Marathons, Triatholans and Yoga! OH MY!

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Maggie Sharpe

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I had recently quit running when I signed up at Big Apple Power Yoga. I had developed an unhealthy dependency on running even though, I really hated the actual activity.

Any sort of mental dependency is bound to interfere with the good stuff about physical activity, and for me running had become something I forced myself to do, even though it did nothing to make me feel better.

BAPY was my saving grace. Allowing my mind to calm down and my obsession float away. Probably, for the first time in my life, I could feel that mind/body connection I had heard so much about. I was sweating, strengthening every muscle, bending, twisting, breathing and focusing... and if felt incredible both internally and externally!!!

I practiced often, but there was nothing forced or dreaded about it. I couldn't wait to practice, couldn't wait to feel what I felt during practice and of course how amazing I felt afterward. Both my body and mind changed for the better! My clothes fit better, I walk taller, my skin is softer, I am calmer and more aware of my surroundings. I could go on and on, but needless to say I am tremendously thankful.

Recently I signed up to run my first marathon and am back on the running. But thanks to my yoga practice, my whole attitude towards running has changed for the better. I am a completely different runner than I was before. I enjoy running and look forward to my long run days where I shift into a meditative zone that I learned through my BAPY practice. I think a lot of these changes can be attributed to the fact that both my mind and body are healthy, and I gotta give BAPY credit for a huge portion of that balance.

This practice is the perfect cross-training option for me it strengthens, stretches, detoxifies and relaxes me. After a 10 mile run in the sweltering NY summer heat, what do I look forward to the most? A 90 minute BAPY session in a 95 degree room.

So, in advance, I want to thank Big Apple Power Yoga for getting me across that October finish line!

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Nancy Joncas

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I have been an avid triathlete for over 15 years, doing at least six Olympic distance triathlons a summer. I have done six marathons, several half marathons, half iron man distance triathlons. I have also done the famous "Escape from Alcatraz" triathlon and "Wildflower" triathlons in California.

I started yoga with Nanci about three years ago. I immediately fell in love with this type of yoga. As a triathlete, doing yoga was so beneficial to me in many ways. First of all it helped to stretch my muscles and make me more relaxed, more focused and understand how my body moves.

I was doing the Fairlee triathlon in Vermont two summers ago and I was on the last leg, the run. Suddenly, Nanci, popped into my head saying breath,,, use your yoga breath. I did and I finished on a "high". It was amazing. I feel my leg strength has improved tremendously. I am able to float up those nasty hills of San Francisco with out a hitch...

Yoga is a huge part of my life now. It makes me a better Mom, wife and triathlete. I will incorporate it into my world for the rest of my life.

Namaste.
Nancy