing the finish line with big smiles. Now we had another half marathon medal added to our refrigerator collection of race bling… which has me jonesing to add another soon…

Disclosure: While I served as a guest blogger for the 2013 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, this post or my race participation are not a part of my duties towards that role. I was provided with two VIP brunch passes for race morning that I gave away to two ladies at the start line.  My thoughts and opinions are my own.

TODAY

The 19th Annual Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party – “Cleveland’s premier food and wine event” – is THIS WEDNESDAY, May 15 from 6-9PM at the InterContinental Hotel Cleveland.

Presented by The Huntington National Bank, – and benefitting the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio market - the . . . → Read More: Save on 2013 Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party tickets!]]> Get ready Cleveland – it’s time to eat!

The 19th Annual Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party – “Cleveland’s premier food and wine event” – is THIS WEDNESDAY, May 15 from 6-9PM at the InterContinental Hotel Cleveland.

Presented by The Huntington National Bank, – and benefitting the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio market - the 2013 event features:

• 40 of Cleveland’s best restaurants – many are 2013 Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards winners!
• Several wineries, from all over the globe – with something for everyone.
• An exclusive VIP Lounge, sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic Orthopaedic & Rheumatologic Institute, featuring celebrity chefs Chris Hodgson from Hodge’s Cleveland and Chef Ben Benenroth from Spice Kitchen + Bar, with beverages from Brown-Forman, and extras from Great Lakes Brewing Company and Angelo’s Pizza
• A silent auction with an array of packages
• Raffles, live entertainment and more!

So you don’t have your tickets yet? No worries ’cause I have a special for you…

TICKET DISCOUNT FOR POISE IN PARMA READERS

The planning committee wanted to extend an opportunity for Clevelanders to take advantage of the presale ticket pricing by offering you this promotion:

• Save $15 off General Admission tickets by using the code “PIPBLOG 2013 GA” – get your ticket for just $70!

This will be my fourth Silver Spoon event, so trust me – it’s worth the buy!

Purchase tickets here at the Cleveland Magazine website before Tuesday, May 14 at 11:59PM.

Disclosure: I work at the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio office as the event manager on the 19th annual Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Speaking of reconnecting…

I’m getting closer to being back to my regular . . . → Read More: committing to What’s Beautiful with #yogaallthelivelongday]]> Congrats to Julie @ Am I There Yet for winning the Yoga Rocks the Park Cleveland 2013 season pass! I agree with her: “Yoga outside, in the sun, surround by fellow yogi’s sounds like an excellent way to reconnect.” Julie: email me to claim your prize!

Speaking of reconnecting…

I’m getting closer to being back to my regular routine – work, yoga, eat, #crazydoglady pup walk, sleep, repeat – and with that, it’s fitting that a bit of inspiration came to spark some motivation.

Under Armour is continuing to redefine the female athlete with its What’s Beautiful campaign by encouraging women to set big goals and go after them with a team of support.

Hey, getting into Tittibhasana is enough of a challenge!

Through FitFluential, I’m on board for What’s Beautiful by committing to something that has proven to help me reach that better version of myself.

MY GOAL: Take at least one moment a day to practice yoga: physically, mentally and/or emotionally.

The recent span of weeks have gotten away from me. I’ve been grateful to sneak in whatever time on the mat I’ve been able to snag. I’ve try to get some yogic study time in there, but have not been consistent with meditation/quiet time. Yet I know when I’m consistent with any/all of those portions of my practice, I am a calmer person. I’m ready to find that lady again!

Want to join my team? Click on over to the Team #yogaallthelivelongday Under Armour page. If you’re down for the fun, make sure to use the #yogaallthelivelongday hashtag so we can find each other along the way!

Looking for another challenge? There are plenty of great FitFluential Ambassadors leading groups to new personal bests – or you can form your own team. Plenty of options to reach your goals.

Sign up for What’s Beautiful here at the Under Armour website. Learn more about Under Armour Women by visiting their Facebook page or by checking out their Twitter feed (@UAWomen).

So ask yourself: #WhatsBeautiful (leave the answer in the comments below), and how can you celebrate it!? (And maybe go to Costa Rica to celebrate it!)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Under Armour’s What’s Beautiful campaign through FitFluential.  First two photos sourced from Under Armour’s Facebook page. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

“If you honor the inner voice that says you are ready to let go of the past and create a new reality, you will find your way home to the mental clarity, lightness of body, and illumination of spirit that comes with whole-life health.” - Baron Baptiste

Both post title and quote above by Baron . . . → Read More: “As we journey inward, we reflect our light outward.”]]>

“If you honor the inner voice that says you are ready to let go of the past and create a new reality, you will find your way home to the mental clarity, lightness of body, and illumination of spirit that comes with whole-life health.” - Baron Baptiste

Both post title and quote above by Baron Baptiste c/o his Facebook page.  

Picture taken at Nishkama Yoga Independence – and spruced up via Instagram. Believe me though: it was just as pretty without the filter.

I’d like to re-introduce you to Yoga Rocks The Park Cleveland.

Yoga Rocks The Park is out of Colorado and offers outdoor yoga gatherings all year long. Since starting in Denver, these events have also started . . . → Read More: a big announcement & a GIVEAWAY: Yoga Rocks the Park Cleveland]]> One month from today, big things start to happen in Lincoln Park in Tremont. At least big in my yoga-filled world.

I’d like to re-introduce you to Yoga Rocks The Park Cleveland.

Yoga Rocks The Park is out of Colorado and offers outdoor yoga gatherings all year long. Since starting in Denver, these events have also started in other towns across the United States. 2012 was the first year for Cleveland’s YRP events, and the local team is gearing up for another summer of fun.

