winter bliss yoga retreat

I took a leap and gathered with a group of women I have never met before for an entire weekend of yoga bliss.  I have always been attracted to yoga and have bounced around to different classes in the area but I never stuck with it until Dustin nudged me to join the local gym.  The gym we joined offers many different classes including yoga.  

When I started training for the marathon I found the perfect accompaniment to my weekend long runs; a yin yoga meditation class.  I had never tried meditation before and I was way out of practice with my yoga but I went to the class anyway and I was instantly hooked.  The teacher, Sarah is AMAZING.  She has this beautiful energy and the words she speaks during class go directly to my heart.  

When Sarah asked me if I would be interested in the retreat I immediately said YES!  I felt a calling in my heart that I couldn't ignore.   Even though there are many times that I get lost in Yoga class a weekend of slowing down and showing up on the mat felt like something I needed to do for myself.  

It can be hard sometimes to follow our hearts and say yes to the moments that will nourish us.  However it is deeply essential to take the time to do these things.  We become better people for it, and in turn are able to be better people to those we love.  

We began the retreat with a two hour yoga session that was amazing!  I have never done yoga for two hours and the time flew.  My body stretched.  My mind let go.  I dropped the fear that I was carrying with me that I would look like a fool because I had no idea what I was doing and I was encouraged to do whatever felt right for my body.  What an incredible life lesson, to listen to the sound of your own voice and body and do what feels right.  

The retreat space was filled with lots of windows, incredible light, and a spectacular view of the mountains.  We ate the most nourishing, delicious meals that were made with so much love.  Sarah carved out intentional spaces of silence which I deeply appreciated.  It was wonderful to have the silent time because it let go of any need to feel like I had to come up with conversation and allowed me the time to really process what was going on.  I was also able to get some amazing writing done.  It was fabulous.  

We took time to create vision boards and burn what didn't serve us. My dream of bringing women together emerged on my board.  It felt so satisfying and real to share this dream with the group.  Even though I am not sure exactly the way it will look I know that is the direction I am meant to be traveling in.  

From the "Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards" I pulled:

• Past - Bodies of water
• Present - Infinite Supply
• Future - The Arts

These cards felt so true and timely to where I am on my journey and where I want to go.  

On Saturday night in front of the fire we had a group Reiki session.  During my time I immediately felt a rush of energy leave my body.  It was fierce.  After the session while in different yoga poses I felt my hands getting pulled deeply into the ground.  There were moments when I had to wiggle my fingers just to ensure that my hands were still there.  

I didn't sleep well that night and woke up with a terrible headache.  I wasn't sure I would be able to participate in the morning yoga but showed up and am so glad I did. With each pose energy was brought back into my body.  I began to feel better and better.  

Oh it was a divine weekend!  I am so grateful I took the leap to go and look forward to deepening my yoga practice.  I am buzzing with inspiration and positive energy.  I feel so good.  

Sarah is offering another retreat in June and I couldn't recommend it enough.  If you are in the NJ / NY area check our her Spring Bliss Yoga Retreat.   Sarah has a beautiful way of teaching and makes you feel right at home.  She encourages you to listen to your own body and she is so in tune to the collective energy of everyone in the room.  Go ahead, take the leap.  You won't regret it.  

juice it up!

I never thought I would be someone to own a juicer.  No way, no how.  I rarely ate vegetables, never mind drink them!  But that all changed when I was inspired by so many stunning photographs of colorful juices and plates full of different veggies and fruits.  

I first stepped into the arena with smoothies.  Mixing different berries, and a banana together with things like kale and spinach.  I was buying kale!  How did that happen.  I had to look it up on the internet to see what it looked like prior to purchasing.  I had no idea.  Thank goodness for google.  

I thought that all the talk about how good a smoothie and juice makes you feel was hype.  Oh sure it is some type of magical potion, right!?!  Yet after mixing together my first concoction I was a believer.  

First I was shocked that I actually didn't mind the taste.  I wouldn't say I loved it, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.  Banana is the secret ingredient.  It is amazing what one banana can do to a smoothie.  

After a while of blending together smoothies I got brave and purchased a Breville Juicer. I did a lot of research, asked many questions, and took the plunge.  I wasn't sure how to use it but I jumped on in anyway and pushed through different fruits and veggies.

