2009-2010  Workshop Series - Yoga and Pilates for Runners:  From Mat to Marathon
 Whether you are preparing for the London marathon, racing shorter distances or simply putting in plenty of miles for fun, don’t miss this 5-workshop series for runners.  Although designed to supplement and complement a typical marathon training programme, non-racers and casual joggers will benefit, too.  Discover how yoga can help your running flourish and get you to the finish line – or even just out the front door – in one healthy, happy piece.

Sunday March 14th 5.00-7.00pm  £20
Triyoga, London (Chalk Farm Tube)  Click here to book
Yoga for Aching Athletes - Relax, Repair and Restore
A chance to feel the soothing and balancing effects of yoga on the body as an opposing but complementary force to the repetitive rhythms of running. This slow, gentle session will look at ways of countering the strong “yang” energy of running with a less dynamic, gentle “yin” yoga practice, releasing contraction in typical runners’ tight spots – particularly shoulders, hamstrings, hips and low back. By focusing on the breath and remaining in postures for longer, we can create greater body awareness, allow muscles to adapt to a stretch, minimize the risk of sports injury and importantly return to yoga’s meditative roots. If you’re preparing for the marathon or have been training hard, this workshop provides a kind of delicious ‘soul food’ for athletes! Relaxation lowers blood pressure and heart rate, boost the immune system and allows for tissue repair. You’ll leave feeling rested, restored and ready for your next athletic challenge.

Sunday April 18th 5.00-7.00pm  £20
Triyoga, London (Chalk Farm Tube)  Click here to book
Yoga Philosophy + Sports Psychology - Preparation, Relaxation, Visualisation
Where is your mind when you run or race? On your breath and body, monitoring, energy, heart rate, pain? On the course, counting every mile marker, or trying to pass another runner? Perhaps you’re relaxed and enjoying the surroundings. Maybe you’re lost in thought, letting your mind run away with you.

This workshop explores yoga’s mind-body connection from a runner’s point of view. You’ll learn about visualisation for performance, pranayama (breathing exercises) for relaxing before a race, where to place your awareness when running so that you can self-monitor without tension, and how to cultivate a process-oriented yogic approach to competition and goals so that they don’t become an unpleasant obsession.

If you’re running a marathon this month, don’t worry -- you won’t be using the physical body much this workshop. Although a few simple physical postures will be included, the emphasis will be on breath, meditations, visualizations, mind-body exercises and wisdom from classical yoga texts. A refreshingly unconventional workshop for all, whether running, racing or even in a rut.