Glory Days, Hip Pain, and Defying Aging...
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
– John Bingham
I almost don’t want to write this. Because I’m afraid I’ll jinx it. But I want to tell you: I’ve been running.
This is near-miraculous. And undeniable proof that strength training can (almost) turn back time. Here’s why:
I grew up active. Picture small town Southern Indiana. We were outside all day. Capture the flag, conquering “killer hill” on roller blades, biking to get snow cones.
As I got older all that energy was channeled into soccer. I played year round, including on a boys team when girls season ended. In winter, I was running lap after lap in the gym, waiting for spring season to begin.
Fast forward over a decade. I’m in my early 30s, living in Marin, and trail running with my dog, Lila. Running with her had an exhilarating primal energy. Until my hip started killing me.
I could barely walk. I could not squat. Or bend down. Driving was excruciating. When I pressed the gas pedal, mind-numbing electric pain ran through my leg.
Luckily, I found David Weinstock and he sorted me out through NeuroKinetic Therapy. He gave me exercises that I incorporated into asana practice. I adjusted postural patterns, diligently did the work, and my hip has been functional ever since.
But I could not run. Even a short distance would make my hip ache. Over time, I became afraid to even try. So I “retired” and wrote it off as a sports injury... and aging... you know the story.
Fast forward almost 10 more years. Trina Mann was presenting Maintaining Muscle and she says something like, “you keep getting injured because you’re not strong enough to do the things you want to do.”
A light bulb flashed on. What if I wasn’t strong enough to run? What if that’s what the pain was about? But I held back hope. I didn’t dare say it aloud. But as I continued weaving strength training into my practice and movement habits, I'd sneak in a little jog here and there.
Now, I'm saying it: I’ve been running. Regularly. Nothing epic. Just a mile or two a few times a week. BUT! here's the near-miracle: I am doing something I never thought I’d do again. (it feels like a little F-you to aging.)
Is there something you want to do again? Something you’ve stopped or backed off because of aches and pains in your body? I’m not talking about going back to glory days. But a reasonable win? Just enough to feel you’re defying aging?
If you want to build strength, without the gym, and without giving up your practice, Asana Strong is just getting off the ground.
If you’re looking for an in-person opportunity to build strength (and still feels like yoga), come to Bend this summer for an Introvert’s Retreat. Enjoy your own travel and lodging while engaging in a weekend workshop. I’ll schedule optional activities and group dining so it has a retreat feel.
We'll explore how fascia relates to yoga, contributes to strength and why it’s the key to resilience. Get all the details here: Resilience.
May your practice defy aging,
Alison
