While in double-pigeon pose this morning at 90-minute Hot Yoga, I realized there is a strong correlation between the quality of my running and how often I go to yoga.

 

A case study…

 

During the peak of training for the Spinx Marathon during September and October, I ran an average of 30.125 miles a week over 8 weeks.  I also went to yoga 15 times over 8 weeks, an average of 1.875 times a week.  I didn’t suffer any memorable injuries or tweaks during training, and I finished the race in 4:22 – a 32 minute personal record.

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You can see this training plan + all of my training plans for the last year or so here

 

Currently, I am training for the National Half Marathon in DC (it’s in two weeks!).  Over the last 9 weeks, I ran an average of 16.4 miles a week.  I only went to yoga 6 times, an average of 0.666 times a week.  I’ve had two minor injuries that sidelined me for an entire week and 3 days (so far).

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View full-size here.

 

So, let’s review, shall we?:

 

  • Ran twice as far a week during marathon training;
  • Did more than twice as much yoga during marathon training;
  • Set a 32-minute personal record during the marathon;

 

And…

 

  • Suffered twice as many injuries during half marathon training.  Fail.

 

In summary, today I realized that I really CANNOT slack on yoga if I want to be a happy, healthy runner.  I like yoga a lot and have a year-long membership to a studio… I just have trouble sticking to the habit for more than a few months at a time.  Life gets in the way; I begin to slack.  Three times a week drops to once a week, then a week goes by in between sessions… than two weeks.  But I continue running, so my muscles get tight and taunt, and then I get injured.  You get the point.

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But thanks to my detailed training logs, I’ve come to the realization that YOGA IS A MUST!  So please hold me to it if I start to slack off in two months!  🙂

 

Some yoga positions were just *made* for runners! Here are my favorite moves: 

 

Warrior I and Warrior II: I love Warrior I and II because I feel so powerful when I do these poses.  But they are also great poses for stretching and strengthening the chest, thighs, calves, feet, arms, shoulders and neck, belly, and the muscles of the back.  Basically, everything that hurts after running. ;)  Here’s how to do Warrior I and Warrior II.

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Happy Baby:  A major reason why I like this pose is the funny and cute name. I really do feel like a Happy Baby in this gentle hip-opener.  I like to rock side to side in this pose!  Here’s how to do Happy Baby.

Extended Side Angle:  I like this move because it’s both a stretcher and a strengther (like so many awesome yoga poses).  I can literally feel the muscles around my knee getting stronger when I do this move.  Here’s how to do Extended Side Angle.  You can also revolve your side angle (twist to the other side) and do a prayer twist.

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Pigeon:  Pigeon is a great move for opening your hips and the tricky psoas muscle.  You stay in this position for several minutes, and eventually, everything releases.  Here’s how to do Pigeon.

Savasana:  Because sometimes it feels awesome to lie completely still and not use a single muscle.  ;)  Here’s how to do Savasana.

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If you want to learn how to do yoga, you can check out a studio (just call and ask which class is the introductory one).  I felt very shy and nervous the first time that I went to yoga, but really – no one is judging newbies, especially in an introductory class.  They will go very, very slowly, and it’s totally okay to look like you don’t know what you’re doing.  I’ve been practicing semi-regularly for years and still don’t know many poses by heart!  So just look around at other people, listen to the teacher’s directions, and raise your hand if you have a question.  

 

If you would rather stay at home, you can learn more yoga moves from yogadownload.com, Dave Farmer, or yogajournal.com.  There are tons of great yoga DVDs (maybe you all can recommend you favorites in the comments section), too!

 

I think studios are good because I have trouble getting all ‘namaste’ and dedicating myself to a longer practice when I’m at home or alone.  Some people transform a spare bedroom into a little zen area with a yoga mat, candles, and music, which I would imagine works well! 

 

Runner’s World also has a good yoga section.

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Do you think yoga does a body good?  Or do prefer another form of stretching?  Were you nervous to attend your first yoga class?  What tips do you have for new yogis?  What poses are your favorite?

{ 120 comments }

 

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) March 13, 2011, 6:48 pm

    I LOVE yoga, and I think it REALLY benefits my running!! Yogadownload has a great video called ‘Yoga For Runners’ and I do it after runs. It feels SO good to stretch out those tight muscles! 🙂

  • Amy March 13, 2011, 6:50 pm

    Great post!

