Remember a few weeks ago when I was having trouble deciding which half marathon to register for? I finally made a decision! Well, kind of.
I decided to enter the lottery for the Broad Street 10 miler in Philadelphia in May. Honestly, I was a little worried about running a half marathon this spring. My body has just been achy and not exactly feeling 100%. I thought that this would be a good distance to build up to and race.
Of course, the organizers of the Broad Street Run decided to make my life a little bit more difficult by instituting a lottery this year. Oh well. I’ll find out if I will run or not after February 15th. My plan is then to train for and run a half marathon in the fall – either the Philadelphia Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon or Gretes Great Gallop in Central Park.
There’s been another decision that’s been weighing on my mind. Towards the end of last year, I knew in my heart and mind that I wanted to do Yoga Teacher Training.
Most people seem to have their yoga home and end up doing their training at that studio. However, my yoga home in Brooklyn doesn’t offer a teacher training program so I was left to look elsewhere. I’ve been spending a lot of time researching programs here in New York City and outside of the city. I would get really excited about a program only to have major reservations a few days later. I couldn’t decide.
There was a part of me that just wanted to pick a program and just do it because I had it set in my mind that I was going to do my training this year. I was evaluating the programs based on their schedule instead of whether or not the program was a good fit for me.
Finally, I had a conversation with one of my favorite teachers after class one day. We talked a bit about why I wanted to do yoga teacher training and what I hoped to get out of it. She suggested that I look into another studio in Tribeca where most of the instructors at my studio actually practice, teach and received their advanced training.
Working to prep my body for handstand.
I’ve practiced at this studio before and loved the vibe. I just don’t get there that often because it’s more convenient to walk 6 blocks versus take the train to Tribeca. But I started looking into their program some more and I started attending classes. You know what? It fits and I want to do my teacher training with them.
But here’s the catch – their next teacher training isn’t until January 2014, almost a year from now. Also, I have to be able to do a headstand in the middle of the room as well as a handstand and forearm stand either in the middle of the room or assisted by the wall.
Hmmm, we all know how I feel about inversions. So maybe it’s a good thing that the program doesn’t start for a year? I have a full year to build my confidence and work on my inversions.
Phew. I feel so much better having more clarity around these two decisions. I know that they aren’t life altering or anything like that but I felt like I had a hard time planning out the rest of my year without these two big chunks plugged into my calendar.
Have you run the Broad Street 10 Miler or Grete’s Gallop? Do you feel the need to settle your calendar or is it just me?
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I am so excited for you that you are planning to train to teach yoga. It is kind of one of my dreams too (even though I’m a little older), so I think it is just great that you’re doing it. Time goes so fast that a year will pass by before you know it. In the meantime, feet up!
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Thank you Debbie! I’m really excited about it. Part of me wishes that I came to this decision earlier in my life but I don’t think that I would have been ready for it. I do hope the year passes by quickly as I’m excited about it. But man, getting those feet up is tricky!
I want to know which studio in Tribeca you are looking into for Teacher Training. I love Kula Yoga and Laughing Lotus in the Flatiron district.
Perhaps we’ll be able to do some yoga or run together when I’m in town in March!
Looking forward to seeing if you get into your race!
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Yes! Definitely let me know when you’re back in town in March. Would love to run and yoga together!
Isn’t it funny how life just works out sometimes? You were lead to the right place for you to train and now you have a year to work on your own yoga practice! I have a tendency to just leap into something because I-Have-To-Do-It-Right-NOW but I always need to remind myself to slow down. I would have totally started a yoga training at a studio that wasn’t right for me- you are amazing for waiting for what felt right!!!
Andrea recently posted..Lasers In The Eye and Loving It!
I normally am the same way – I get really excited about something or an idea and I need to do it right now! I think that being really sick last week finally forced me to stop and slow down and realize that it was OK to do that. That Universe is pretty smart sometimes
I’ve never run Broad Street but I have heard a lot of great things about it! Good decision to stick with what you think your body can handle right now! I absolutely have this itching need to fill the calendar lately…like one month has flown by and I’m sure to miss something if I don’t get it all on there!
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The calendar is a funny thing, isn’t it? It was totally stressing me out because I had the two things floating out there which then affects the rest of my year – depending on the length and schedule of teacher training and then how long I would need to train for a half. I feel SO MUCH better now.
We are both on the same path right now it seems. I really wanted to do teacher training this year but neither of my home studios schedules worked for me. 2014 is the year then! Good to know about the inversions…definitely my weak spot (and fear).
