Breakfast

Q&A Tuesday

Good morning!

This morning I really was just craving cereal so that’s what I had!

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I combined 1 cup Kashi H2H with 1 cup 0% Fage and a sprinkle of One Lucky Duck’s Grawnola (raw granola)! I love this stuff….it was super crunchy but chewy at the same time and it had a bit of lemon zest in it for a fun bite.

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I missed the usual nut butter addition in my breakfast but I’m sure I’ll get my fill of it later in the day. Obviously. 😉

This morning I’m meeting my mom for a 9 am “hot flow” class. This power flow is practiced in a heated room but is not Bikram….basically you do the 26 postures that are in Bikram but you do a vinyasa in between each one with a few other poses thrown into the mix. Its very detoxifying and sweaty! I’m going to walk to yoga today….I think its only about a mile and a half and I used to walk every single day to yoga when I lived in Charleston, and that was more like 2 miles. I would ride my bike but its still at my parent’s house…plus, I just really love to walk.

General Tuesday morning Q&A:

Jenna, just wanted to say that I just found your blog & think it is wonderful! I cannot wait to try some of the recipes on here & the pics are great. Do you feel that power/flow yoga is enough strength training in addition to your running? I am tired of boring weights, but love yoga & running. Your arms certainly look like it! I also want to say how very sorry I am for you and your family’s terrible loss. I am praying for you *hugs*. Kim

Kim, I do think that yoga is enough in terms of strength training. I actually haven’t done strength training in quite some time yet am in the best shape of my life right now and my muscles are very well defined. In yoga, you really work your core (which gives you that 6 pack!) but you also work triceps, biceps, back, shoulders, quads and calves. I can’t even tell you how my triceps burn the day after holding warrior two for a long time…..and all those chatarungas……let’s just say they REALLY work your biceps! Its like being down in a push-up, over and over and over again for an hour and a half. Yep, that’ll do it! When I am consistent in my yoga practice, I find that I am a better runner, biker and swimmer and also maintain muscle tone easier. That is the time when my tummy is the tightest and my body is the leanest since yoga builds lean muscle.

I like to supplement my yoga practice with cardio such as spinning, running, biking and swimming because I’m in training but I honestly don’t think you even need to do that if you just want to be FIT and are not worried about training for an event. I know I’ve said this time and time again, but when I was in college and lived in Charleston, South Carolina, ALL I DID was yoga and I lost 10 lbs and built a ton of lean muscle. I practiced yoga six times a week and walk to and from the studio to my home every single day….about a 3 mile walk in total. I rarely drove my car anywhere! The freshman 15 just melted off.

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  • weight and meditate
    May 5, 2009 at 6:12 am

    I was craving cereal instead of the usual oatmeal this morning, too! That info about yoga was great…the town I live in just does not have a yoga studio. There are quite a few places that offer it, but it’s usually Monday or Wednesday nights, do you think just doing it twice a week still helps build muscle? I guess I could do it at home in between. It certainly looks like it’s working for you!

  • Brittney
    May 5, 2009 at 6:22 am

    I really love reading about what you have to say about yoga. I’ve been interested in trying it for awhile, but haven’t gotten around to it. The only yoga I’ve ever really done is on the Wii Fit, and I did like some of the poses on that. I really thing yoga would be a good thing for me, so I’ll definitely have to work harder in finding a way to fit into my life.

  • Still Life in South America
    May 5, 2009 at 6:39 am

    I really love power yoga. I admire you for getting up and going so early. You must a a morning person. 🙂

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    May 5, 2009 at 6:39 am

    Have fun at yoga! And so true about yoga building lean muscles. I have never felt better! I feel so strong now that I’m doing yoga every day. Love it!

  • Sarah W.
    May 5, 2009 at 6:39 am

    I love lifting weights….couldn’t I safely incorporate yoga into my already packed running & weight lifting schedule??

    • jenna
      May 5, 2009 at 6:36 pm

      Sarah W,

      Of course! Any little bit of yoga helps, whether to supplement your current program or to start a whole new program.

