I’ve been seriously craving yoga lately. For the first time in years I’m effortlessly going to weekly yoga classes, which is literally always one of my New Years Resolution. I don’t think the fact that this sudden shift happened right around the time I started training for my first marathon is coincidental.
When I’m training for a race I know I’m supposed to do yoga, just like I’m supposed to foam roll before and after every run. During class this morning it finally clicked in my body why runners seriously need to do yoga. In my head all I used to think was duh, I need yoga to stretch out my hella tight hips. Yeah, that’s of course true, but there’s also a ton more reasons why runners needs yoga… beyond the glorious benefits of pigeon pose.
|| Flexibility, please.
Like I said, pigeon pose is your friend. Most (dare I say all) runners experience tightness of some sort due to inflexibility most likely in the hips and hamstring. Admit it, we all have our arch nemesis spots. My ridiculously tight hips will always be a trouble spot for me while running. I know it affects my gait and causes me to have a slightly shorter stride. The former dancer in me also knows I’ve lost some of the flexibility I used to have in my hammies thanks to running and spinning. Touching my toes has become a sad sad struggle.
My flexibility will probably never be amazing no matter how much yoga I do. When I’m taking class on a weekly basis I definitely notice a difference and this extra flexibility no doubt aids my running.
|| Strengthens those “other” muscles
The most common cause of running injury is overuse combined with muscle imbalances. Yoga works the body and muscles in all planes of motion, strengthening those muscles that might not get the love they need while pounding the pavement.
An added bonus is the intense focus on core strength. Connecting with the core is at the center of basically every pose (except maybe shivasana…) Having a strong core is necessary to avoid injury and keep the body going during a long run.
|| Low impact savior
Training for a half marathon or marathon can be rough on the body because of the impact alone. You are literally pounding the pavement. The great thing about yoga is that it’s always low impact. Even though there’s no jumping or impact in class, a vigorous vinyasa class can still get that heart rate up a considerable amount. My legs might feel like jello after a few breaths in chair pose but at least my knees are grateful for the break.
|| Focuses on listening to your body
When I’m running I actually try to tune out my body and brain that’s telling me to slow down or take an unnecessary walking break. During extra tough miles I turn up the music and power on through. Yoga teaches me to do the exact opposite. I am still learning to listen to my body and more importantly honor it. A pose doesn’t feel right today? I won’t push for it. I need child’s pose? I’ll take it.
The same rule applies for running, often times my body knows what’s better for me than I do.
|| Don’t take it too seriously
In yoga thought I’ve always been encouraged to laugh off those moments when I fall out of a pose and just “have fun with it”. I have a habit of cracking a smile while I struggle to keep my balance in half moon… and honestly it keeps my practice light hearted and non-judgmental. Runners should apply this same attitude towards running. I’m still working on not taking myself to seriously and beating myself up over a meh run. It’s just running so might as well laugh it off.
|| Recharge
Training for a heavy duty race can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Yoga let’s me completely shift gears and surrender my mind and body in a totally different way. When I’m feeling burnt from running mentally, yoga has been the perfect way for me to recharge and reconnect with my body. Think about it, this is a place where it’s it socially acceptable to close your eyes and just focus on breathing for 5 minutes. I love nothing more than that blissful yogi high at the end of class which leaves me feeling recharged and centered.
So true..yoga is SO good for all kinds of training.. I’m not a runner, but I strength train, and all of the same reasons why you do yoga apply to me… I have to force myself to do it.. but when I do I always feel so great!
it’s always worth it, right? It’s so great for strength training too, works the body in a slightly different way plus keeps you limber 🙂
My problem is finding the right yoga place for me. I have tried so many and haven’t fell in love.
I totally understand, it took me awhile to find a few favorites in my area. It’s all about trying different classes and different styles to see what clicks with you.
I went for a run this morning, and am signed up for a yoga class at noon! Getting myself to go to yoga can be difficult at times, but this post pretty much solidifies the fact that I have GOT to get into more classes!! Great info thanks for sharing 🙂
I hear ya, I definitely fall out of the yoga “groove” sometimes because it can be tricky to squeeze it in with everything else… but once I go back I wonder why I ever stopped going to class.