Bikram 30 Day Challenge, Day 2

Day 2, Class 2 - Saturday afternoon class, last class of the day at 4:30pm and packed (you'd think if a studio was doing a 30 Day Challenge that they would think about offering more than 3 classes on Saturday). The packed part led to some... annoyance at the start of my class due to mats shuffling and whatnot.  Especially a particular person who should of known better (she may or may not have been a friggin' teacher at the studio)... and said annoyance itched my mind through the first few postures as I (immaturely) shot evil thoughts her way (not hard to do since she was basically in my line of sight when I tried to look at myself in the mirror).  But funny enough, the annoyance led to those few postures flowing more easily for me.  Huh.  I was so busy thinking mean thoughts that suddenly I was kicking out in Standing Head to Knee, and holding it, even!  How's that for a yoga inversion?

Aside from that, today was actually a fun class, because of the teacher (the one that taught the class, not the off-duty annoying one).  A new one, never had her before or ever saw her name on any schedule.  So great to find new awesome teachers in the Bikram yoga world.  

My practice was on track, getting deeper in some postures, but still my energy peters out by Triangle.  I managed to finish the class, but gave a real half-assed effort in the end.  Not sure if I should be alarmed, as this is only the SECOND of the 30 classes, and I'm feeling this exhausted.  

I wish I felt a little more joy when I stick the happy face sticker on my 30 Day Challenge tracker at the studio.

Best part of the class was.... Post Bikram Meal!  No quinoa today, instead we had pan seared salmon, sautéed crimini mushrooms in butter and coconut oil with a bit of chopped scallions.  Then a side of miso soup (mmmmm) with benito flakes and wakame.  Not pictured are the couple of apple cubes I ate during meal prep.

And I learned the Achille's heel of Emergen-C: don't EVER drink Emergen-C with warm to hot water.  It's disgusting. You will regret it.    
  
  

Bikram 30 Day Challenge, day 1

Day 1, Class 1, thoughts immediately after class - Boots are not good post-Bikram.  Slippers are better.  Killed me.

Spent class working on my breathing - so it's an all new practice for me now!  Another tip from Bikram's book - in full Locust post, use the core to lift the legs.  Well that worked!  Shift the weight to arms, use core to lift.  Whaddya know?

Past couple of classes I've been yawning a lot.  Yes that means I'm not getting enough oxygen and I know I have odd issues with breathing like I'm using the wrong muscles or something.

Am waiting for the breakdowns, or breakthroughs.  Maybe I'm supposed to be worn down first, then in my exhaustion my barriers come crashing down.



A couple of hours later, when coherency returns ---   One down, yay!  A full class, many of whom are on this 30 Day Challenge also.  My body already feels worn down and exhausted. And it's only day One!  

Thought I'd share the post-Bikram class meal with y'all....

Quinoa with prawns, scallions, a bit of ponzu dressing and salt and pepper.  Side of miso soup with bonito flakes and wakame.  And the remaining prawns (trying hard not to call it "shrimp cocktail") I bought earlier today for lunch.  

And I may, or may not be eating a cookie right now...  Because eating a meal that healthy is a bit of an extreme move for me.  Gotta balance it out with a cookie!

The prawns/shrimp cocktail was admittedly extravagant, but made up for the fact that I forgot to get tofu.  Personally, I'll take prawns over tofu any day :)