Re-Rookie

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It’s been five months, but today I faced my fears and headed back to yoga.

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(Shirt from For Two Fitness)

 

I used to be a pretty regular yogini.  My practice tapered off during the summer (too hot for hot yoga!) and then came to a complete standstill when we found out I was pregnant. The most action my yoga mat has seen recently has been this:

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Anyway, the idea of bending, twisting, and stretching seemed too scary for me, even though I know that the majority of yoga poses are very beneficial for pregnancy.  Also – and this sounds kind of weird – I felt too in-between classes.  My studio offers mainly hot classes, which were nixed by my doctor, and I felt like I was ‘too early’ to attend real prenatal classes and needed a visible bump or people would think, “What is she doing here?”. I know, I know – yoga is a judge-free zone.  My own hang-up, I guess!

 

After a large pep talk, I headed to prenatal yoga… only to find out it was canceled!  Since I was already there, I pulled on my big girl panties and attended the Introduction to Vinyasa class (after being assured that the heaters wouldn’t be on).  The instructor told me to avoid deep twists, inversions, and lying on my stomach or back. 

 

To be totally honest… I felt so incompetent.  Since last attending yoga, I’ve gained ten pounds and my center of gravity feels like it’s completely shifted (not that I was a pro at balancing poses before!).  I couldn’t do 50% of what I was once able to do, although it felt really, really good to try.  I clearly need regular yoga.  Feeling like a sucker at sports has actually always been very motivational – how crap I was at running was the impetus for training for a 10K – so I’m already excited to go back.  Can’t improve if I don’t try again, right? 

 

Pre-yoga snack: eggs and toast.

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Post-yoga snack: a Green Monster with pumpkin seeds.

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The Green Monster contained a banana, two cups packed raw spinach, almond milk, and protein powder.

 

And for dinner, we went to our favorite sushi place, Cowfish.  I started off with Miso Soup, which promoted lots of “me so hungry, sleepy, funny” jokes.  Apparently, miso annoying after a while.

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And two vegetarian rolls.  One had carrots, asparagus, and cream cheese, and then other had tofu, beets, carrots, and Thai basil.  Mmm.

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Anyone else trying to get back into a sport or workout they used to regularly do?  Re-rookies, unite!

{ 66 comments }

 

  • Tanya January 22, 2012, 6:35 pm

    Yay for getting back into yoga!
    I’m just coming off a two month post surgery stretch of no exercise allowed except walking. I’m back to the running I love, but it’s hard. The legs aren’t too bad as I’ve been doing lots of walking, but the lungs hurt. Two months without cardio takes it’s toll. Happy to be back though.

  • Emily January 22, 2012, 6:39 pm

    Congrats on getting back to yoga. Actually that is definitely going to be my “re-rookie” here soon as well. I was never super consistent about practice, but whenever I did it, I always felt so amazing, mind AND body. And now, training for a marathon, I bet I could really USE it to keep everything feeling good!

  • Sana January 22, 2012, 6:53 pm

    Yeah, I am back at the gym after a longggggg break. The back feels better but it’s hard adjusting to being bigger and working out,it’s a new experience 😉

  • Amy January 22, 2012, 6:54 pm

    Good for you! I totally get feeling like a rookie again but it’ll come back to you before you know it. Pregnancy has changed (and deepened) my yoga practice SO much — I hope you enjoy your first prenatal class!

    I’ll be a re-rookie after I have this baby and start running again. Heh. I have been able to do very little cardio since I got pregnant so I’ll REALLY be like a beginner again! I’m looking forward to it though.

  • Wendy January 22, 2012, 6:56 pm

    I had injuries to my foot AND shoulder this summer/early fall that took a long time to heal. I was a re-rookie at both running and CrossFit a couple months ago. I’ve finally gotten most of my strength back, and am able to do things with full range of motion again. I think it’s really, really important to not compare yourself with anyone, including your previous self, when coming back to any sport or workout after a hiatus!

    • Caitlin January 23, 2012, 9:42 am

      Agree! I need to really remember this.

  • Tracy January 22, 2012, 6:59 pm

    I am having the same experience with yoga right now. I used to practice fairly regularly, but I got my first teaching job and all forms of exercise disappeared from my routine. I recently got back into yoga, and the feeling after that first class was incredible. My body had been missing it so much, and I didn’t even know! I have a TON of flexibility and balance to gain back, but just attending classes again and getting that “me” time has done incredible things for my spirit! Best of luck to you!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 22, 2012, 7:01 pm

    Good for you for getting out there! And by the way, I had to go back and re-read the “miso” and “me so” joke about 5 times before I got it.

