Stick To Plan - With Yoga

BY Sarah Krzyzanowski

Oh what pressure the New Year brings. The idea that on January 1st, every year, one is suppose to magically stop bad habits and set lofty goals is quite burdensome. As I work with runners and aspiring runners everyday, I have seen a surge of people feeling desperate to change themselves from the previous year or years. Vowing to hit the pavement even when the wind chill is in the negatives. Determined to stick with it by purchasing all the year they can find. On the one hand, I am thrilled to engage and encourage my fellow runners both new and old on their goals, but worry, just like I do for myself, that the resolution will fade leaving us longing for 2016.

So you want to PR that half marathon this year or just run your first race? Wonderful! Goals are wonderful blueprints to where we want to be, but it is just as important that we live in the present. New challenges can bring upon great anxiety and the reason I believe many people quit their resolution is because they lost touch with their intention. This makes having a home base essential.

For me, practicing yoga especially while striving to reach new goals, has reminded me that I run because I love it. I love how it makes me feel and being in nature. Make it a regular practice to go to your mat, your home base to keep you consistent and focused. Be kind to yourself and take that pressure off by reminding yourself that your resolution, whatever it may be, is always to become a better and happier you. Tap into that happiness and cheer with yoga in