  • Emily March 13, 2011, 6:50 pm

    I had wanted to try hot yoga for so long but put it off because I was nervous about taking the first step. I finally went to my first class about a month ago and I love it! There are people of all different levels and I never feel judged! I’ve felt yoga help my running a lot and I also feel calmer and less anxious since I’ve been going to yoga 2-3 times a week. I would definitely encourage anyone who wants to try it to go for it!

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 9:42 am

      Yay! I am so glad you like yoga so much 🙂

  • Ali @ Ali on the Run March 13, 2011, 6:52 pm

    I have definitely noticed a positive difference in my body since I started doing yoga. I run SO much, and my knees and IT bands were starting to act up. In addition to foam rolling, I also started doing yoga at least once a week. It’s not much, but I have noticed a major difference. My body feels more loose, stretched out and balanced.

    That being said, my favorite pose is tree pose. I love how I feel so grounded when I’m in it.

    Tips for new yogis: Don’t be afraid to go for it! I’ve tried hand balances, headstands and other crazy things in class. I almost always fall over — but you have to be willing to fail if you’re going to improve. Plus, falling can be fun! You just have to laugh it off.

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 9:42 am

      Oh I love tree pose, too!

  • Kristy @ KristyRuns March 13, 2011, 6:53 pm

    Here, here! Over the last few months I’ve been attending hot yoga classes, and I love it! It definitely supports my running by strengthening and stretching my muscles, and it is truly a relaxing, meditative time for me. Part of yoga is not being judgmental and focusing on yourself in the moment, so people aren’t there to criticize you. 🙂 They’re pretty much in their own world.

  • Maggie March 13, 2011, 6:53 pm

    I love the balancing poses. Not so crazy about the knee-benders.
    Definitely had first-time jitters, but you’re completely right–it’s a very supportive environment by nature. Not at all competitive. Just supremely relaxing.

  • Jazz March 13, 2011, 6:58 pm

    I have the wii game ‘my fitness trainer'(NOT the wii fit) which has a yoga option and is actually pretty good! I try to do it twice a week!

  • Kelly March 13, 2011, 7:00 pm

    I completely agree with you about the importance of yoga… but I also tend to fall out of the habit so thanks for reminding me- maybe I’ll go tomorrow night!

    I do like to do yoga at home, but like you said it’s not as calming and I won’t last more than 20-30 minutes. I’m so jealous of your year-long membership!

  • Michelle March 13, 2011, 7:02 pm

    Yoga seriously helped me get over a tweaked IT band early in my half training. However I later pulled a tendon in my foot pretty badly during yoga and was sidelined for 10 days and still have lingering issues with it. So i’ve been seriously gun shy to go back and have been just trying to incorporate some of my favorite poses into my after run stretching.

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 9:43 am

      That’s true – you can get injured during yoga, too. I’ve definitely pulled muscles in yoga!!

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething March 13, 2011, 7:03 pm

    yoga is truly amazing. when i run i need yoga. though i think i need yoga all the time. not only is it good for you body but for the mind as well.

  • emma March 13, 2011, 7:03 pm

    Hey! I’m loving vinyasa-flow yoga at the moment. I’ve also found that it really helps my running and a feel less tight generally, in both body and mind 🙂

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In March 13, 2011, 7:06 pm

    This just reconfirms that doing Bikram twice a week is good for my marathon training! Sometimes I feel like I should do more strength or cardio on cross training days, but Yoga really is best!

  • AJ @ Flowing to Fifty March 13, 2011, 7:06 pm

    I agree with you about going to a studio. I can’t relax or concentrate at home. I found the cost a little steep, so I volunteer 4 hours a week for unlimited free yoga. Perfect compromise!

  • Marci March 13, 2011, 7:10 pm

    That is great that you have records to notice patterns like that. I always want to like yoga more and do it off and on, but also think my favorite classes are 75-90 minutes of vinyasa flow, and sometimes I don’t want to commit that long, or want something more heart pumping. I’m the same, I know it’s good and need to do it more!

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 9:48 am

      Yeah… I find it really hard to go to 90 min classes. I’m forced to on Sundays because that’s all they offer. I really prefer 1 hour ones 🙂 I wish they had 45 minute classes, actually. LOL

  • Molly March 13, 2011, 7:10 pm

    I like yoga a lot, but I think if you stretch a little after runs it has a similar effect. One of the best ways to avoid injury is also lifting. For a long time, I had knee pain because my vastus lateralis was a lot stronger than my vastus medialis. You can get your stretching done in 15 minutes as far as running goes, and I think runners get a lot more benefit out of dedicating some time to strength training.

    I do love yoga- relaxing, stretching, maybe “feeling the burn” a little, but yoga isn’t a full body strength training routine. You need flexibility AND strength!

