Day 18: DONE!!!

I have completed my first ever yoga challenge (and athletic challenge for that matter). As I said, I will be writing a longer post next week but I just wanted to keep you up to date.
Brooks class was great! I was totally in the zone. My right arm was behaving so I was able to get it straight multiple times and I sat for 16 minutes!
I feel super proud of myself! It was fun but at times hard. I plan to keep going 2 times a week.

Anyway, Im done and feel awesome!

Day 17:Nearing the End and 15 Minutes!

It feels like it had been forever since I last went to Vals class. She definitely pushed me hard! During triangle pose, she walked over and asked me to stretch my arms in opposite directions. I did it!

One thing I noticed is that when I need to do forward bending, I can get my head past my knees. Before, on a good day, I could touch my forehead to the top of my knee cap. Now I can get my head between my kneecap and shin.

I sat for 15 minutes today! Val had to cut me off- I could have kept going! I also noticed that I can straighten my back and lift my chin up without losing my balance. This is HUGE because at first I had to stay very still to keep my balance.

I have one more class to go. Friday is a busy day so I plan to write a long reflection next week.

Day 16: Damn Foot Cramp!

Brooks class was going well until Triangle pose when my left foot started cramping. I tried to wait it out but when I got on the floor it was all I could think about! I kept rolling to my side when I should have been lying straight. That kinda ruined what was a good class. I did sit for 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

Day 15: 1 Week Left!

Today marked the end of the fifth week of my challenge and I only have one week left. Brook's class was awesome today and she really pushed me (which I like). I got my right arm straight in a few poses. I also (again) beat my record for sitting up by myself. I sat up for 11 minutes! Not bad!

Day 14: Pushing Myself

I like trying new teachers. Today I went to Mirandas class, which I have been to before but only once. I really like her. Her teaching style is relaxed and fun, but since she doesnt know me that well, I need to be my own motivator and not slack off. I did just that- I pushed myself to be the best I could today. I breathed all through class and my right arm was really behaving so I could straighten it more. I sat for 7:55, which is my third highest time!

Day 13: 10 minutes!

Today, (despite sleeping like shit) was my best class yet! I rocked all the postures, got my right arm straight two times and breathed all the way through class!

AND! I sat for 10:10!!!!Awesome!

Day 12: Right Arm- FTW!

Today in Brooks class, I was determined to get my right arm straight in as many positions as possible. During the second set of Awkward, I got my arm out all the way and held it there for pretty much the whole time. Its amazing when you think you cant do something and then you do it! Before yoga, I viewed my right arm as useless and it got in the way. It still gets in the way, but its cool to know that I can actively do something with it.

I sat for 4:22- not my best, but not my worst either. That was the overall vibe of my practice today.

Day 11: tiredness

I only got 7 hours of sleep last night so getting up for Val's class was not fun. However, because Val's an awesome teacher it was well worth it. I got my right arm out again in awkward pose - that was awesome!
I only sat for 3:10 though. Oh well, everybody has tired days and Val's hilarious stories made class easier.

Day 10: God Damn It, Megan!

Class was pretty good today! My body felt nice and relaxed so I could go deeper into the poses. I did take two deep breaths during the warm up breathing exercises, which was awesome!

However, when I was sitting on my own, I was in my zone concentrating and Megan leaned over to let me know I was almost going to beat my best time and that totally threw me off and I fell over. I started cracking up! Thankfully, my teacher Brook remarked that she enjoys my attitude during class, rather than admonishing me for breaking the silence with my laughter. Overall I was able to sit for 7:10!

A good class!

Day 9: Back in the Saddle

Today was WAY better than Wednesday. I went to Brookes class, one of my favorites and my body could preform normally. I got my right leg out in standing head to knee pose. I sat for 5 minutes and 40 seconds- not bad! And, I didnt roll once!

Also! Im officially half way through my challenge! My body feels more solid. I feel like I am using my core strength more. I used to rely heavily on my legs to stabilize my body but now I feel myself doing this less. Because I used to use my legs so much, they would often spasm causing pain. I am sleeping way better. I dont have that many "tired" days anymore. I feel more zen. I feel like my relationships with the people around me have improved because I am able to let stuff go.

Also, one unexpected benefit has been the community of my studio! Everyone there is super cool and most of them know me by first name and chat with me before and after class. They also have been super encouraging during my challenge.

Three more weeks!