  • Maria January 22, 2012, 7:04 pm

    I miss running but the cold weather has kept me inside and I despise treadmill running. Good job jumping back on the yoga horse 🙂

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery January 22, 2012, 7:10 pm

    Eventually I’d like to get back into playing tennis. I played varsity and high school but in college I completed devoted myself to my studies and academic achievements. Since it’s not prime-tennis season and I’m not near an indoor club, I want to get back into a regular fitness routine that includes some running and yoga. I’ve never been able to stick to yoga so we’ll see how that goes!

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats January 22, 2012, 7:21 pm

    Yay for getting back to yoga! That’s a great pregnancy exercise, especially once running becomes too much!

  • Sneakers2Sandals January 22, 2012, 7:22 pm

    I feel the same way about being like a loser at something for a little. It makes me competitive with myself and I love the drive to get better. That’s why I started Stand Up Paddle boarding 🙂

  • Jess January 22, 2012, 7:22 pm

    You can dooo it, Caitlin! I’m a running re-rookie…finally up to running 3x(9 min run, 1 min walk) after my stress fracture in August, but it’s so slow and soo labored. But I’m trying and it’s working!

  • Tami January 22, 2012, 7:27 pm

    i know you know you need to go but go to the prenatal class (or any class!!) it will help so much. i went to the prenatal class when i was only 10 weeks pregnant, it was so helpful to hear what was coming, etc. i am still friends with many of the mom’s i meet there. after the babies were born, we would meet up for mommy and baby yoga but my daughter screamed the whole time but i still went anyway!

  • Valerie January 22, 2012, 7:44 pm

    I am trying to get back into running, although once a week yoga is one of my new year’s resolutions. 😉

    I used to run a lot (including cross country and track in high school!) and then was sidelined by a terrible knee injury about two years ago, and just never could get back into once I had healed. However, I’m really trying now (I started following a couch to 5k program), because I feel so much stronger and better about myself after a good run.

    I can definitely relate to how you’re feeling about yoga. It’s frustrating to realize your abilities aren’t quite what they used to be!

    • Caitlin January 23, 2012, 9:45 am

      Good luck! C25K is a great way to get back into it.

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs January 22, 2012, 7:46 pm

    Way to get back into it!

    Leading up to my October wedding, I had been running tons! And then the wedding happened, and then it got cold outside, and then it was Christmas holidays, and then, and then, and then…
    Needless to say, when I started back at it in January, the first few runs felt like starting from scratch. But, it came back much more quickly & easily than I anticipated! Woohoo!

  • Heather January 22, 2012, 7:55 pm

    I love those shirts, so cute! I just started taking yoga and feel like a total newbie but I am excited for what it will hopefully do for my running!

  • JenRD January 22, 2012, 7:59 pm

    Good for you for getting back to yoga! I took prenatal yoga from about 20 weeks on, and I definitely applied what I learned during labor–which, at 12 hours, was pretty short for a first baby!
    After taking 6 weeks off from anything strenuous post partum, I slowly started running again. But, I was lacking motivation, so I decided I needed a kick in the pants, so I started attending a weekly spin class. It had been years since I had been spinning, and I forgot how great it was! Love it, and how great I feel after!

  • Jessica January 22, 2012, 8:05 pm

    I don’t mean to say your doctor is wrong, but I am surprised to find out that he/she said hot yoga isn’t safe for a pregnant woman. The studio where I teach in Nashville offers only hot classes and we have several pregnant women practice with us – some up until the week before they give birth! But hot or not, I believe yoga is amazing for expecting moms – if for no other reason than it might help you become more aware of the breath! 🙂 I hear that comes in handy during delivery… LOL I can only imagine!

    • Amy January 22, 2012, 8:47 pm

      From what I’ve heard/read, I think IF your body is acclimated to a lot of hot yoga practice, you may be able to practice through pregnancy. I bet the women in your classes have been practicing hot yoga very regularly for a while! It’s dangerous for a pregnant woman’s body temperature to get too high, so I wouldn’t want to risk it — yoga at a normal temperature is just as beneficial.

      • Caitlin January 23, 2012, 9:46 am

        The issue with hot exercises is raising your core body temp too much for too long of a time… Sometimes I would get dizzy it was so hot. I can’t imagine it’s good for a pregnant woman to be in my studio’s classes… it is truly sweltering!

  • Gráinne January 22, 2012, 8:25 pm

    Had planned to get an evaluation for new workout done at the gym this week and then took a tumble outside of the supermarket yesterday, too say I’m sore is an understatement – compression bandages on my arm and ankle and my whole left side is feeling tender, gym evaluation will have to wait but your blog and other have made me want to start running again so that’s my one workout to look forward too… 🙂

  • Alison January 22, 2012, 8:37 pm

    At nearly 19 weeks, I too am finally getting back into my yoga groove after a 5 month hiatus. I got back to class a few weeks ago and just downloaded a bunch of prenatal classes from yogadownload this morning. I did their 45 minute prenatal vinyasa flow and it was good.