  • VeggieGirl March 13, 2011, 7:11 pm

    Unless I take a yoga class with Suave Slav, I just prefer to do yoga on my own at home. Yoga definitely does my body good (since I’m extremely flexible), but everyone is different.

  • Lauren March 13, 2011, 7:17 pm

    After 2 days of hard running, my body is craving yoga today! I think yoga & running complement each other really well, and I love how they both work the body and the mind. I’d say for beginners to start out in a beginner’s class, so it’s not frustrating to keep up or follow along. My favorite poses are pigeon & triangle.

  • Lisa March 13, 2011, 7:17 pm

    Yoga feels so good! I used to not ‘get’ it. I knew it was supposed to be really good for you and all that but I found it so boring and spent the couple of classes I attended staring at the clock before I abandoned it. It wasn’t until after I started running that my body started to CRAVE yoga. I stretch after runs but I still get really tight, especially the hams -yoga is the only fix!

    Though I also agree that strength training is really important to preventing injuries.

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 9:50 am

      I agree with the thoughts on strength training, too – that’s why I’m trying so hard to do more! 😉

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) March 13, 2011, 7:20 pm

    I used to do yoga – when I was sixteen or so, but haven’t done it in years. I want to take it back up. When I was doing yoga + running/inline skating/cycling, I had a much easier time being mindful of my body and maintaining my weight while staying injury-free. Now, I lift and try to stretch, but don’t do yoga. I miss it.

  • Emily March 13, 2011, 7:20 pm

    I KNOW yoga would be so good for me but I don’t prioritize going at all. I just bought 20 sessions and i’m determined to actually use them and see if it helps me as a runner.

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete March 13, 2011, 7:22 pm

    I do yoga maybe once per week, but what makes a bigger difference in my running (and recovery) is foam-rolling and stretching after running. Also — some strength training helps me too. I have 2 short sessions each week.

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad March 13, 2011, 7:22 pm

    This is so, so TRUE! I’ve incorporated yoga into my marathon training this cycle and I see a HUGE difference. The pigeon is my favorite pose.

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe March 13, 2011, 7:26 pm

    I have become a yoga nut in the last two months. I love practicing at home too, I can really concentrate just on myself, and it’s a lot cheaper too!

  • christine March 13, 2011, 7:27 pm

    I desperately want to try yoga, but refuse to go to a class until I have some sort of foundation (holy insecure high school mentality). Are there any good videos that you’ve used?

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 9:50 am

      There are some good recommendations in the comments section – I haven’t done too many vids so I can’t recommend any!

    • Laine March 14, 2011, 5:10 pm

      The yogajournal.com (under “podcasts”) videos are really good. Free, not too long and the gentle and beginner ones give good alignment tips. Any beginner DVDs by Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden or Shiva Rea will be good too. They are actual yoga teachers (not like “butt blasting yoga!” or that sort of thing.)

      • christine March 14, 2011, 7:21 pm

        I like free! Thanks for the tips.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans March 13, 2011, 7:28 pm

    I think yoga is a great compliment to running or other sports. I try to go at least once a wek now that I am in training again but as I add to my overal distance I may go more.

  • Laine March 13, 2011, 7:29 pm

    I love yoga. It’s my indoor exercise, with my outdoor being biking, hiking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing depending on the weather. It definitely helps me in my other activities: core strength and wrist strength make biking easier and less uncomfortable during 50 miles rides. The lunges keep my quads in shape for hiking, and the stretching keeps everything limber.

    For newbies: start with studios and take a lot of different kinds of classes until you find a style and teacher you click with.

    My teachers are primarily Anusara and Iyengar trained which are the styles I like, which focus on alignment and heart opening. And they are making me so so strong.

    My favorite poses are forward bends, triangle, and since I got up into pincha mayurasana (forearm balance) today for the first time, it is my new favorite pose.

  • Amy March 13, 2011, 7:30 pm

    I love yoga. I’ve made a conscious effort this year to practice more and I’ve really enjoyed it – I tried a hard-core vinyasa class last month and it was amazing, but I usually look for a gentler, more relaxed class to do each week. I was totally intimidated going in, but I kept reminding myself that fear and yoga do not go together! I prefer to go to a class because it keeps me more focused, but I love yogadownload.com when I want to practice at home.

    (And my favorite, favorite pose is pigeon!

  • Brittany March 13, 2011, 7:35 pm

    Great points! I seriously need to get on some yoga for my inflammed achilles! But all i have at home is a power yoga! I need to find a beginners Yoga DVD!