  • Moran (The Running Addict)
    May 5, 2009 at 6:51 am

    I wish I could get so involved with yoga! Ha, maybe some day!
    Enjoy the time with your mom!

  • Amy
    May 5, 2009 at 6:55 am

    I agree, I do hot yoga one day a week to supplement my weight training. I love it! As as a runner, I feel it helps my core, balance and helps define muscles 🙂

  • Beadie
    May 5, 2009 at 6:55 am

    Q & A Tuesday is awesome!! I hope you will do it more often!

  • life coach jen
    May 5, 2009 at 6:57 am

    Your posts about yoga are really inspirational to me – it definitely makes me think about incorporating more of it into my life.

  • brandi
    May 5, 2009 at 7:01 am

    enjoy your class – and great Q&A! I wish I could find a good yoga studio here – we don’t have any!

  • Danielle
    May 5, 2009 at 7:10 am

    I got a yoga mat for my birthday and have only used it a couple times, I’ve been pretty stressed out so maybe it would good for me to try again.
    Hope you have a great day!

  • Jocelyn
    May 5, 2009 at 7:32 am

    I just started doing yoga..
    I downloaded a 30 minute beginner class from yogadownload.com and have been doing that twice a day..so 60 minutes..boy does my body ever feel good after doing so! Keep up the yoga posts 🙂 I love hearing about the interesting styles you do such as hot yoga..

  • Jenna
    May 5, 2009 at 7:35 am

    One lucky Duck grawnola looks so good!! 🙂

  • Help Meghan Run
    May 5, 2009 at 7:43 am

    That cereal looks really good. 🙂 Heart to Heart is my absolute favorite. And I really admire your dedication to yoga, I’m trying to get more into it myself.

    www. HelpMeghanRun .com

  • Lori
    May 5, 2009 at 7:45 am

    You will make a great Yoga teacher! Are you still thinking about becoming one??

  • Meg
    May 5, 2009 at 7:56 am

    Yummy breakfast! Enjoy the class.

  • Shelly
    May 5, 2009 at 8:05 am

    I’ve been a fan of Pilates for a number of years now, but thanks to you, I tried a couple of the free downloads on yogadownload.com that you mentioned a while back and I really liked them! Sometimes I just can’t make it to the gym in time for my Pilates class and/or I get home too late for a run (I don’t run in the dark for a number of reasons- all related to safety), and now I have something I can do at home so I don’t have to take a rest day when I would rather not. I don’t do a ton of yoga, but I’m definitely doing more, just to help mix up my workouts a little bit.

  • Fitzalan
    May 5, 2009 at 8:17 am

    “you do a vinyasa between each one” I would ABSOLUTELY love this class. Keep going through the vinyasa is what gets my blood pumping, the sweat pouring and my arms screaming. I need to find a class more like this one!

    Happiness Awaits

  • Angie
    May 5, 2009 at 8:39 am

    I agree, I think yoga is terrific for strength training. I wish I had more time in my schedule to incorporate it in.

  • justrun
    May 5, 2009 at 8:39 am

    Thanks for addressing this today, Jenna. I’ve been getting back into yoga lately and I’m doing the yoga downloads to get a little practice in before heading back into the studio, but I’ve had the feeling that this will be what’s best for both my physical and mental health long-term. Marathons are great and all, but I can’t run those forever. I’m several years older than you, but I have a second round of the freshman 15 to drop (thanks, desk job) and I think yoga will get me there. Thanks again!
    You and yours remain in my thoughts and prayers. Your courage is inspiring.

  • Stacey
    May 5, 2009 at 8:42 am

    Good answer! I have been practicing yoga a couple times a week and have noticed more definition in my arms as well! I find that yoga helps me stretch after a good run, and helps me improve posture. I am absolutely in love with the Crow pose, that really gets my arms burning!!

  • Run Sarah
    May 5, 2009 at 8:49 am

    Thanks for answering, I have been doing yoga more often instead of strength training and was wondering if it would be enough.

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health
    May 5, 2009 at 9:17 am

    Thanks for the comments on yoga! I have been meaning to take some classes. I just have to fit it into my busy schedule and perhaps scale back my running to accommodate.

