Coming Soon...PiYo Strength

San Diego PiYo Strength Classes 

UPDATE: Classes will be offered in the Chula Vista area soon

Dates, Times and Locations to be announced.

First class always free!

Space is limited, pre-register to receive advance notice of dates/locations and to reserve your slot. 

Private lessons available anywhere via Skype or Google Hangouts!

Individual, Group, Corporate and Package Pricing available.

Pre-registration options:

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Observations

The end of ones life erases all that is before it. What is seen, the view from others, is decidedly one-dimensional. But we are not one-dimensional, we are multi-faceted, a mosaic that can only be appreciated by one who cares to look both at the beauty from a distance and the intricacies of closer inspection.

Understanding evades those who, by reason of disinterest or disaffection, fail to look deeper. The loss is shared, they know not what they have missed, nor even what they have caused.

In sadness and forgiveness we move forward, ever hopeful to cross paths with one who, with openness of heart and spirit, chooses to see.

Cross-training with Yoga

I am developing a real appreciation for my yoga workouts.  Truthfully, I'm more of a weights and pilates girl, but I have done some yoga in the past. Not regularly mind you, but I have had some experience with it.

Recently my doctor told me to add yoga to my regular workouts. Now, I have a fairly intense routine and I wasn't sure how or where I would find the extra time to work that in, but ok...it's not the worst doctor's order I've been given, so I decided to comply...this time.  Then, another issue develops and I'm told to that I have to hold off running (and any other intense cardio) for at least a week or two. I am NOT a happy camper.

So, in place of a 'real' workout, I'm doing yoga, which quite honestly just doesn't feel challenging at all.   Well, at least for the level I am at...I've taken a look at some of the advanced poses and wonder if I'll ever have the balance and coordination for that, but that's a whole different discussion.  

I'm used to being reduced to a drenched, trembling kitten on the gym floor after a strength training session. And running, well, same thing. Even focused pilates provides more intensity than I experience on these beginner and intermediate poses that I'm doing.  The stretching, I'm used to and I recognize the benefits immediately. The balance aspect, I can see I could use some work on. I sometimes feel like I've done nothing at all, yet the next day I find that I wake up with pleasantly sore muscles that I didn't realize were getting such a good workout.  

If you're looking to add yoga into your workout, and I can now highly recommend it as part of effective cross-training, there are many options. Lots of places have classes, and those are great for having someone guide you through the poses, as it's not always that intuitive a process. I'm not a class-person, rarely do I enjoy that environment, so I've investigated other options. DVD's and YouTube videos abound, and you can probably find something you really like there.  

I started with the Wii Fit yoga poses, a surprisingly effective tool and the balance board sensors will actually help you keep your center of balance correct and provide you the individualized assistance you need for some of the more basic poses.

              

There are also some pretty great apps for your iPhone or iPad that are free or have a minimal cost, and some of them have pretty good instructions. They're pretty great for travel to keep you on track.

This is all very nice, and I will keep this as part of my regular workout program...yet still, I can't wait to get back on the road again.

Try Something New

I'm a big proponent of switching up your workout. You have to make changes every 4-6 weeks to keep progressing. I'm as likely as the next person to fall into a rut, especially if it's a workout routine that has worked well for me. When I find something like that, my idea of switching things up goes easily to increasing weight, height, or reps. That's somewhat sufficient, but certainly not optimal.

I have to say that I sometimes get bored with my routine, but not as often as most. I do a 6am workout before work and the routine portion of it is helpful and changing things can sometimes mess with my timing. Variety is a good thing, but so is getting to work on time ;)

Nevertheless, change has become necessary for me.  A recent trip to the Doctor confirmed what I pretty much was afraid of, that I had developed plantar fasciitis. Not that it had mistaken my attention - not being able to walk in the mornings, and being in pain throughout the day didn't really escape my attention, I was just in a bit of denial hoping that it was more an issue of over-training and needing to work on my form.  Now this Doctor thinks that means to stop running for 4 - 6 weeks in order to allow everything to heal properly.  Can I just tell you, that is not gonna happen! I have cut my mileage and days in half and will keep it at that while incorporating a dedicated stretching and massage routine as well as working on more of a fore-foot strike (which does actually seem to help). But stop running - no dear, I don't hardly think so!

He did actually order me to incorporate yoga into my routine. I think he doesn't understand how much stretching is in Pilates, which I already do a considerable amount of in addition to my weight training, but ok, I'll give it a try.

I have tried Yoga before, and I like it just fine, though I do prefer Pilates. Adding something new to an already intense workout plan is a challenge, and I haven't decided if this means I get to replace something or if this is an addition. Time will tell. For now, it's an addition.

Every time you make a change, your body will start to give you some pretty dramatic responses. Yoga doesn't burn a significant amount of calories, but the balance and stretching portion are valuable and I can already see some benefits. I noticed a considerable difference in the accessory muscle development when I changed my Pilates routine from mat work to chair work. I'm looking forward to a similar benefit by the addition of the yoga circuit.

