Weekend mornings are my favorite. After many years of teaching early every Saturday and Sunday morning, it’s been such a treat to have them back after making some adjustments to my schedule about a year ago.
Saturday mornings tend to be a little more productive. I love cleaning the house, hitting the farmers market and getting in a workout before teaching my 11:15 a.m. hot class, which has become my favorite of the week to teach. We offer a kid’s yoga class and child watch at the same time so it’s become quite a family affair. I have so many couples that come and practice together and bring their kids too! 🙂
Sundays are all about lounging in pjs, coffee, making brunch and hanging with the pups and the boy. It’s the only morning of the week that neither of us has to be at work early (minus the weekends we are in teacher training and both at the studio all weekend).
So as I sit here and enjoy my coffee after this delicious brunch, let’s catch up. I’ve never done a “coffee chat” kind of post but I have a few things on my mind to share.
If we were chatting over coffee this morning I would share…
That I’m frustrated. Just a week after finishing Whole30 and starting the reintroduction process, the itching on my eyelids came back…and spread. I now also have patches of eczema below my right eye and on both elbows. I kind of want to cry. Before I left for vacation I met with a naturopath and also consulted with my physician about a recommendation for an allergist. The naturopath tends to believe that my skin issues are directly related to gut health and not a specific food allergy. He thinks if we can get all things back on track with my gut flora that my skin issues will clear and I’ll be back to normal again. I am also considering skin testing with an allergist.
The naturopath’s first recommendation was for me to go back to Whole30 if my symptoms cleared while I was on it until we could get things squared away on the gut front but he and I both agreed that 1) strict Whole30 would be no fun on vacation and 2) that Whole30 is not something that I want to become “Whole-life.” We are regrouping in the next week or two.
I have kept most of this on the DL because I don’t know what to make of it and don’t really have any answers yet about what is causing my skin issues. I guess it’s good that I know that it’s not a makeup or skincare product I’m using that’s causing it and that it most likely is food related. As I learn more, I will share more. I wish I had a better update for you.
If we were chatting over coffee this morning I would share…
That I’ve set a big goal for myself that scares me a little. For a couple of years now I have said that I want to teach some yoga workshops outside of Charlotte but I have been too chicken to actually book any. I set a goal to have something booked an on the calendar by the end of the month.
I taught an arm balance workshop yesterday at Y2 that was just the boost I needed to make my goal a reality. It’s the most amazing feeling to help others see their potential and believe in their strength. My students loved the workshop and I loved teaching it. We worked on crow, side crow, mountain climber and variations of it, flying pigeon, headstand, forearm balance, handstand and flying splits.
I asked for feedback on Instagram about where you guys would like to see me and I got a lot of Philly, DC and some Atlanta, Chicago, Austin and Phoenix. While I’m not sure where I’ll end up, I am excited (and freaking scared!) to finally make this dream a reality.
If we were chatting over coffee this morning I would share…
That working with a trainer has been the best thing to happen to my workouts in a long time.
I meet with her twice a week and she has me lifting 4-5 times a week. It’s been a long time since I’ve lifted so consistently and it feels really, really good. I love our sessions for several reasons. First, it keeps me accountable. I am the queen of pushing off my own workout and ending up with only time for a quick run or no workout at all. I love having to take the time for myself. Second, she pushes me…whether it’s pushing out a few extra reps or lifting heavier than I thought I could or making me work my weaknesses. Third, it inspires me. Working with her has totally freshened up my lifting routine and I’ve gotten so many great ideas from our sessions to use in my own workouts and with my clients.
I received the sessions as a Christmas gift but I think it’s something I’ll continue to do on my own because I’m getting so much out of it.
If we were chatting over coffee this morning I would share…
That I’m sending out my first ever “official” blog survey tomorrow. I’ll be seeking your input on all things Peanut Butter Runner as well as trying to get to know you guys a little better in hopes of discovering ways that I can help you out even more with your fitness and healthy lifestyle goals.
I’m excited to hear from you so that I can continue to grow this blog in ways that serve you best! (It will be six years in April…craziness!)
Let’s wrap it up with a super quick workout recap…
Monday
1 mile treadmill warm up followed by three rounds of a circuit with walking lunges, jump lunges, dips, sit ups, push ups, squats and jump squats with a 400 meter sprint between each round.
Tuesday
REST
Wednesday
5 mile run
Thursday
Strength
– 10-1 barbell deadlifts and over the bar burpees
– 3 rounds of kettlebell walking lunges and seated cable rows
– 3 rounds of kettlebell squat clean and press, bosu twisted mountain climbers and 30 second bosu static squat holds
– 3 rounds of pull ups and plyo push ups
– leg press to exhaustion (50 reps)
Friday
Hot yoga
Saturday
I am considering teaching that arm balance workshop a workout! Demoing all those arm balances for two hours is exhausting! I also took Sullie for a long walk. (Zoey went running with her dad.)
