30 Days Completed....

I made it!!  I survived!!  I conquered!!  April 30, 2011 was the last day of my Bikram 30 Day Challenge.  30 classes in 30 days.  I actually did it with 30 classes in 28 days, due to a case of food poisoning and taking the day off for Easter.  I did two doubles, 2 classes in a day, to make up for the days off.  It is completely within the rules of the challenge.  They were an experience of rehydrating!

How was the challenge?  It depended on the day.  The first week was a wave of excitement; the second, a battle of the mind; the third finding my balance again; the fourth, a reminder of while the challenge was almost over, my Bikram yoga journey is not over.

I do have to say thank you to some people, because while  the 90 minutes in the class are completely solitary, the challenge affects the other 22 1/2 hours of the day.

So, without any further ado....
Greg, Amanda, Sean, Joann, Janet, Roxanne, Julia, Juls, Gordon, Pam, Karen, and Julie--The AMAZING instructors of Bikram Yoga SLC, who encouraged, gave corrections, and cheered me through out the challenge.

My mom.....She helped out, cheered, and encouraged me on days that I was discouraged.

To everyone who commented, cheered and congratulated me, whether it was on Facebook, real life or emails.  It meant a lot!!!

Now a review.....
What will I NOT miss about the challenge...
1.  The sweaty, wet, stinky laundry that had to be done daily.  My drying rack was used more in the past month that it has ever been used.
2.  Having to go to 6am classes, because I knew that it was the only time I could go that day.  I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again.  Getting up at 5:30 am is not right.....

What I WILL miss...
1.  The sense of satisfaction of getting my toes on the line every day to meet a goal.
2.  Seeing progress almost every day in class, whether physically or mentally

Now that the challenge is over, it's time to find balance with my Bikram yoga practice and the other physical activities that I love to do (swimming, running :) ).  The recommendation from the Bikram studio is to practice 3 to 4 times a week.  I can do that.

Melissa

Double your Pleasure or Double Trouble?

Since yesterday was Easter, I decided to take the day off of my 30 day Bikram challenge and spend the day with family and friends and enjoying a very yummy Easter dinner.  The consequence of the decision is this..... I have to do a double Bikram today.  What does that mean?  Two classes in one day.  180 minutes of the torture chamber.  :) (I think...)

There are a couple of ways to accomplish this..  Back to back classes (stick a fork in me now, cause I would be DONE), or the way I am doing it.   I attended a morning class, got all sweaty, stretched and survived, and at 8pm tonight, I will go back and repeat.   The approach I'm taking allows me to rehydrate, refuel and rest between classes.  It's a nice benefit at my Bikram studio that they have so many classes thru out the day to allow the options.

I am nearing the end of my 30 day challenge, just 5 more days left.  I can't believe it, in a good way.

Well, I'm off to get more fuel in my system.
Melissa