For those of you who haven't tried it yet, and want to incorporate Yoga into your home workout program, I highly recommend the Wii Fit.

  
Yoga is balance based, and without proper instruction the poses can be difficult. The Wii Fit does a great job of guiding you through the poses, and the balance board is pretty amazing for sensing body positioning. I've had difficulties with the rechargeable battery pack. It's not very 'green' but I say stick with your standard alkaline batteries, you'll have less trouble. Stupid rechargeable pack misses most of my steps, push ups, and assorted other things that makes me look like a total slacker. Seriously, if I do 50 push ups and it tells me I did 7, what the heck is that about! and forget step aerobics, it thinks I'm in a coma half of the time.  Now I already know what I can do, but I don't like having an inaccurate record, even if no one sees it but me (except cartoon-trainer-guy)....ok, I'm a little competitive. BTW, it will also affect what 'challenges' are unlocked (or not) if you don't have an accurate count.

Try something new, you will see some great results, and I'll keep you posted on mine ;)

On Love

Love does not live in warm feelings or pretty words. It is not found there.

These serve as mere reminders of love on dark and lonely days. Reminders as much to ourselves as to those who have captured our heart. 

They are the soil and fertilizer by which true love may take root, but it's substance is found in the sacrifice that is made for the object of our heart's desire. 

Love is proved right by her actions. 

Everything else is sound and fury...signifying nothing.

Asics Gel Nimbus 13 v. Brooks Glycerin 9

So, I waited awhile because I wanted to give these two a real chance to see which one I preferred.  After my trip to Roadrunner Sports I ended up narrowing my choice down to these two, and it was a close one!  They are both fantastic shoes with great cushioning, which I really need.  I used to run on a mix of pavement, grass, dirt and even the occasional treadmill but now I run primarily on pavement, so my shoes take quite a bit of abuse and without significant cushioning, so would my joints.

I have been running in my Brooks Glycerin 8s for some time now, and they have been my absolute favorites, easily beating out my first Nike Zoom Equalon 4s. I have loved my Brooks but did want to try a few others out, you know, just for variety and to be sure I wasn't missing an even better ride ;)

I had tried so many (read previous reviews for that day trip to the store), but I had heard great things about Asics from other runners, so I was intrigued and really wanted to try them.  After numerous test runs in the store, the Asics Gel Nimbus 13 and Brooks Glycerin 9 were in a dead heat and decided I would eventually get them both for my next rotation, though that day I left with just the Asics because, well, I was just going for something different. They are both responsive and comfortable shoes, with great cushioning for running on pavement. I've since put about 100 miles on each of them, so I think I can safely review them.

First the Asics Gel Nimbus 13 seen below (which is exactly the one's I left with). Cute as they can be :)



One of the reasons I wanted to try the Asics is that many runners I know with high arches find them to be then best for them, and since I do have high arches, I figured I should give them a try.

These shoes have decent ventilation, and remain comfortable throughout my regular 3-5 mile runs.  The mesh upper breathes well, though I had gotten used to my Glycerin 8s where I could actually feel the breeze through my toe-sies ;), not so with these but no sweaty feet so that's ok.

They also have a nice heel drop, which is important for me as it helps with my arch support and weak ankles.  Not too high, but just enough for the support I need.

On the treadmill, they were amazing and the midsole was so responsive I felt propelled forward. On pavement, well, a bit less so, but the cushioning is great and absorbs a good amount of the shock from running on pavement.  I sometimes feel like the cushioning absorbs a bit more energy than it should and could have a bit more return on the energy, but all-in-all it's a comfortable ride.

I did notice a bit of heel slippage after the first few runs, but a runner's knot helped with that. I had hoped that after a few more runs I could go back to my standard lacing, but no such luck. With the runner's knot I don't have any more heel slippage, just takes that extra step in the morning that I don't particularly care for at 6am, but it's a minor thing.  If you have very small ankles, you should keep that in mind.

The insole is comfortable enough and the shoe is sufficiently supportive that I can run with or without my orthotics.  For the first 80 miles or so I ran without my orthotics, now I'm using them again (but that's because I'm nursing an overuse injury that's not shoe-related).

Overall it's a comfortable shoe, and I'm glad I purchased them.  I will give the 14s a test run in about 300 or so miles, but they are my 2nd favorite shoe.  It was neck and neck for a bit, but for the reasons set out below, Brooks is still the best shoe for me.

Next up, Brooks Glycerin 9. This is my current favorite ride, the color is cerise, which matches pinks and reds equally well (if that matters to you...)


My favorite shoes in my last rotation between Nike and Brooks were my Brooks Glycerin 8s. After reading numerous reviews and test-running in the store, they never disappointed. For that reason alone, I pretty much figured I'd end up with the 9s, and I was right.