Sunday
Will probably be strength and a run
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I’ll see y’all tomorrow with that survey.
In love with the lulu leggings and crazy awesome sports bra! (You also look so toned and just amazing overall!)
Thank you Lizzie! The sports bra is from Manduka!
First of all, love your blog! It’s awesome and I’ve been reading for years! I too, have struggled with eczema. It popped up about 3 years ago at age 26 without any family history of it at all. I was so confused! Why suddenly did I had eczema all over?! I’m healthy, I work out, I eat well. What gives?! Well, at that same time in my life we had just moved to Georgia, started new jobs and we’re getting married in 6 months. Talk about stress. And my gut was VERY much reacting to the stress. Finally I realized it was connected and once I added a quality probiotic and ate very clean (for a while…I have re-introduced certain things since and have been fine) it cleared up. That being said, fast forward to now, we are u see stress as we are trying to get jobs and move home and wouldn’t you know the eczema is back! It’s been on my eye since December. I guess all of that to say, you’re not alone in this experience and I can attest for the stress/gut connection to it. A&D ointment helps a lot and I like that it’s not a steroid. I hope that’s helpful and that things get better for you soon!!! Sending healing thoughts your way!
Hi Calla – thanks so much for being a long-term reader. I appreciate the kind words! I can’t agree with you enough about the stress factor and the impact it can play on our health. I am definitely hoping that a combination of working with the naturopath along with probiotics and diet can clear things up (and always trying to stress less!).
GOOD LUCK with your job search and upcoming move. Sending you luck. I will check out that ointment.
Ugh to the eczema! I know I’ve checked in before on this and I’m not a doctor but from my own experience – I had it on my eyelid every winter. It went away when I changed to a meatless diet. Also, it can be skin products! Check what you use for things like parabens and my friend was tested for this and was allergic to propylene glycol- it’s in a ton of shampoos and skin products! If it is gut health, a good probiotic can’t hurt. And for the actual irritation – I swear by fresh creme ancienne. I know I’ve said it before but just saying again :). It’s the best and relieves the symptoms immediately. Hope this helps
I know, ugh! I don’t think it’s product related because it completely cleared during Whole30 and I didn’t change my products.
I will check out that cream!!!!
Have you had iGG blood testing done? It’s a simple blood test to test for food allergies. Could help to figure out your eczema issues. I had headaches constantly until I found out I was eating a lot of food I was allergic to. your naturopath should be able to do this for you. Good luck!
Not yet but have testing appointments booked for next couple of weeks.
So sorry your skin issues are returning. I am sure your naturopath will be able to clear things up for you. Just have to tell you how much I love your blog. I started reading/following about 2013. Thinking I will check out your older ones.:) Have a wonderful Sunday and hope all goes well with your doc.
Jodie – thank you SO much for the kind words. I appreciate you following and taking the time to comment. I have high hopes for the naturopath.
Get in touch with an acupuncturist. Mine at five virtues in Philadelphia treats it!
Definitely a route to consider if I don’t have luck with naturopath and allergy testing! I totally believe in acupuncture.
Oh! Please come to Boulder, Colorado! I promise it will not disappoint. And, I’d love to take a class with you.
OMG – I LOVE Boulder. That would be a dream come true.
What about the dermatologist you were seeing and posting about? It seems he would be helpful with the skin issues you are having.
Unfortunately, they just want to treat the symptoms and not address the cause. They’d refer out for allergy testing and the routes I’m going.
I hope you find resolution for your skin issues soon. I know how frustrating that is. I get the worst cystic acne but I’ve just given in and take the birth control and hormones. It’s the only thing that works. Like I said on IG, would LOVE to have you at my studio (Harrisburg is such an easy flight from Charlotte), but my current space is just too small. As soon as I find a second space you’re booked!
Hi Brittany – it was a huge struggle for me to go off of hormonal birth control and deal with cystic acne but I finally did it almost two years ago and now only deal with occasional flairs. The key has been to get a really consistent skincare routine going with retinols and other great products.
I would LOVE to meet you and visit Harrisburg. Keep me posted and how exciting that you’re growing your studio already!
Oh no!!! Trying to figure out a medical mystery is the worst. It feels terrible when the doctors don’t know how to “fix” you. I’ve been there. My advice is to be persistent with them and be your own advocate. So sorry!
Congrats on the arm balances clinic and good luck booking other classes! Come to Asheville!