    Great looking breakfast!

  • Runningwithin
    May 5, 2009 at 9:22 am

    Love the Q&A! And I love power yoga, I never thought as a runner I would fall in love with yoga but it’s brought such balance, self-acceptance and strength to my world, not to mention finally some arm muscles!

  • Jen
    May 5, 2009 at 9:44 am

    Great advice about the yoga. I’ll have to start going to more classes, but all those chatarungas are SO hard for me!! I can’t wait to get better though. 🙂

  • Jennifer
    May 5, 2009 at 9:52 am

    You should be a yoga instructor, you would be perfect for it! Hope you have a great day.

  • Sarah M
    May 5, 2009 at 9:57 am

    You should definitley be a yoga instructor!! Yoga teacher & writer. I think it would be perfect for you!

  • Anais
    May 5, 2009 at 10:01 am

    I love yoga, it’s definitely helped me quite a bit 🙂 I’m all sore from yeserday’s bikram class 😉

  • Marissa
    May 5, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Have fun with yoga with your mom!

  • Michelle @ Find Your Balance
    May 5, 2009 at 10:09 am

    Lots of people say yoga isn’t enough, that you need to lift weights and run on treadmills, etc. I say they probably haven’t been taking the right yoga classes! Ever try Forrest yoga?

  • janessa
    May 5, 2009 at 10:12 am

    How long did it take you practicing yoga before you got to a point of flexibility and knowledge about the poses? I did yoga in college, but that was almost a decade ago, and I’m sort of intimidated to go to a class where I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

    • jenna
      May 5, 2009 at 6:35 pm

      Janessa,

      Well, I’ve always been flexible since I was a dancer growing up so I had that to my advantage. But it took me about 3 years before I could do head stand and I still can’t do certain postures now and I’ve been practicing for almost 8 years! Give it time…it will come. Be patient with yourself!

  • Sarah (lovINmytummy)
    May 5, 2009 at 10:14 am

    I appreciate the idea that I don’t have to run 14 miles a day to be fit. Now if my body would just get the memo…

    Have a beautiful day Jenna!

  • Tracy
    May 5, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Does anyone know of good yoga studios in Atlanta?

  • Laura
    May 5, 2009 at 10:48 am

    Tracy-
    I have been going to Atlanta Hot Yoga (on Peachtree Rd) for th past year and a half and love it! They have a 10 day trial pass for $30!
    http://www.getreadytosweat.com

  • Christina
    May 5, 2009 at 11:07 am

    I tried a yoga class once and didn’t care for it. I didn’t realize how many types there are though! I gunna try out some other kinds this summer. There’s so many benefits of yoga and I’d really like to get into it. Thanks for the Q&A, I’m looking up yoga studios in my area right now!

  • Leah A.
    May 5, 2009 at 11:16 am

    Jenna, I have been following your blog for months now and love it! I am so sorry for your recent loss. You and your family has been in my thoughts.

    I initially wandered over here because of my interest in food blogs and running. I am “new” to running but not to exercise. I am currently running 3x wk and lifting weights 3x a wk (following the New Rules of Lifting For Women program). I LOVE LOVE LOVE lifting heavy weights. But my program is coming to a close and I want to take a month or two off of lifting before launching into another program. I have an increased interest in Yoga since you and Kath at KathEats.com are regular Yogi’s. I am a complete beginner. Unfortunately, I am broke and have a crazy schedule so I was wondering if there were any good Yoga DVD’s that you can recommend that I can start to use to become familiar before I decide whether or not I want to join a local Yoga studio? I’ve done some Yoga on Wii Fit but that’s pretty much a joke. I would appreciate any recommendations! Thanks so much and best of luck in all of your life changes! I really am envious that you quit your job to go after your dreams and that you have a great network family and friends to support you in that endeavor!

    Best,
    Leah

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    May 5, 2009 at 11:25 am

    I’ve been thinking about starting up Yoga and I think you’ve given me the motivation I need with all the fantastic things that it’s done for you!