My first juice consisted of:  lemon, green apple, spinach, carrots, and cucumber.  

It was pretty good.  What amazed me was that I normally do not eat cucumber yet once it went through the juicer I drank it without a problem.  This was the beginning of a whole new love affair.  

Some of the juices I make do not have a pretty color but they are filled with so much goodness.  Beets have become a fan favorite.  They are an instant pick me up and infuse me with energy!  

My favorite combination is:  beets, lemon, ginger, green apple, carrots, romaine, and celery

What I love about juicing is the process.  The time it takes to cut the veggies.  The manual process of pushing each item through the machine.  Pulling apart the juicer and cleaning each piece.  It takes time to juice and during that time I really feel that I am tending to myself.  

Green juice makes me happy.  It nourishes my body and fuels my mind.  I am so glad that I discovered green juice and took the plunge.  How about you?  Do you juice?  If so, what is your favorite combination?

"Nature itself is the best physician." ~ Hippocrates

(P.S. For full disclosure the link to the juicer is an affiliate link)

the biggest lesson I learned this year

2014 was a monumental year for me.  A lot of my focus and dedication was on one massive goal - running the NYC Marathon.  This is something I never imagined I would be able to accomplish.  Running three miles was a challenge for me.  Running 26.2 felt nearly impossible.

So I started small with what I knew I could do.  On these smaller runs I challenged myself by finding the hills and struggling my way up them.  It wasn't always easy and I am sure it never looked pretty but I made it to the top, and each time I did my body was a little bit stronger.   

Then slowly I increased my mileage. Step by step and with each bump up I was in awe that I had did it and proud of myself for making it that far.  Three miles became five miles.  Five miles became ten miles.  Ten miles became 20 miles.  I couldn't believe it.  I was doing it.  I was actually doing it.  

Sometime between fighting myself to run just three miles and still standing and smiling at mile 15 I fell in love with running.  I was grateful for the time it gave me to be with my thoughts, lose myself, travel down roads I never knew existed, and experience cheers from complete strangers.  Training for the NYC Marathon shifted something in me that I didn't realize needed shifting.  

With each new run under my belt I felt stronger, braver, and more fierce.  I held pride in my heart for showing up even when I didn't want to.  I had set a goal for myself and I didn't give up on it, even when it was hard I kept on going.  

I learned that when I put my mind to something I can accomplish it.  
I learned that I have an enormous support system cheering me on each step of the way.  
I learned that it isn't always going to be easy.  
I learned that there will be days when I won't want to do it but then I will show up and be so glad that I did.
I learned that there is still opportunity to fall in love 
I learned that when I stay open I find my way.  

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to run the NYC Marathon. Grateful to those who inspired me to give it a try and to those who supported me along my journey.  I never thought that running would teach me so much, but it has and for that I am in awe.  ​

surviving post marathon

In the end of March this year I decided that I was going to run the NYC Marathon.  That was seven months ago.  Seven months of life changing dedication to one single thing.  My habits changed.  My conversations with others shifted.  Everything was focused around the marathon.  There was many times I had to say no to things I really wanted to say yes to simply because I had to run.  

As I type these words I am on the other side of that accomplishment.  The training has been done.  The race has been complete.  Where do I go from here?  How do I adjust to life that does not include hours and hours of marathon training?  What do I do with myself now?  

Having one lofty goal to concentrate on narrowed my focused.  It made me see that I can push myself towards one thing and make it happen.  Usually my mind is all over the place, jumping from one thing to the next.  Training made me hone in and stay on track.  It also made me realize how much stronger I am than I ever thought I was mentally.  

However, all of that is gone now.  I still desire to run but when I struggle up that hill I am no longer thinking; "you have to push yourself in order to prepare for the marathon."  Now it just another run.  The roads that I trained on are now just roads again. Before they were a glimmer of hope, a challenge. 

What is the next hill I want to climb?  What is the next journey that I want to take.  I know that I will never be complacent in this world.  I constantly must be pushing myself forward. Seeking out new challenges and discovering new things that bring joy to my life.  I never thought running would be a place of joy, but it has become that.  

Life after a marathon isn't easy.  I took a bath with epsom salts the day after to help heal my legs, but how do I heal this yearning in my heart that is sad that it is over?  I know that I must remember the way I felt.  The accomplishment.  The joy.  The pride.  Hold onto all of those feelings and bring them with me on my next challenge.  Because the roads of training aren't always filled those types of feelings.  