The mystery part of it is the worst! I just want an answer. The most frustrating part is that the derm just wants to give me steroid creams to manage it versus treating the root issue. Hoping to get better answers from Naturopath.
Come teach in Athens! I’m not sure if you were a part of the yoga community when you were at UGA, but there are some great spaces in Athens. The one I attend most frequently, Five Points Yoga, would be awesome. I know I would come to your class. And wouldn’t you like to be back in Athens in the Springtime?
Hey Teena – I was definitely not a yogi during my UGA days but I would LOVE to visit Athens! Thanks for the recommendation!
I would be willing to bet that your eye reactions are directly related to gut health, just like your naturopath. I’ve had similar issues for years and my eczema was directly correlated to eating foods that my body didn’t like, combined with a few nutrient deficiencies. I would continue working with the ND – just a recommendation! 🙂
Hey Kayla – I’m hoping so because I just want answers at this point. I am looking forward to working with the naturopath. We have our first testing appt on Thursday.
Come to Birmingham!
Gosh, I haven’t been back to Birmingham since I lived there 8 years ago! Would love to see how much it’s changed!
Gut health was definitely the root cause of my acne and once I started taking a high quality probiotic and learning more, it cleared up about 90%. Magnesium (liquid spray), D3, Vitamin K2 (liquid — this stuff is GOLD, google it), vitamin C, and BioKult probiotic have all changed my skin. I’m 34 and people regularly think I’m still in college. (Also have to credit lifting heavy 5 days a week to that one as well!) Good luck!
Hi Laura – thanks so much for sharing this. It’s encouraging. I appreciate you sharing the supplements you are taking and I will research them! (And YAY to the lifting!)
It would be totally awesome if you did a workshop in Atlanta! And so good to hear your following your goal even though it’s scary it will be worth it!
I will definitely try to get to Atlanta or Athens!
I totally agree with the probiotic for gut health. I have skin issues and the d3 with k2 spray really helped. I also started adding gelatin powder to blended coffee or smoothies, sounds weird but undetectable, that is great for gut lining. One other thing I have added and their is good info on the web about borage oil supplements for eczema to psoriasis, which is what I’m dealing with, and my skin inflammation has gotten better. Anyway, love your workout posts, so inspiring as I’m trying to get stronger. Great blog?
Hey Amy – thanks for the recommendations. This is very helpful, especially the gelatin powder. Never heard of that! I will check borage oil! Thank you for reading my blog!
Consider Boston for a workshop 🙂
I have never visited Boston! Would love to!
I’m so sorry to hear about your eczema ! i am sure you are so disappointed. Just fyi and im sure you know this but if you have any food allergy testing done (particularly bloodwork) you have to be actively consuming the food pretty much daily for it to show up. like if you tested right after whole 30 some of your tests would likely come back negative since you had avoided the food for 30 days. I’m sure you know this but just in case thought i would point it out. The worst thing would be to take a test and not get accurate result and pay for it !
Hey Tara – thanks for the comment and for the reminder about needing to be actively eating something. That would be terrible to pay and not know!
I love the coffee chat format! sorry to hear that your eczema is back…I hope you figure out what’s causing it soon. it’s amazing how much of an influence our gut has on the rest of our bodies. come do a workshop in Chicago!!
Thanks for the format feedback. I’m glad y’all are liking it! 🙂 I’d love to visit Chicago…during the summer. 😉
First of all, you should consider doing more “coffee chat” style posts – I loved this! Second, don’t be scared to teach somewhere else – be excited! You have been an absolute GIFT to the Charlotte yoga community and its about time some other cities get to experience your teaching & inspiration. I have practiced in studios all over the world and you remain my favorite teacher.
Hey Kristin – thanks for the feedback on the post format! I’m glad you like it. Also, I can’t thank you ENOUGH for the encouraging words about the workshops. It made my evening when I read your comment. <3
I just love your blog, and I am so sorry about your skin issues. I’m crossing my fingers for you that you can find the answer soon. Congrats on the yoga workshops! And your workout outfits are so cute- I’m jealous 😉
Thanks so much for reading and for the kind words Sarah! And the workout clothes are like my daily work wardrobe so I have quite a collection! 😉
Just had to add another quick vote for Philly! I’ve been trying to plot a trip down to Charlotte to take a class at Y2, but it would be great if you came here!
So surprised by all the Philly recommendations. It’s on my short list!
I wish I could have made it to your arm balance workshop! Two of my good friends signed up for it (Lauren & Michelle) and said that it was awesome!! Love this coffee talk…I think you should teach a workshop in Charleston. I have lots of friends there and I know that they would LOVE it!!