  • Kacy March 13, 2011, 7:38 pm

    My body loves yoga and I wish I could afford to do it at a studio more often. It really does improve my running and just my mental state in general.

  • LauraJayne March 13, 2011, 7:41 pm

    I’ve actually JUST come to the exact same conclusion. My New Year’s Resolution was to do Hot Yoga at least four times monthly, but I slacked in February due to budget constraints – I realize now that I HAVE to do it for my mental, physical, and running health! I’ll help you commit if you help me!

  • Mary March 13, 2011, 7:41 pm

    I’m the same way. I would love to get a membership to a yoga studio around the Raleigh area but they are SOO $$$! so, I have to resort to yogadownload for programs.

    I’m basically obsessed with the warrior poses. those make me feel so strong and my legs get a real work out 🙂

  • Sarah March 13, 2011, 7:45 pm

    I LOVE happy baby 😀 I do Vinyassa Flow Yoga about 3 times a week, and I have an ahhhmazing instructor. I just go in after a run and tell her what hurts. She has extensive knowledge and we base the class on whatever people feel like they need to work out. I love it 🙂

  • Morgan March 13, 2011, 7:46 pm

    I really want to start yoga, but I’m pretty nervous to just walk into a class as a beginner. Maybe you have some suggestions for yoga videos to get me started!?

    Have a happy Sunday!

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 9:57 am

      There’s a ton of recs in the comments section!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 13, 2011, 7:50 pm

    I think yoga is great for the mind and the body. I have let it go recently, but I can see that I need to get back in to it again. I am hoping things will settle down soon and that my husband and I both can do some yoga and tai chi.

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) March 13, 2011, 7:51 pm

    Yoga Today is a website that has a proper, free weekly class! It doesn’t get much better than that! I swear by yoga: if I am not doing it, my life feels so out of wack. Especially since I am a runner!

  • SaraRM March 13, 2011, 7:52 pm

    I really have been wanting to do it but am shy about it. I even made it a new years “goal” to start. I saw a groupon for it so I finally bought it knowing it would make myself do it. Now I just have to go…..

  • Lauren @ChiGalLauren March 13, 2011, 7:56 pm

    I love bikram and definitely notice a difference in how my body feels when I go on a consistent basis, but I totally agree with you that’s it’s hard to be consistent with it-life does get in the way, especially with 90 minute sessions. I’ve gotta get back at it, you gave me a little extra push with your post 🙂

  • Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner March 13, 2011, 7:58 pm

    The extended side angle is one of my favorites! 😀

    xoxox
    Kathleen

  • Katie March 13, 2011, 7:59 pm

    thanks for posting your training schedules! not so much as a template, but as a reminder that excel makes a wonderful tool for tracking running days 🙂

  • Kristine March 13, 2011, 8:01 pm

    I LOVE yoga– it definitely helps recovery/injury prevention. I, too prefer to go to a studio vs at home because of the whole “distraction possibilities” while at home.

    I like to try fit yoga in the day after a hard workout or run– it helps so so much!

  • Lauren March 13, 2011, 8:03 pm

    I always love myself when I do more yoga. But I totally understand your reasoning because I am the same way. I promise myself I will do it more after every class and then it becomes less important the longer I go without it. Thanks for reminding me I need to do it again soon.

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances March 13, 2011, 8:05 pm

    Yoga is amazing! 🙂 I am currently in teacher training (Barkan method, a style of hatha yoga) and it’s been completely life changing. My biggest tip for new yogis, or yogis in general: don’t worry about what anyone else is doing and don’t push it too hard. Most people think they have to “keep up” or go deeper or farther, and that usually leads to injury. So not worth it. After all, no one wins a trophy at the end for being the most flexible or the strongest. Be honest and love yourself! 🙂

  • Mary March 13, 2011, 8:08 pm

    I started doing yoga with Yoga X in P90x. This is really good, and I really love yoga now. I also haveseveral other DVDs now: Bob Harper’s Yoga for the Warrior, Jeannette Jenkins Power Yoga, and Rodney Yee’s Ultimate Power Yoga. They are all awesome, and the Rodney Yee one is in 20 minute segments if you only have a short time and want to squeeze in a little. I have nevr actually been to a yoga class but I would like to someday.

  • Ali @ Ali Runs March 13, 2011, 8:11 pm

    I definitely agree! I have been loving yoga lately and can already see the results it has had on my running. Loved this post! 🙂

  • Kathy @ newlywedindc March 13, 2011, 8:22 pm

    Great post! Sometimes I used to feel like yoga hurt my running a bit, because of stress on my knees and joints. But now I know that a little yoga (and the all-important cross-training/strength-training exercises) do help.

