Marathon & Yoga Connection

One week and an Easter holiday after the London marathon and everything is starting to feel slightly back to normal. I've been back on the yoga mat for a few Sun Salutations each morning, out for two easy runs, and today have managed to find time to catch up with internet things :)

The marathon day was great. It all began with a bowl of porridge and a mug of sweet black coffee (caffeine was needed!) at my friend's cosy Blackheath flat. We then walked down to the start area, loaded kit-bags on to the truck and finally were ready to GO!

From the gun, I was aware of the tightness in my right hamstring, but managed to stay relaxed and carried on, running easily and gently. The beautiful weather and fantastic crowds lining the streets kept me smiling.

By mile 18 unfortunately the constant need to readjust my stride due to the hamstring meant that I was still running cautiously, not striding out fully, but 'within' myself. Mentally it was very tiring to maintain concentration, and a few different mantras kept running through my mind...BLT and plenty of other things...it's amazing how many different thoughts whizz through your mind over such a distance! But eventually Big Ben appeared and I knew the finish was just around the corner. Crossing the 26.2 mile line was a huge relief! I was so happy to have completed the event with my hamstring intact - no personal records this time around, absolutely no worries - plenty of time.

Interestingly, running with such a keen awareness, allowed me to take in more of the scenery and atmosphere. The crowds, who had spilled on to the streets at some points with their enthusiasm were being held back by police! I smelt barbeques, tasted plenty of sugary drinks, enjoyed the cooling spray from the misters and listened to all the people cheering.

It truely is a unique experience to run a marathon, and I can highly recommend it - seriously! I can also recommend building yoga practice in to a running plan, they go hand-in-hand. Simply stated, the awareness and mind-body connection that they create cannot be overestimated.

The London Marathon day of 2011 ended after a reunion with family and friends, a trip to the pub, and a long drive home. Renewed yoga practice is on the horizon next, and maybe even another marathon...

How about you? If you are a running-yogi or a yogi-runner what are the highlights of practicing both, and how will they help you prepare for whatever is next on the horizon?