Fingers crossed you win the lottery!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Roasted Corn Black Bean Soup
Definitely check with the studios about their YTT and if they have requirements. Most studios don’t require that you be able to perform certain poses and will work with you wherever you are in your practice. This was the only studio that I came across that had this specific requirement but I understand why they do.
so excited for you to have made the decision about yoga! 2014 will be here before you know it….and you’re right…lots of time to get more comfortable! good luck!!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Weekend Prep For Easy Weekday Meals
Thank you Lindsay! I’m really excited about it too and yes, lots of time to get comfortable being upside down!
Im so excited for you and (shhh) kinda long to do the training to teach kids in 2014!
Miz recently posted..Im JUICIN’ (Bella NutriPro review)
You would be amazing teaching kids yoga. I hope you do it too
Ohhh I wouldn’t like having the lottery on the race set up!
You’d make such a fantastic yoga instructor. I wanted to become certified in Pilates before and the only place in town that did it was a year away from their next training. Will be interesting to see what your life may hold in the next year!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } recently posted..A poem to my perfectly imperfect body
I’m not super keen on the lottery thing either but for some reason, I feel OK leaving it up to the Universe to figure it out. If it doesn’t work, I’ll probably run a few 10K or something. I know that a lot can happen in a year and who knows where my life will be a year from now. I guess I’m leaving a lot up to fate these days!
Girl you can totally master those poses in a year!! You are already rocking your yoga
Headstand was funny for me … Over time it just clicked. I’ve learned with my yoga practice that I just had to know the right way to fall when I did because it was inevitable I would haha. YOU GOT THIS.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted..WIAW
I’m feeling MUCH more comfortable in headstand and can manage without the wall (although I like having it nearby just in case). I don’t know why handstands and forearm stands scare me so much. I think that I think my arms won’t hold me up or something. And yes! Falling is inevitable haha.
That’s so great that you are going for the yoga instructor training! It sounds like a perfect fit for you, and I know you’ll be rocking the handstands in time.
I have done Broad St. twice now and really like the race. The lottery is new–last time I did it, a few years back, you could just sign up. Sign of the times! Anyhow, it’s a really fast course and Phila. is such an awesome city, so it’s a win/win. Are you taking the whole family?
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Most likely the whole family would go. My in-laws live outside of Philly so it’s an easy trip for us. I’m kind of excited about both Broad St and yoga teacher training. A year feels far away but I know that it will pass by pretty quickly.
How exciting for you. I still can’t figure out what I want to do. Personal trainer? Running coach? Both?! It’s very hard to make such a big decision.
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It IS really hard to make such big decisions. For me, I was scared that I would be making the wrong one. I’m also toying with the idea of getting my personal trainer certification but one step at a time, right?
I’m not real sure how I missed that you were looking into teacher training, but that is totally rad. Good for you for digging deep into your research. It sounds like you have a sound direction and I have no doubt in my mind that you will find the perfect fit. Can’t wait to follow this journey!
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haha. I’m not sure that I “officially” put it out there on the blog that I was looking into YTT. Too much pressure then? I think that I drove my husband crazy with all my research and waffling back and forth. He just wanted me to make a decision already. But I’m glad that I didn’t just jump and sign up for the first one. I’m excited about it. Scared but excited. That’s a good thing, right?
i’m excited for YOU!! great decisions ahead! and what Heidi said, a journey awaits! can’t wait to see how the yoga training goes
lindsay recently posted..We’re Nuts. We know.
Thank YOU! sigh. I feel so much more settled now. haha.
Fun! My family…cousins…so that run every year
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Thanks Kat! I hope that I get in!
Congratulations! It might be a year away, but like you said, gives you time to practice
I think it’d be so cool to do a race in Philly. I’ve only been there once before, but loved it.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..New Spin Workout and Way to Go Wednesday
Thanks Heather. I’m glad that I have a year to prepare and get ready. I think that I’ll feel MUCH more comfortable and confident
It seems to me that one of the many thing yoga teaches you is patience. Isn’t it funny how we have plans for ourselves and the universe laughs. We want thing to be a certain way and then we are guided in a different direction. It seems as though this program a year away is meant to be, yes? You will be that much more experienced, that much more patient, that much more strong, making you that much more of a amazing teacher. love. I want to be your student when your done!
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xoxo I would love to have you as a student! Thank you for these words Lisa. The Universe definitely was laughing at me as I was frantically trying to make things work. I feel so much better and much more settled now even though I’m leaving a lot in the hands of the Universe.