    When I first went to a yoga class I was pretty nervous, but managed to follow along. I agree that attending classes is really the best way to get the moves right and make the time commitment. I’ll spend 10-20 minutes at home doing some yoga on my own, but never as much as I do with an instructor to guide me.

  • Suze March 13, 2011, 8:23 pm

    Yes! Yoga is good for your body and, if you are a runner – it’s a great combo! I was curious more than nervous when I attended my first class, but that was years ago and now I’m training to be a teacher. For new yogini’s I would agree with Jessica – yoga is for you and your body – go and enjoy, don’t think about how you should look, def make sure you set up a pose correctly but then fit a pose to your body. It’s often good to close your eyes occasionally and learn how to feel and sense what is good for your body. My fav pose is the pigeon, as a runner, also sun salutations and the warriors. Yoga is fab 🙂

  • Jeni Wood March 13, 2011, 8:23 pm

    I just started going to yoga regularly and even wrote it on training plan to make sure I keep going. 🙂 I felt so awkward…beyond awkward when I first started. I still feel kind of awkward when I go now but I feel myself getting stronger each time.

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley March 13, 2011, 8:25 pm

    I’ve done a lot of these poses for years and never knew their names. I love the happy baby one. It is such an adorable name. I like practicing on my own instead of in classes.

  • Niki (Running In Pink) March 13, 2011, 8:28 pm

    I love yoga, but I’ve never taken a class at a studio. I actually started with a show on the Oxygen network, “Inhale”. Yoga is such a great combination of stretching, strengthening, and relaxation.

  • Katheryn March 13, 2011, 8:31 pm

    My running is always better when I practice yoga regularly. I try to practice 2-3 times a week.

  • Jess (In My Healthy Opinion) March 13, 2011, 8:43 pm

    Yoga changed my life! I typically do it at home, but I’ve taken a few live classes too. Some of my favorite DVD’s are Body By Bethenny (Bethenny Frankel), Yoga Mind & Body (Erich Schiffmann & Ali MacGraw), anything by Rodney Yee, and anything by Tom Morley on Exercise TV.

  • Allison @ OneWhiteTulip March 13, 2011, 8:49 pm

    Haha, thanks for this post! I was trying to decide whether to go to yoga tomorrow or not. I’ve skipped the last few weeks. I also notice an increase in injuries when I skip. I go to the gym though – if I had the money for the studio near my house I’d be there every day!

  • Emily (Comfortable Home Life) March 13, 2011, 9:00 pm

    I definitely find yoga to be so, so helpful with my sore leg muscles. I just recently starting doing pigeon pose, and I think I’m in love.

    Sometimes I break out some yoga moves in my office when I have spare minute, but mostly I do yoga in my living room at home. I make a 30 minute playlist of songs I want to listen to, works like a charm! I’ve always wanted to do hot yoga, I just have to bite the bullet and go to a studio!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife March 13, 2011, 9:10 pm

    I like yoga a lot- and try to go! Pigeon pose is my favorite for sure!! 🙂 I love how strong, flexible, elongated, peaceful, and sexy I feel after doing yoga!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) March 13, 2011, 9:13 pm

    Whoa, I guess I need to start going to yoga more often! Especially if I run longer races- I want to minimize my injuries 🙂

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun March 13, 2011, 9:16 pm

    I can’t get to yoga right now bec of scheduling with the bebe but I do make a point to get in poses throughout the day. I love pigeon and kneeling crescent lunge. Also downward dog. I will do that one over little baby B’s face and love his little smiles. Makes me stretch longer.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul March 13, 2011, 9:17 pm

    I really like yoga stretches! That’s what got me to be uber flexible and now I can do splits haha! I’m not sure if this is the right name…but I like the EAGLE? pose

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:00 am

      Eagle pose is the bomb.

  • Alicia from Poise in Parma March 13, 2011, 9:17 pm

    Interesting enough, it works the opposite way for me. Since my Disney half marathon run, my cardio fitness has declined significantly. While doing my best to keep up my yoga practice instead, I have found that I struggle to do the hip openers during class since I’m not running as much. Getting into pigeon pose is SO hard!

  • Pam March 13, 2011, 9:20 pm

    You should totes have a HTP meetup in DC when you’re up here. Heck, you should help me organize it to include a free community yoga class (have to do one as part of my teacher training)!

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:01 am

      We might do something – we’re trying to pull it together last minute. If we do, I hope you can make it!

