Sweaty Saturday

Back in January I posted about having a non-running back-up plan. Little did I know that yoga would become a big part of that plan. I've been doing Instagram yoga for years (the I don't really know what I'm doing, but I'll make myself look like that picture kind), but had only taken a few classes before moving to China.

As much as I would love to be back to running, I am loving my morning yoga. It's not the same as going out for a run, but it is invigorating. And, I love seeing my progress. Taking classes has definitely helped, but I've felt the most change since I started doing the daily yoga camp videos.

After yoga, some coffee and breakfast (prepared by mrC), we took a walk to see the Shekou School Maker Faire hosted by the Shenzhen American International School. If you are not familiar, a Maker Faire is a showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness in a DIY way. If you have chance, visit an event. It's pretty amazing.

On the way there I showed mrC a yoga studio that I have been trying to find for months. We walk past a billboard advertisement for this place all the time, but could never figure out the address. They let you try a class for free, so I signed up for one next week.

It was such a pretty day that after the Maker Faire, we decided to get our bikes out. We headed to the Shenzhen Bikeway hoping to reach the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park. It was very crowded so instead we turned around after 5 miles and headed back to the apartment. We'll try again on a week day.

Between yesterday's leg workout and today's 10 mile bike ride, my butt was feeling sore. Doing this version of a pigeon pose helped with that. I think it might be my favorite.

Ever been to a Maker Faire?
Favorite way to do pigeon pose? (Supine, seated, or prone)

Friday Favorites

It's the final Friday of February, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite things.

Food - I picked up some goodies on a recent shopping trip to Hong Kong (there are A LOT more options there). I figured munching on the Sweet Potato chips would be better than my usual choices and they're good. I love a little something sweet for dessert and these Organic Hard Candies just sounded healthier (50 calories for 3 pieces works for me!). I was hoping to find hemp hearts but could only find chia seeds...a good runner-up. And I've gotten back to making a daily smoothie. 

Fitness - I'm on day 22 of the Yoga Camp videos. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get to the end. I've been doing strength every other day (abs, arms, legs) and mixing up the workouts to prevent getting bored. My goal to walk at least 30 minutes feels really good, even without sunshine. Today I walked nearly 2.5 miles.

Fitness fashion - Loving my Aspire pants from Athleta, my new Apple Sport Watch, and the Power Y tank (with built in bra) and the design on the Enlighten Crop from Lululemon. 

Free fitness equipment - First, I love these little areas scattered throughout our apartment complex and the parks in the city. Mostly, I'm loving this leg press. Who needs a gym membership when you have this?!?

What's on your favorites list this week?

Captain Obvious Runs for President

It's true! Captain Obvious has registered for the Presidential Race...and he's got his running shoes on (I wonder which brand he wears?)! He announced his plans to run for President on Tuesday. Watch...

Hi 

Here is his training plan:

1. He's running all over the US and sharing his thoughts about each state...including yours!

2. He will be hanging out at the debate with the other runners (watch for photo-bombing) and tweeting live. Follow him to see more of this:

Join me on Thursday as I challenge the candidates on how far they actually ran this week. Tell the truth, guys. #GOPDebate #obviouspresident

— Captain Obvious (@CaptainObvious) February 25, 2016

3. He has all the right training gear.

4. His sponsor, Hotels.com is making sure that he has a place to rest his legs and recover properly.

Join Captain Obvious and his more than 300,000 followers as he advances through each stage of the Presidential Race. Follow his training and send him a cheer along the away. He'd love to hear from you!

Captain Obvious says, "I'm fit to run. The other candidates don't seem fit at all." 

I love a good race! Can't wait to see who wins!

Tweet: Run with the #ObviousPresident in the Presidential Race. @CaptainObvious http://ctt.ec/YHXcK+ #sponsored

Full Day and Full Body Workout

I could not get the China Internet to cooperate, so I missed my morning yoga session.

There was no time to dwell about it though. We hopped on the ferry and headed to Hong Kong for a little belated bday shopping!!

My bday gift from mrC!!! Of course the watch that I got had no charge...had to wait until we got back to the apartment to play with it.

Back at the apartment, I got in a full body afternoon workout. Abs, legs, arms.

3 minute Ninja abs. Still a favorite.

10 minute butt and thigh video. I'm liking this one.

Dirty Dozen interval style. 40 seconds work, 5 seconds rest. I did it this way since I have lighter weights, I could push the reps.

We made crockpot chicken for dinner and then went for an evening walk.

I can't wait to play with my watch!!!

What kind of sport/activity/running watch do you have?

Best & Worst

Today I thought I'd give you a little best and worst parts of the day. Warning: I use these terms lightly and may be heavy on the best parts.

I did my yoga camp video even before having coffee this morning. I really love these daily sessions.  I'm beginning to have more faith in my practice because I don't have my eyes glued to the screen the whole time anymore. This pose from today was my favorite. When Adriene said "feel it in your core," I did!

Trying to bend forward was my least favorite moment. How did my body get so tight??? My goal is to slowly make some sort of progress on this...how to do that? I have no idea.

Best and worst moments from my hike this morning. Best: hanging out with these ladies. Worst: it was muggy cold. Is that even possible?? I really dislike the feeling of damp air.

I love, love, love fresh fruit. Best: this delicious snack today. Worst: it was the last of the strawberries. 

mrC and I like to cook and eat at home, but we rarely pass up a dinner invitation. Best: good times with good friends. Worst: I can't think of one!!

"Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, marking the last day of Lunar New Year celebrations. And this year, the festival falls on Monday, Feb. 22. During Lantern Festival, people carry lanterns and solve riddles written on them." Best: I love fireworks. Worst: I do not love fireworks in the middle of the night.

Tell me one of your best/worst from today!