I don't notice a significant difference between the 8s and 9s, though the reviews seem to indicate a bit more support for the midsole in the 9s.

Subjectively there seems to be a bit less ventilation than in the 8s, but moreso than the Asics. I like the mesh upper and appreciate the increased ventilation, for no other reason than it just feels good.

The heel drop is just about right, providing the comfort and support I need. I'd actually be ok with an a slightly higher heel profile, but this is sufficiently supportive for my needs The Glycerin 9 is a bit lighter than the 8, not substantially so, but any decrease in weight without sacrificing cushioning is appreciated.

I have no heel slippage in the Glycerins with my standard lacing, so no need for any runner's knot.  The laces are short, so no double-knotting for security, but after hundreds of miles on 2 pairs of Glycerins, they've never come undone so I guess they got something right in the the lace department and no need for extra long laces.

The midsole is responsive with good energy return, even on concrete. I notice a slightly higher return energy from the Brooks than the Asics. It's not a huge difference, but it's enough to increase my pace slightly - always a good thing. The DNA on the 9s runs the entire length of the mid-sole, which may be the reason for the better energy return. That's the marketing speech, I have no idea what that means but I do know a responsive shoe when I run in one, and this one doesn't disappoint.  Again, on the treadmill, it's very noticeable but on concrete everything suffers.

With these as well, the insole is comfortable and sufficiently supportive that I can run with or without my orthotics. As with the Asics, the first 80 miles I ran without, now back to using them (again, for reasons not connected at all with the shoes). The standard insole is far more comfortable in the 9s than the 8s. Honestly, the 8s insole seemed to be made with the intention that you weren't going to use it, it almost seemed like an after-thought. Not so with the 9s, it's comfortable enough to be of real value in the shoe. I like the option of running with or without orthotics as well as having a choice as to whether or not I use a standard insole or replace it with something else.

Overall, the shoes are very similar and you can't go wrong with either one, but the heel slippage on the Asics and the slightly reduced energy return cause the Brooks to edge out as my favorite. 

Can't wait to test out the Glycerin 10s and Asics 14s. I see they reduced the heel drop in the Asics 14, so it's looking like I will be a Brooks girl in the next rotation as well - but I'm willing to test them both to confirm ;)

Nike, Asics and Mizuno Running Shoe Mini-Reviews

I had stated in my review of RoadRunner Sports that I had tested at the following shoes: NikeFree, Nike Zoom Vomero, Mizuno Wave Rider, Mizuno Wave Creation, Brooks PureConnect,  Brooks Glycerin 9, Asics Gel Cumulus 14, Asics Gel Nimbus 13.

In my last post I reviewed the two minimalist shoes, NikeFree and Brooks PureConnect.  The Brooks beat out the Nike for me, so it's time to move on.  Here I'm going to do a cursory review of all but my final two choices because none of the others really stood out, despite the considerable effort I put into giving them all a fair shot at being my new favorite shoes.  Excuse the ads, but I do think a visual is quite nice when discussing shoes.


Nike Zoom Vomero: Again, really wanted to like these as I do like the Nike brand, but they were unimpressive. Not even as comfortable as my Equalon 4s and certainly not a major contender in my selections.  Comfortable fit with a decent toe box, no heel slippage, but I couldn't detect a bit of cushioning or support and certainly not very responsive. Opinions vary, but mine is that they just aren't what I'm looking for. They were cute, have the sensor pocket (though I use a gps system), love the 'just do it' brand, but can't find a shoe that will hold up to my little 20 mile/week runs. Disappointed.


Asics Gel Cumulus 14: an ok ride, comfortable and responsive enough. They certainly beat out the Nike's but just not quite what I was looking for.  Not enough cushioning for me but a decent shoe if it works for you.  Decent toe box, ok in the cushion and response, no noticeable heel slippage. They just don't compare to the Gel Nimbus 13 (a review for next time). Still, Asics is a quality shoe, and worth anyone's time to try.



Mizunos: Tried the Wave Rider and Wave Creation. Have to say that the Mizunos were a new experience. They are a nice, responsive shoe with decent cushioning and the rocking motion from the sole gives a nice subtle forward-motion that's kinda fun. The Wave Creation, despite it's heavier size, won out for me as it had a bit more of a responsiveness to it and more cushioning.  The fit was comfortable and seemed to have decent enough ventilation and a roomy fit without being too big (read: no heel slippage)

I do have to say, they are now my third-favorite shoe, and I wouldn't return them if given to me. I liked them fine and they were a strong contender, but I just didn't see myself putting these into my rotation for the next 500 miles.  That said, I will continue to test future versions and see if they move up into my favorite slot.

             vs                

Two hours of testing and the final two were the Brooks Glycerin 9 and Asics Gel Nimbus 13.  I'll take those head-to-head next time, but I can tell you this much: these are my top two favorites.  It was a difficult decision, guess which one I went home with???

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