Shaking up the routine

 

Life has been fairly predictable around here as far as the day to day; especially with regard to exercise.  Over the last decade I’ve carved out time for fitness each week in some form or another.  Over the last several years that has involved a regular running schedule.  During the last couple of years that has also involved a fairly regular yoga practice.  A typical school week doesn’t leave much free time but this year I’ve been managing to run 2-3 times a week, teach yoga twice, practice yoga at home or in the studio 1-2 times a week, and walk to work everyday.  Sometimes I manage to convince Greg to join me for a Sunday afternoon hike or bike ride or a walk after dinner.  While teaching elementary school full time, that schedule is about all I can handle.

However with the miraculous advent of summer break, I recall that during the summer I have the freedom to embrace fitness without a schedule.  Sometimes this means I do a lot more.  On Friday, I went for a 3 mile run, taught yoga class and did some weight training with Greg.  Saturday morning I ran 6 miles, did a massive amount of yard work, and did some restorative yoga at home.  I often find that in order to quiet my mind at night and sleep peacefully, my body needs to be tired.  It takes more to tire out my body when I’m not teaching, so summer is often more abundant with movement. 

Summer heat can be oppressive and make movement difficult but luckily we are still experiencing June gloom and it is very pleasant to be outside.  Travel often complicates things as well.  We will see how it goes for us but I look forward to running in city parks and in the countryside, as well as hopefully biking in Holland and hiking in Switzerland.  I am hoping we manage to have an active trip. 

Here’s to an active summer!