  • Caitie @ The Caitie Experiment March 13, 2011, 9:23 pm

    It’s so funny you mentioned this tonight; I JUST ran my first 5k of 2011 and before the race even started, I told my boyfriend I was committing to going back to yoga (as I pushed into pigeon in a pile of mulch… super tight through my outer hips!). I ended up walk/running more of the course than I had planned to, and I think a LOT of it had to do with the unexpected hillyness of the course (i even elevation mapped it; it didn’t look that bad!) and the decrease in yoga for the difficulty I had! I’ve been stretching and foam-rolling post-run and everything, but nothing unlocks my muscles like yoga. 🙂

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:03 am

      Sorry for your tightness. 🙁 But good job on the race!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 13, 2011, 9:34 pm

    Yoga is so crucial for running. I haven’t been to a class in a long time, and my body is so tight! I love pigeon pose!

  • Kris @ tryingtotri March 13, 2011, 9:42 pm

    Yoga is the best! I went back to hot yoga this week for the first time in years, and after only 3 sessions I can already feel the difference. I ran 17.0 miles yesterday (only had 14 scheduled!) and felt so awesome when I was done. And I know it was the yoga that helped me get there!

    Stay healthy!

  • Karolina March 13, 2011, 9:49 pm

    Interesting observations, and it makes total sense! I started doing yoga at the beginning of February, and am already noticing changes. I’ve done all those poses except the Happy Baby, which the yoga teacher hasn’t done yet. I’m thinking I need to try this out for myself…

  • jenny March 13, 2011, 9:54 pm

    I don’t think your problem is not enough yoga. It’s not enough running! Sometimes you really do need to run through a little pain in order to get stronger. I average 70 miles a week but I didn’t get there by stopping for every twinge. You’re hardly going to improve anything- running time or your body’s ability to withstand mileage without injury- if you’re running a mere 16 or 20 miles a week. If you don’t like running long distances, then it’s probably best to stick to short races like 5 and 10ks. Even then you should be logging more miles for injury free racing. That’s not to say that more yoga wouldn’t be helpful, but that’s only a small part of the picture of becoming a stronger runner.

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:05 am

      Hmmm maaaaaaaaaaaaybe….. 😉

      • Stephanie March 14, 2011, 1:21 pm

        Jenny-I completely disagree. I am a long distance runner (including marathons) and found that only running 3 days a week plus cross-training the other days made me a MUCH stronger, faster runner. It gives my joints a non-impact day in between running days. You have to look at the whole picture of what you are doing all week, not just the running. 70 miles a week may work for you but it certainly would not work for me.

  • Baking 'n' Books March 13, 2011, 10:01 pm

    I would love to be able to go to a studio – but I can’t justify the cost. Way too expensive. A year membership here would be $1000!!

    I’m trying to cut money everywhere -EVERYwhere that I can – meaning that I have NO life…but unless I win the Lottery (cross fingers!!) or become Stephanie Meyer 🙂 – then I’ll do what I can.

    But yeah, usually I just make up my own moves for about 10 minutes during the week. Also, YogaDownload.com is a good site to get free 20-minute segments!

    I did review Bob Harper’s “Yoga Warrior” DVD on the blog before – I loved that one! You should try it Caitlin!

  • Cati @ crave and create March 13, 2011, 10:12 pm

    Oh, I love Happy Baby! Happy Baby = Happy Cati. Pigeon is another favorite – it just feels so good!

  • Kerry March 13, 2011, 10:15 pm

    I totally needed to read this post. I’ve been doing p90x and absolutely hate the Yoga DVD and always want to skip it even though I know I shouldn’t. I’m sore with tight muscles and getting lazy on Yoga is probably why. I’m also going to start running more miles per week so it seems as though that Yoga will only help!

  • Ellie @ The Mommyist March 13, 2011, 10:27 pm

    I love yoga. I can’t wait until my foot is better so I can go back. Oh yeah, I guess I miss running too.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed March 13, 2011, 10:30 pm

    I love yoga too – I’m trying to get more into it myself and be more committed. Good luck!
    Heidi xo

  • Tracy @ Commit To Fit March 13, 2011, 10:31 pm

    Hooray for yoga and running! They are a fantastic mix, I love pigeon pose too, one of my faves 🙂

  • Kristin @ FoodFash March 13, 2011, 10:40 pm

    The first cream cheese combo that came to mind was cinnamon and banana. So random!

  • Mary (Sisters Running the Kitchen) March 13, 2011, 10:46 pm

    my favorite cream cheese is when it is mixed with cinnamon, raisins, walnuts, and a little brown sugar!