I love the Broad Street run! I ran it in college with friends, and then those of us who stayed in Philly continued to run it most years for the next 5 years… I didn’t know they had switched to a lottery, but I’m not surprised. It’s a huge race and always sold out so quickly!
And yes, I definitely like to get things settled on my calendar, too. I’m glad you came to some conclusions around yoga training- you’ll make an awesome instructor! A year to work on inversions sounds like a good thing… I’d need about 5 years.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..WIAW + Benefits to eating in Season
I do hope that I get into the race. It sounds like a fun one and would be great. I seriously was having so much trouble focusing and moving forward with things because these two big pieces were outstanding in my calendar! I’m glad that I have a year to work on the inversions – it only took me 10 to do my first headstand! haha.
I have a friend that just became a yoga instructor and she loves it…she went through training for a long time. you should do it!
Sara @ fitcupcaker recently posted..Meatless Monday & Roasted Chickpeas
Whoa! So very awesome!! I think you are making a smart move listening to your gut about the race! I hope you get in the lottery
Making the commitment and finding your yoga teacher studio is huge!! The year will fly by and be here before you know it.
Ironically, I am having some issues with my calendar this year as well and have a post in the works about it.
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..Weekly Workouts Roundup + Another injury
Can’t wait to read your post Beka!
Oh, yay! I am so excited for you and YTT! It will be a great experience for you. So life changing. It was intense but I will go back for more when life allows. Yipppeeeee!
ilene recently posted..This Ain’t My First Rodeo
Thank you my friend. I’m really excited about it!!
Isn’t it amazing how it all works out in the end! This is win win scenario! And, starting with a 10 miler is such a great decision. I remember running past mile 10 during the 1/2 last year and all I could think of was “If I was running the dang Baltimore 10 Miler, I’d be done!”. Then I proceeded to finish the extra miles, but doing the 10 that day would have been perfect!
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I think that a 10 miler will be a good distance for me. It’s pushing myself a bit beyond my comfort zone. I’m really excited about it. Fingers crossed I get in!
That is awesome! Making those decisions is half the battle. So happy for you! I am in the same boat trying to decide on races. 10 miles sounds perfect. I wish I could find more of those around.
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Raspberry Cornmeal Pancakes with Lemon Curd
Thanks Melanie! Making the decision is always the hardest part for me! Now it’s just about moving forward towards my goals.
Really exciting news Christine!
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Thanks Kierston!
LOVE THAT YOU DOING THIS!! I have often thought about certifying myself, but have yet to take the plunge. Maybe once my degree is done. I LOVE IT! GO GIRLIE!
Also I still think TO should be on the table, Road Trip?!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..Post-op Update
Thank you Krysten!! I’m really excited about it and it’s incredible to have so much support from folks. And TO is always on the table. We do want to take the boys one day – hopefully soon!
I just booked my trip to Nashville to do the Rock n’ Roll 1/2 in April. I haven’t done a half in 2 years. Nervous, excited, but glad to have something in the calendar to look forward too. Gosh 2014 seems like a long way away. Maybe you could give me some pointers on inversions as you go through this. I feel the same way about them as you do too.
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That’s so great that you’re doing Rock n’ Roll in Nashville. I agree – it’s nice to have something to look forward too. 2014 DOES feel really far away which is the one thing that gets me down. But I feel like my body will be in a better place then or even for a fall TT. We’ll see. And of course will share all my successes and face plants as I try to invert myself.
ahh you would be an AMAZING yoga instructor!!! I think Jan 2014 will be here before you know it!!! I think you should go for it – the location and studio and program seems to be right up your alley and in the meantime, you can practice, and you can run races and it’ll be here soon
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Thank you Jo! I so appreciate everyone’s support. It’s kind of overwhelming. Part of me was worried that 2014 IS far away and that I would lose momentum but I also feel like the Universe is telling me to wait right now.
I haven’t run either of those races, but yes, I too have the calendar-settling need. Vacation planning this year is stressing me OUT!
So, this yoga TT program requires you to be able to do those inversions, to enroll? That seems odd, but yoga can be odd, now and then. There was a good article recently in Yoga Journal about inversions – several well-known teachers weighed in on the topic – dangers, prominence, etc. Middle-of-the-room headstand took me years to achieve — and forearm balance is still taking me years.
But, I really, really want to be a peacock. Keep with it – make sure you prepare well!