  • sarah
    May 5, 2009 at 11:30 am

    actually you do need cardio to be “fit”. idiot

  • Caitlin
    May 5, 2009 at 11:30 am

    I just have to echo what a couple others said – you should think about yoga instruction! It seems perfect for you, and could provide the opportunity for a GREAT schedule (in my opinion).

  • Tara
    May 5, 2009 at 11:37 am

    I’d like to echo the sentiments that you would make a great yoga teacher!

  • Kat
    May 5, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Tracy – I go to Nirvana Yoga (nirvanayogaatlanta.com) and think it is great. If you like bikram, Bikram Atlanta (inside of Urban Body Fitness) is great as well.

    Jenna – what yoga studio did you used to go to in Charleston? I will be there in 2 weeks and am looking for a place to do a drop in class for the weekend. Thanks!

    • jenna
      May 5, 2009 at 6:34 pm

      Kat,

      I was a member of Eco Fitness/Blue Turtle Yoga. I loved it!

  • Caitlin
    May 5, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    I am going to be in Charleston in 2 weeks, as well! can anyone here recommend some fun restaurants to try out? I’ll be on Folly Beach but will be heading downtown and probably up to Mt. Pleasant/Sullivan’s Island/Isle of Palms as well.

  • Erin
    May 5, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    Now I want to rush home and get out my yoga mat. 🙂
    Pretty yellow bowl.

  • Kim
    May 5, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    OMG – What a lovely surprise to see my question here!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. The comments here are very helpful as well. I am getting an Ashtanga DVD for Mother’s Day & will be spending more time on developing my practice. Keep up the good work! Namaste.

  • Ellen M
    May 5, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    that look like a GOOD bowl!

  • Amy
    May 5, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    Tracy- I lived in ATL 4 years ago and really miss the yoga studio I went to there: http://www.pierceyoga.com/

  • Stef
    May 5, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    So jealous you get to take “hot flow” class! I love Bikram because of the heat but sometimes I get bored of the same old posture sequence, hot flow would be so awesome! I really like your explanation about yoga…I think you’re right! The fittest and most toned people I know do yoga- exclusively! I think I need some more variation in my life but it’s so great to remember that exercise can be in any form and doing something that is good for your mind also shows results in your body!

  • Kudret
    May 5, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    I have just started integrating yoga into my workout routine and am excited to get some Jenna-like muscles that are super defined. Preach it, sista!

  • Emily
    May 5, 2009 at 3:19 pm

    I love it when you talk yoga! I find it incredibly inspiring 🙂 Your breakfast looks delicious also.
    Wishing you a wonderful day, Emily.

  • mh
    May 5, 2009 at 4:02 pm

    I totally agree with you jenna!! ive gotten my boy into some yoga (Bryan Krest video) – does R ever do it with you?

    • jenna
      May 5, 2009 at 6:33 pm

      mh,

      He’s tried…he is not very flexible right now but has said he wants to work on that. We’ve been to two yoga classes together and I hope someday more!

  • Amy
    May 5, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Jenna,

    Thanks for mentioning that about yoga! I find myself sometimes wondering whether doing yoga will be ‘enough’ for the day instead of taking my usual bike ride (like right now, for instance), and then when I’m in my 7th chatarunga in a yogatothepeople podcast I’ve quelled all doubts that it’s enough!

    Thanks again for helping to silence my inner-doubt.

  • Amy
    May 5, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    I think I am the only person who yoga hurts instead of helps!
    I have been a runner for about 10 years, probably averaging 40-50 miles a week. However, in the last year I have started to cross-train more and run less, in hopes of giving my knees and back a bit of a break. I have done yoga off and on for years, but about two months ago decided to really stick with it and see if it helped with all my aches and pains. But it made by lower back pain so much worse. I finally could barely walk before I realized it might be the yoga. Sure enough, once I stopped it did get better although the issues are still there. I am so bummed because I LOVED the way it made me feel and it really did help me tone up and strengthen my core. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I hate to think I just can’t do yoga ever again.

  • bibixs
    May 6, 2009 at 12:56 am

    Hi Jenna!!!
    Good luck with everything going on in your life right now: your tattoo, your book, moving in, everything! 😀
    xoxo!