Running was my first love, at the young age of 11. I have been running ever since. In my 20s, I fell into a relationship with yoga, and, over time, it grew to become a close second, perhaps evenly tied with running. Nonetheless, when the two combine, a perfect union forms. They support one another, they enhance one another and they make each other stronger. A match made in heaven, one could say. 
     Running requires mental, physical and spiritual stamina. Will my mind quit? Will my legs give up? Will my spirit burn with enough passion to reach my goal?
     These are questions I, and most runners, have encountered at one time or another. Such questions often present themselves during long runs, at the peak of a race, while running hills, in the midst of intense speed training or during a demanding race-training schedule.
     Yoga gives us the tools to become a healthier, happier, more effective runner. These tools are meditation (visualization & mind training), asana (physical postures designed to make us stronger and more flexible), pranayama (breath work designed to enhance lung capacity, quell race anxiety, etc.) and recovery/injury prevention (physical poses designed to release tension, stuck connective tissue and chronic tightness in the body).  
     Does yoga completely prevent injury? No! But it does lessen the intensity and frequency of injuries and provide lovely physical therapy options. Will yoga make you faster? Maybe, if applied with the proper mindset (though I believe speed is mostly an inherited trait). Does yoga make you stronger? Yes. Does yoga prevent leg cramps? Probably! Do you have any other questions about how your yoga and running can become a perfect union? Do you want to learn more about yoga and it's relationship to running and vice versa? Then come to my two-hour Yoga for Runners Workshop (all levels of runners and yogis are welcome!) in March! Workshop description is as follows: 
     'This workshop (two hours in length) will open with a vinyasa-style yoga flow practice lasting approximately one hour. It will begin with a dynamic sequence (designed to be performed pre-run as a warm-up) and move seamlessly into sun salutations that link strength-building exercises and yoga poses together to target muscles specific to running. The yoga practice portion of the workshop will end with a relaxing, cooling flow accompanied by longer-held poses aimed at releasing connective tissue and common tight areas in the body due to running. The second half of the workshop will incorporate myo-fascial release exercises using foam rollers and therapy tools. The workshop will end with guided meditation and breath work (pranayama) designed to enhance running performance. Participants will receive electronic copies of the workshop's running resources via email post-workshop and are encouraged to bring their own foam roller.'    
     To sum up: I love running. I love yoga. I love racing (check out my Race History, aka my running street cred, what makes me qualified to teach this workshop!). Join me in March (details to be announced soon) as I share how these two passions can become one for you as well! 
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Slow Flow Yoga
8:45-9:45 a.m. every Monday & Wednesday
Love Yoga Uniontown, 50 Main St., Uniontown, PA 15470 (7th floor)
A slower type of Vinyasa flow. ranging from a gentler to mildly vigorous pace with attention to slow, mindful breathing. Longer held, yin-style and restorative poses are interspersed throughout to allow for relaxation and release of connective tissue while other poses are held longer with the intention of strengthening muscle and attuning concentration. This practice will incorporate breath work and meditation.
 
Beginners/Introduction to Yoga
8:30-9:30 a.m. every Saturday
Love Yoga Uniontown, 50 Main St., Uniontown, PA 15470 (7th floor)
Ever wonder what yoga is all about?  Then this is the class for you!  Learn fundamentals of breathing and postures through this gentle class.  Great for beginners or anyone wanting to get back to basics.
 

Vinyasa
10-11 a.m. every Saturday
Love Yoga Uniontown, 50 Main St., Uniontown, PA 15470 (7th floor)
Rooted in Ashtanga, vinyasa is a dynamic flowing, fast paced class combining stretching, breathing, challenging balances, and fun inversions, all set to fun music!  You will not be bored in this class, so come prepared to sweat and get a great workout.  A regular practice, knowledge of yoga postures, and a willingness to try new things is recommended for this class. 
 
Pick-Me-Up Yoga Flow
2-3 p.m. every Saturday in February
Nemacolin Woodlands Holistic Healing Center, Farmington, PA
Looking for an afternoon pick me up to help continue on with your day? This power hour consist of invigorating Vinyasa flow, power sequencing and a strong emphasis on the breath. Welcomes ages 12 and over if accompanied by an adult.
 
Music Flow Yoga
3-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 & Thursday, Feb. 25
Nemacolin Woodlands Holistic Healing Center, Farmington, PA
A fun, playful and creatively sequenced vinyasa-style yoga class, choreographed to music relating to theme, intention and focus of the class. Expect to leave feeling happy, relaxed and motivated! For beginner to advanced level students.
 
Vinyasa Yoga Flow
5-6 p.m. every Sunday
City Performance Group Fitness & Training, 121 N. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, PA (2nd floor of building, above health insurance store and across the street from Double Dragon)
This class, ranging from moderately to vigorously paced, flows through a variety of poses emphasizing strength, balance, flexibility and concentration with a focus on linking breath with movement. It is suitable for all levels (modifications will be given) and is set to music. Bring a smile!