Today I am stepping into new territory.  Navigating a braver me.  Stronger. Ready to take on anything that comes my way.  

nyc marathon: a day i will never forget

When I told people I was running  the NYC Marathon they would ask me if I had a particular goal in mind.  I always answered the same way; I just want to finish smiling and standing up.  And I did just that, with my hands in the air filled with excitement.  

Running the NYC Marathon was one THE BEST days of my life.  I felt like the city was mine.  It was euphoric.  Everything fell into place perfectly even amongst high winds that were knocking me around as I made my way across the bridges.  

There are so many stories.  So many moments.  So many memories.  This day will forever be etched in my mind for so many reasons.  

As I sat on the couch that night after the race I was looking through my instagram feed and my sister Erika commented on one of my first running photos.  She said; "So amazing you get to see where you started and what you've accomplished today.  So awesome."  I love that she took me back to that moment.  The moment when three miles was a struggle and I had just conquered 26.2.  

There was months and months of training.  Miles and miles in the heat, in the cold,  in the rain, in the bright sunlight, and in the dark.  I ran through it all.  My mantra was; just show up.  And that is exactly what I did.  I showed up for each training run even if I didn't feel good, even if I didn't want to do it, even if I would rather have been doing something else.  I showed up.  

Three miles became six miles.  Six miles became ten miles.  Slowly it added up and before I knew it I was running 16, 18, and even 20 miles.  The words "I 'only' have to run 12 miles" came out of my mouth, and it didn't even shock me.  12 miles felt like a short run.  It was incredible.  

I did not do it alone.  Through all of my training I had people supporting me and cheering me on.  They gave me strength when I didn't have it and they believed in me when I doubted myself.  Without them I would not have been able to take on this crazy adventure.  

I am so grateful for the ones who were able to show up for the marathon.  Spending the entire day on the cold and windy streets of NYC.  They cheered with their whole hearts and gave me strength to keep on going.  Without them the race would have been a much different race.  They were amazing!!  

Each time I saw my cheering squad I was elated and had the biggest smile on my face.  I wrote on my wrist each mile I would see them at.  When I was struggling I looked down at those numbers and knew I just had to make it to that next mile.  Once I made it there and saw them all would be ok.  And it was.  

More stories will be coming as the week unfolds and I process the moments.  For now I am just basking in the glow.  I am still can't believe that I did it!  It seriously was THE BEST DAY EVER!

nyc marathon mantra

As I sat in yoga I repeated the mantra I have been using all week to prepare for NYC Marathon.

I am ready
I will run happy
I am ready
I will run strong
I am ready
I will finish

Over and over these words are repeated.  Reminding me of how far I have come.  

When I first began training for the marathon running three miles was a struggle.  Now you will hear the words "I only have to run 12 miles" come out of my mouth.  Never did I think I would have the words 'only' and '12 miles' in one sentence.  Yet here I stand confidentiality speaking them.  

My mantra reminds me that I have prepared.  I have shown up again, and again, and again.  I am ready.  I will finish.  

When we are faced with the unknown fear creeps in and fills our head with doubt.  So easily these fear mongrels could take over and drag us down.  However, I am not going to let them.  I know that I am ready and I am going to show up.  I will put one foot in front of the other and make my way 26.2 miles.  

I will run happy because this is the day that I have been training for.  I have friends and family coming out and supporting me.  Cheering me on and giving me strength.  They have no idea how much it means to me that they will be there and how big of a part they play in keeping me going.  I need them and am so grateful they will be there.  

I will run strong because I am running for those who can't.  I am running for those who have suffered and struggled.  I am running for Hope.  As I have been fundraising for Fred's Team I have heard story after story from people affected by Cancer and I run for them.  Each step of the way I will be holding them in my heart.  

It has been an amazing journey to get to this point.  I am so grateful that I said yes and look forward to Sunday!  

I am ready
I will run happy
I am ready
I will run strong
I am ready
I will finish

When we put our minds to something we accomplish great things.  When we enlist the help and support of family, friends, and our community we are able to accomplish even more.  

What dream is whispering to you?  What one thing do you want to do?  Take that first step today.