Here’s what each session’s schedule looks like:

• 9:30 am Registration Opens
• 10-11am Yoga Practice
• 11:15-12pm Free Kids Yoga
• 11-12pm Musical Performance & More!

I got to check out the last session of the 2012 season, and really enjoyed getting to take my yoga practice outside with so many Clevelanders. I felt so reconnected back to my hometown while meeting new-to-me local yogis!

Yoga Rocks The Park Cleveland has several dates scheduled for its second season with its Opening Day coming up next month. Here’s the full schedule for 2013:

• Sunday, June 2: Marni Task
• Saturday, June 15: Deanna Black
• Sunday, June 30: Rebecca Tighe and Linda Stevenson
• Saturday, July 13: Lyz Bly
• Saturday, July 27: Alicia Hansen
• Saturday, August 10: Bryon Callahan
• Saturday, August 24: Lanie McManus and Kimberly Payne
• Saturday, September 7: Krysia Maciuszko
• Sunday, September 22: Maribeth Mayer

Hey, what a minute… YUP, you read that listing for July 27 correctly…

I’m very excited to share here on the blog that I will be teaching a session of this year’s Yoga Rocks the Park here in Cleveland! I was so incredibly honored when the team asked me, and thank them so much to be able to do this this summer.

So save-the-date for the morning of Saturday, July 27 and join me at Lincoln Park in Tremont for a yoga practice that will be great for all levels of yogis. You can purchase tickets by visiting their website: sessions are $12 in advance and $15 at the park day of.

But I have great news: you have a chance to win a full season pass to the Yoga Rocks the Park Cleveland 2013 season! The event’s organizers are offering one lucky PIP reader this ahead of the start to the season!

SO… HOW DO YOU WIN A SEASON PASS TO YOGA ROCKS THE PARK CLE??

1. Mandatory first entry: Leave a comment telling me why you want to win. It’s that easy!
2. Subscribe to PIP via a RSS feed service. Please let me know if you do by commenting on this post.
3. Follow @poiseinparma on Twitter. Please let me know if you do by commenting on this post.
4. Follow @YogaRocksCLE on Twitter. Please let me know if you do by commenting on this post.
5. Twitter users can get an extra entry each day by tweeting: “I want to a season pass to @YogaRocksCLE from @poiseinparma! http://wp.me/p1303r-2nJ #CLEyoga″. Please let me know each day you tweet this by commenting on this post.

You have until Sunday, May 5th at 11:59PM EST to enter. The winner will be announced on Monday the 6th. Make sure to leave a separate entry for each one of these tasks that you accomplish. Since these tickets are for a local event, I suggest that only those that can use the tickets enter to win!

Stay up to date with YRP’s happenings by visiting their Facebook page.  So watch out Cleveland: here come the yogis!

Disclosure: Banner photo from Yoga Rocks the Park Facebook page. In exchange for running this giveaway, one lucky PIP reader will receive one full season pass in return. As always, my thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

MAY IS ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH

2013 Arthritis Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation

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We already had a trip planned to our nation’s capitol when the team at NASA announced that NASA . . . → Read More: #NASASocial at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center]]> As pulled by random.org, congrats to comment #14 AKA Carolyn Fertig (@carolyn87 on Twitter) for winning my MedWish Band Aid Bash giveaway!  Your tweet earlier last week paid off! Please email me at poiseinparma (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize.

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We already had a trip planned to our nation’s capitol when the team at NASA announced that NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (@NASAGoddard) would host its first NASA Social. I registered both Hans and myself up with notes of “we already have flights and hotels booked – pick us please!”  Luckily, my pleading worked and we were both selected.

After the NASA Glenn’s NASA Tweetup in March 2012 (recaps here and here), and its NASA Social in August 2012 (recap here), we sort of knew what we were in for at “A Blooming Partnership: Behind the Scenes of JAXA & NASA Missions” NASA Social on Friday, April 12 in Greenbelt, Maryland. They always start with an early wake up call.

Thanks to a very kind fellow NASA Social attendee – Brandi at @kosame06 - we made it to NASA Goddard Visitor’s Center to be able to check out their NASA Gift Shop before the tour began.

Our morning was spent learning more about the earth sciences with NASA & JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement) scientists and engineers.

Twitter followers were encouraged to ask questions with the hashtag #AskNASA virtually while in-person participants from the audiences also got in on the fun.

Post-presentations, we were bused off to see a demonstration of the NASA Goddard Hyperwall

This is about the time of the day where I really was kicking myself for not going into the earth sciences.

After a quick lunch break, we broke into four groups for tours of the Goddard facilities:

Holding a meteorite in the Astrobiology laboratory. Surprisingly heavier than it looks. I almost dropped it. Seriously.

Checking out the building of the James Webb Space Telescope in the world’s largest cleanroom.

In the acoustics room at the GPM testing facilities.

Half moon in front of Goddard’s moon tree. (Because my tree pose looked silly.)

LONG STORY SHORT: It was another fabulous NASA Social day where their staffers shared so much knowledge and so much excitement for their work. We ran in to old faces from previous tweet ups, met fabulous new people attending their first Social and got to visit another one of NASA’s facilities. Two down for me, several more to go… Hans is ahead of me on this one, but I’m a head of him on our journey to make it to all the Major League Baseball stadiums!

Want to attend a NASA Social? Keep an eye out on their Twitter feed – @NASASocial – or visit the NASA website. There may be a meet up coming to a facility near you!

Check out all my pictures from this NASA Social at NASA Goddard Space Station over at the PIP Facebook page. And give it a “LIKE” if you haven’t already!

Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

So when MedWish International reached out with news on their upcoming event, I was ready to help spread the word – especially after the OBA blogger volunteering night at their headquarters in March.