I wrapped up my second weekend of yoga teacher training this evening and it was even more incredible than the first. I think that I’ll say this after every training weekend but I am so happy that I decided to go through with it. I can’t even imagine having not done it now. I think that my love for and interest in yoga has already doubled. How is that even possible!?
That said, this weekend was not easy. Saturday was a tough day for me. I really struggled with my practice and just didn’t feel like myself that morning – some of my classmates even picked up on it and asked if I was okay. I think I was just worn down from a crazy week at work and needed to reset. I decided to come home during our lunch break. Seeing Brandon and sitting down for lunch helped boost my mood.
Friday’s sandwich combo was so good that I had to repeat it. Great Harvest Whole Grain Goodness with peach pepper jam, tofu, spinach and brie.
My afternoon was much better. We worked on anatomy, assisting and teaching. I am really enjoying learning all of the assists and I can’t wait to learn enough to start assisting classes. Teaching went much better. I felt much more at ease and natural. I know it’s just going to take some practice to figure out how to teach, assist and be myself but it will come with time!
I rushed home to get ready for a night out with Brandon. We had tickets to see the Bobcats.
One of Brandon’s vendors gave us box tickets so it was nice to just chill and watch the game. Unfortunately, the Bobcats lost but I did get to see Mia Micheals from So You Think You Can Dance.
She was a guest judge for a dance competition at half time. Love her!
I learned from my last Bobcats experience that food options are not to my liking in the arena so we waited until after the game to get dinner.
Sushi! We started with a seaweed salad.
A couple rolls and nigiri. (We split everything.)
Then I came home and collapsed in bed. I was so exhausted from the long day. I slept really well last night and admittedly groaned when my alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. I was feeling pretty tired and unenthusiastic. I was kind of expecting a repeat performance of yesterday’s practice.
I usually don’t eat before practicing ashtanga but I felt like I needed a small something today.
A pumpkin apple muffin from the depths of the freezer. One half with Maple Pumpkin Better Butter and the other with Honey Nut Banana.
Despite my tiredness and the fact that today was my fourth day in a row practicing ashtanga, something was different. We start each teacher training session with an ashtanga practice and I found in my very first sun salutation that my body was feeling very receptive and open to the practice. It felt so good to be in back in my normal groove and feeling the way I usually do in my body. I am always amazed by how different my body can be from day to day. Does anyone else experience that?
This morning we covered more assisting techniques and also did a really cool breathing exercise called Alternate Nostril Breathing. Even if you are not a yogi, I highly suggest trying this at home. We broke for lunch around noon and a group of us went to Earth Fare, home of the best salad bar in Charlotte.
My favorite part of the salad bar is all of the fun prepared salads they have. I started with a bed of mixed greens and then added roasted butternut squash with dried cranberries and walnuts, edamame with mushrooms, curried “chicken” salad and fresh fruit.
I also had a cup of carrot ginger soup that was delicious.
The afternoon session was really fun today. We started out by learning and practicing some Thai massage on each other. Post-lunch massage after four days of practicing ashtanga? Yes, please. I loved it so much that as soon as I came home this evening, I went through it all with Brandon. He was a very willing participant! 😉 We also did some vocal exercises (that involved yelling like crazy people!), writing and talking about life goals. I was actually kind of sad to see 6 p.m. roll around and can’t wait for next weekend!
Brandon has been so incredibly supportive of my training and all the time I’m spending away from home. I called after training to find he’d already taken care of dinner.
He loves making homemade pizza and tonight he went with barbecue chicken pizza.
It was simple and comforting after a long weekend.
Up and at ’em tomorrow to teach 6 a.m. BodyPump! Hope y’all had a good weekend!
Jen, you are amazing 🙂 I’m really glad you made the choice of starting the teacher training. Although it might be tough on you right now, I’m sure that once you are done with it, you won’t believe how quickly the time passed by. Keep strong as you always do 🙂
I am sooo happy your training is going well :)!
Glad your training went well 🙂
Love this post – it’s inspiring for me to see how you may struggle through the week sometimes, like we all do, yet you’re able to still focus and eat correctly. And I love seeing the food choices you’re making, I’m getting great ideas. I’m not naturally creative in that way, so seeing your healthy sandwiches helps me get ideas.
Thanks for all the work you put into this blog, I know it must be a lot and I really enjoy it!
Kevin – thank you so much for your comment. I definitely have good days/weeks and bad ones but I find that if I continue to make healthy eating and exercise priorities, I am better able to manage my stress levels. Exercise is definitely one of my biggest stress relievers!
I love blogging and it’s so awesome to hear that people are getting something out of it!
I had a wonderful weekend performing my brother in law’s wedding! 🙂
I definitely have days where running feels like I have lead feet and the next day I’m running faster than ever!
So glad to hear your classes are going well.
what kind of crust do yall use for the homemade pizza? Is it a premade or do you make it yourself? it looks delicious, either way!
We usually just buy dough from Trader Joe’s but I linked to a dough recipe in the post that we’ve used before.
I’m so impressed with your dedication to yoga training… and maybe it’s even good to have a few ‘off’ days because that is what is going to really force you to grow and learn. Nothing worth having ever came easy, right? 🙂
Oh… and that sushi?? YUM!
I think the dedication comes from pure obsession with yoga. I just love it so much. I LOVE the point you made about learning from the off days. So very true.
Love that you’re loving yogi training! I thought about you during my class last night. I brought a friend who had never been before and she loved it. Although, halfway through she gave me a look of terror. 🙂 But she enjoyed it and plans on meeting me again this week.
And thanks for another yummy sandwich idea! I bought some peach pepper jam over the weekend and can’t wait to make another open-faced sammie!
I loved your comment yesterday about the girl in your class with a prosthetic. Truly inspiring that she was there and rocking it! I’m also so happy to hear you’re back at it! 🙂
Mmmm this post makes me want sushi and salad and pizza!! Everything looks delicious!
I’m so glad to hear that teacher training is going so well and you are happy with your decision!
It is amazing how much your body and how you feel can change from day-to-day. With me, I find it’s almost always a matter of perspective. Doubt, negative thoughts, etc. can take over and turn a good run (or race) into a bad one. I’m working on that but it’s difficult!
I know what a struggle it was for you to choose teacher training. Seeing how much you’re enjoying it is just so inspirational. I’m so glad you know you made the right choice. And I know I say this every day, but I really cannot wait to take one of your classes! You’re going to be a phenomenal instructor, Jen 🙂