  • Cassie @ Back to Her Roots March 13, 2011, 11:02 pm

    I would LOVE to get into yoga, but I went to my first (and only) class a few months ago and it was SO scary!

    It was supposed to be a beginners class, but there were NO beginners in there. At the start of the class, the instructor had us raise our hand if this was our first class and I was the only one! So she decided to make the class more intermediate. She had us workshop one pose and made us hold it for what seemed like hours while she came around to each person and critqued it. By the end, she had everyone in the room (except me) doing a headstand! In a beginners class.

    I’ve been afraid of yoga ever since. 🙁

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:06 am

      What a bad teacher… don’t let one exprience ruin yoga for you – try another studio.

  • Sarah Rigs March 13, 2011, 11:12 pm

    I’ve been looking for a good place to take a yoga class near me, but everything either requires a super long (and pricey) membership, or the cost per class would feed me for a week.

    Also, as I’m a math person, so I have a question. You kind of insinuated that by not doing yoga, it had an affect on your mileage (namely you ran only half as much). But you were training for a half marathon, not a marathon, so wouldn’t you expect your mileage to be less? Seriously not trying to be bitchy, I’m just trying to understand!

    Also, I ran/walked almost 4 miles on Saturday for the first time ever. It was AWESOME. Your blog has really helped inspire me to push myself and HTFU. AND I’ve signed up for the Balitmore 10 miler in June. Go big or stay home. Yea!

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:07 am

      Congrats on your first 4 miler 🙂 You’re going to do great on your race!

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:08 am

      Oh and I was saying that despite running twice as much, I was injured twice as less frequently. Of course you have to run different distances, but one would assume that the more you run, the more likely you are to get injured.

      • Sarah Rigs March 14, 2011, 10:11 am

        Oh, yes, good point. I misread that initially – my bad!

  • sarah (sarah learns) March 13, 2011, 11:50 pm

    i bought a groupon for a 5 class pass a while ago. it’s been sitting on my desk since then. i am absolutely going to a class next week! 🙂 thanks for the inspiration.

  • Kate March 14, 2011, 1:13 am

    Great post. You’ve inspired me to keep with it. I run 2-3 times a week and I do Body Flow…have you ever done it? It’s a Les Mills class..a mix of Tai Chi, Yoga & Pilates (but mainly Yoga..Tai Chi is the warm-up and pilates is done a little in the abs and back)

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:08 am

      Body flow sounds fun but I’ve never done it!

  • Khushboo March 14, 2011, 1:15 am

    This post couldn’t have come at a better time! I went for a yoga class on Saturday after ages and loved it. I woke up feeling so sore yesterday and even today I woke up feeling as though someone beat the crap outta me. It can only mean it was effective, which is great. As much as I try, I hate weight training so I’m aiming to incorporate more yoga into my regime to up my strength! I figure 3 runs and 2 yoga sessions per week should be a good balance!

  • RebekahK March 14, 2011, 3:26 am

    I accidentally ran into your blog from a post on Sparkpeople post. Someone had linked your delicious sounding recipes, and since then I have been lurking on your blog for the last 2 weeks now, I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading it! You have inspired me to start blogging just so I can focus on the positive things that I am doing in my life that are otherwise sometimes lost in the day to day hustle. You are an inspiration! THANKS so much for sharing your story with us and I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog!!!

    • Caitlin March 14, 2011, 10:09 am

      Thank you so much and welcome to the blog world 🙂

  • Joy March 14, 2011, 3:34 am

    Great post Caitlin!
    My favorite yoga pose is definitely crow because I can finally do it! I can’t hold it long though (I have cheap wrists)

  • Sara @ Running In Pink Project March 14, 2011, 7:14 am

    I love this post. Ive been doing Bikram yoga since Jan 1 and I can tell a huge difference in my strength, endurance, and ability to breathe normally when I run. I have a significant amount of weight to lose and I feel like the yoga is keeping everything “pulled up” as the weigh comes off if that makes sense. 27.2 down since Jan 1. 😀

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin March 14, 2011, 7:34 am

    That’s so interesting how you realized how much yoga helped you with your running! I’ve always been really bad at being consistent with doing yoga, but this makes me want to start doing it more. My favourite poses are the warrior poses!

  • Allie @ Healthy Balance, Healthy Life March 14, 2011, 7:35 am

    My tips were new yogis are not to be nervous! Everyone started as yoga novices so everyone can relate. Also, people who do yoga tend to be more accepting of others than people who don’t, IMHO and experience!