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Yes, that’s what the told me. Most TT programs that I looked into didn’t have any requirements and will work with you where you are. I think that I understand why they have this. Plus, it’s also their first year offering the TT so there may be changes between now and the next round. I’ll definitely look for that Yoga Journal article. Thanks!
Love your thought process and congrats on getting some clarity on these decisions. I know how much it can just weigh on you until you make decisions. Can’t wait to see you become the best YOGA teacher ever!!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Blog Reading is Dangerous
Thanks Katie! That means a lot!!
Sounds like we’re on the same running path for this year. I’m aiming to do a 10K-15K type race distance spring time and then go for the halves again early fall and through the fall. Oh, I miss racing so much!
I thikn you have to follow your gut with the training. If it seems like a good place, then go for it! Plus, always good to go a bit out of the comfort zone, right? You’ll be rocking those inversions in a year no doubt.
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Thank you Tina. I’m kind of excited about the 10 miler. I think that it will be a good distance to run. Fingers crossed that I get in! I feel good about my decision on training. With the other programs, every time that I said I was going to sign up for one of them, the decision didn’t sit well with me a day or two later. Now, I feel calm about it all – that’s a good sign, right?
STOP STOP STOP YOU’RE COMING TO PHILADELPHIA?!?!?!?!? Ahhh I’m so excited that’s what you decided because I’m completely selfish and excited! I’m in the lottery too, but I’ll keep all my appendages cross that we both get in and then we can see each other again!!
Amanda @ Run Principessa recently posted..Food, Glorious Food
YES!! Fingers and toes and arms and legs crossed that we both get in! I’d love to see you!
Woohoo! Congrats on committing to a yoga teacher training! I had the same exact experience, I almost signed up for like 10 different trainings before settling on the training I’m in now. And I love it so much more than I ever thought I would!
Caroline recently posted..Amy + Andrew | Engaged
Thanks Caroline! I’m super excited about it. Can’t wait to hear more about your experience!
That’s amazing Christine! You will be an incredible yoga instructor!
And I do know how you feel about inversions! I would need 2 years to master them myself…
Tamara recently posted..Announcing fitknitchick’s DietBet Round 2 | social weight loss games work!
Thanks Tamara. Your support means a lot. Here’s to inversions!
Good job on making these decisions! They sound like the right fit for you. I can tell they are because you write some comfortably about them. I think having decisions hanging over our heads and wondering how it will all fit in can be stressful, why the calendar is stressful. It feels like a big life puzzle that needs to be solved sometimes.
Jess recently posted..Heart Health
Thank you Jess! It did feel like it was one bit puzzle and I couldn’t get the pieces to fit just right. I feel so much better having squared some of this away.
I am in the middle of my teacher training now and am LOVING it. I think it’s one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. Although I’ve never, ever heard of posture requirements for any training. But you do have time to practice and master it. Just do a lot of it supported. Put blankets around you on the floor. You’ll be okay.
Mallory recently posted..Misadventures and a new job
Thanks so much Mallory. I’m really excited about it and I’m glad to hear that you’re loving your TT. This was the only program that I came across that specifically had a posture requirement. I think that I understand their reasoning behind it and who knows if they will change it down the road (they just finished their first TT). Yes! Lots of blankets and the wall will be my friend!
YAY!!! You are going to make such a great yoga teacher. Let me tell you, I can tell through the freaking internet that you are nurturing and intuitive, and that you truly understand the whole mind body connection that yoga teaches (that seems like a foreign language to me haha). I’m so excited for you!
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Thank you so much Ari for your kind words. Seriously, all the support means so much to me.
I’ve never run the Broad Street 10 miler but have heard amazing things about it. Worst case, you don’t get in…and you run Philly with me! YAY!!! =) =)
I’m so excited that you have decided what you want to do in regards to yoga!!! A year is a long time, but everything happens for a reason and you’ll be totally ready when it’s time!!!
Have a great time in CA =)
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..Intervals
My body felt really achy too (sometimes still does!) when I started to really get running again. Just think of it as your body and joints breaking off the rust. Once you get back into the regular swing of it, I hope it dissipates for you! Mine did.
Also – I am looking forward to reading along with your Yoga Training (next year). I love yoga (am terrible about doing it at home) and would love to see what teacher training entails. You rock, girl!
lynne @ lgsmash recently posted..Colorado: Winter Camping Overnight Trip
Thanks Lynne. I like that – thinking of it as my body and joints breaking off the rust but man, sometimes it feels like there’s quite a bit of rust in there!!
I’m really excited about teacher training too and can’t wait to share that here!