  • Kara March 14, 2011, 8:43 am

    I also think yoga has made me a stronger runner. I can only go once a week because I have to do it when my husband can watch the baby, but it’s amazing.

  • Sam (the neurotic yogini) March 14, 2011, 10:39 am

    Very excited about this post! Everyone can benefit from yoga!!! Any ailment, any person, any age, any size. 🙂

    My favorite poses are on your list! All warrior poses and side angle pose are faves, along w/ savasana of course! I also like goddess pose for meditation, and my new favorite is plow pose.

  • Amber K March 14, 2011, 1:20 pm

    When I took yoga they called Happy Baby “Dead Bug.” When my niece was about two I used to change her diaper and remind her to do “dead bug!!” It sounds so awful next to “happy baby” LOL

  • Dee March 14, 2011, 2:58 pm

    I loved reading this post because it’s such a great reminder. I have the same thing of knowing how good yoga is for me especially when running alot, enjoying it, but not getting to it. And I don’t do my sessions long enough at home, so I too need to go to the studio to really commit. I love that you are able to pull up real personal data that proves the point!

    My first yoga class I took on a whim at a community center near where I lived. I was amazed at how I felt after each class- I would go in after work feeling tired and like maybe I wasn’t up for anything but crashing in front of the tv. But after the class, i’d walk home feeling energized! I’ve loved Hatha yoga ever since. (But I need to do it more!)

  • Sherry March 14, 2011, 3:21 pm

    If you’re looking for a DVD I can not recommend this strongly enough: Sadie Nardini’s Total Body Yoga Sculpt: Calorie Burn + Deeper Core Strength. I did the full DVD for the first time on Friday (it has a Matrix menu where you can choose the segments you want if you don’t have 1 hour and 45 minutes for the full thing) and it’s just seriously amazing. It’s done a lot for me.

    You can also find great YouTube videos by searching for Sadie Nardini, Dashama, and Tara Stiles. I do all my yoga at home and have been doing it almost daily for over a year now.

  • Robin March 14, 2011, 6:46 pm

    I’ve been doing yoga for longer than I’ve been a runner and I can’t imagine not practicing. I rarely take classes anymore, but I have a great video collection. Pilates is also a great way to go – especially for your core. You will not believe the results!

  • elizabethlacy March 15, 2011, 10:26 am

    Thanks for posting this! It influenced my latest post in which I suspect a similar trend: http://canyoncairns.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/is-yoga-to-blame/

  • Heather March 15, 2011, 10:48 am

    great observations! I think yoga would so help me…but I cannot really afford to go to a studio and I get bored doing videos all the time. I know its a business but if they really care about making people healthy I dont think they would charge so much!

  • E (from One Twenty Five) March 15, 2011, 2:17 pm

    Great post Caitlin! Toronto actually has specialized “Yoga for Runners” studios. I have yet to ever (like, in my entire life) try any form of yoga… I REALLY need to get on this, especially if it helps with the running!

  • Nichole March 16, 2011, 10:24 pm

    I have been doing yoga for about 2 years now and must say it has become one of the greatest loves of my life. However, I still cannot do handstands or any of those crazy inversion poses. I don’t know if it’s that I’m not strong enough or if it’s that I’m too scared! Have you worked yourself up to some of these poses and if so, what did it take to get you there??

    • Caitlin March 17, 2011, 9:29 am

      I can do some inversions but not all. My advice would be to ask an instructor after or before class to give you some tips. You might be placing your hands in the wrong position, for example. Oh and don’t be afraid to fall!

  • Kate June 9, 2012, 7:07 pm

    I never thought about the connection before. Duh. It makes complete sense. You just had a massive impact on so many runners! Thanks so much for posting this.

  • Sara Grace February 7, 2013, 10:07 am

    Great post. I love to see the patterns tracked!

    I love yoga and have been a yogi (10+) for a lot longer than I’ve been a runner (5+) years. But I’ve found that I have to be careful with the hip openers when I’m doing a lot of running. Running seems to tighten up that area in a way that protects a certain joint from getting jangled. Over time I’ve found that I need to go easy on pigeon and lizard, because if I allow my hips to open too much, something in my hip gets tweaked when I run.

    For a while I avoided yoga entirely when on a training program, but now I’m just careful and am loving the combination. Keeps the upper body in shape to match the lower!

  • Ashley February 7, 2013, 3:29 pm

    I’m so glad you did this. I recently started doing yoga daily as a part of having me time. I”m so glad it can translate to my runs!

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