    I also downloaded their 13 minute “prenatal mediation” and I’m going to try (TRY) to do it regularly. I’ve heard SO many good things about yoga and labor (I’m planning a home birth after two cesareans) that I’m now thoroughly convinced it’s worth the effort!

    • Amy January 22, 2012, 8:48 pm

      I love the prenatal flow from yogadownload! I do that one a lot — it’s so helpful.

  • Terri January 22, 2012, 8:39 pm

    I love yoga, and I think it would be awesome for you and baby! Enjoy…can’t wait to watch you grow and attend the prenatal classes…so sweet <3

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb January 22, 2012, 8:39 pm

    yoga is one of the hardest “sports” to get back into! i totally understand feeling like your center of gravity is just off after a few months away from the mat — preggers or not!!

    i’m slowly getting back into running and it just plain sucks. building up mileage is brutal!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat January 22, 2012, 8:43 pm

    The sushi looks great! Don’t worry, I just got back into yoga a couple of weeks ago, and even without being pregnant like you, I still couldn’t balance to save my life! I’ve been to 3 classes since though, and am already feeling as loosey goosey as I did when I practiced regularly. I’m sure if you stick with it you’ll find your balance again. 🙂

  • Diana January 22, 2012, 8:57 pm

    That sushi looks so yummy! As a vegetarian, I find it so challenging to find fabulous veggie rolls – they’re often just cucumber, which is a major snooze! Also, I live in the midwest…so seriously tough luck finding exciting vegetarian fare!

  • Meg @ Runridelove January 22, 2012, 9:04 pm

    You’re doing better than me! I’ve also been trying to get back into yoga. Have mentioned going every day for the past 3 weeks in fact (went a few times over christmas time on vacation and it was fantastic, but can’t seem to do it now that we’re home!). Here’s hoping this week we will finally go!

  • Anna E. January 22, 2012, 9:24 pm

    Good work, girl! Sometimes the hardest part is just getting back in to something.

    I like to think I stay in good “regular” shape on my own, but having grown up as a member of a competitive jump rope team, it’s easy to understand that hard core “jump rope shape” and “regular shape” are different. It always takes me a good month or so for me to start feeling confident in my jumping abilities.

    You’ll get it! The benefits will far outweigh going through the awkward/tough beginning stage again.

    • Jen January 22, 2012, 10:00 pm

      I’ve never heard of a jump rope team– I’m intrigued! Did you do choreographed routines (like dance or the floor exercise portion of gymnastics)?

      • Anna January 23, 2012, 10:06 am

        Jump rope is awesome! It’s actually been gaining some popularity in the media – did you see SALTARE on America’s Best Dance Crew or the Summerwind Skippers on America’s Got Talent recently? Those are all my friends 🙂

        There are a couple of different sides to competitions; it IS sort of similar to the way gymnastics or figure skating is set up. We choreograph both individual freestyle routines and group routines that include some compulsory moves and are judged on creativity, difficulty, presentation, and density. Sometimes the routines are to music and sometimes they aren’t.

        There are also different events called “speed” that are based on which jumper can complete the most number of jumps in a certain amount of time (i.e. the fastest person wins).

        Here are a couple videos to give you an idea of what different events look like:

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8oAGoSZsCY (<–at a double dutch competition at the Apollo Theater in NYC…just ignore the mistakes)

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIzgm4NyWqE (<– performing at the Southern Documentary Fund b/c of a Discovery Films documentary made about our team)

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxLxQdZLoVs (<– this is a good one to watch for variety of jumping styles – a bunch us from different teams come together to teach an elite annual jump rope workshop. This is the performance at the end for the participants.)

        If you have any more questions, I'll continue putting more info up on my blog!

        • Jen January 23, 2012, 11:08 am

          Wow! I don’t have a TV so I didn’t see Saltare or the Summerwind Skippers, but thanksk for the videos! I always admire sports that demand that kind of coordination (I like to joke that I’m a runner because I’m too clumsy to do anything else haha).

  • Emily @LivingLongfellow January 22, 2012, 9:49 pm

    That miso soup looks wonderful. I just picked up some tofu tonight to throw in miso soup this week. Way to go for getting back into yoga. Guaranteed people were impressed seeing a pregnant person there.

  • Jen January 22, 2012, 9:57 pm

    I’m getting back into strength training after almost two months away. The reason for my hiatus was not having access to the weight room on campus over winter break, but now I’m on campus at least three days a week, so I’m making sure to squeeze in the workouts.

  • jade January 22, 2012, 9:59 pm

    I’m hoping to get back into swimming tomorrow after maybe 7 months *gulp* away from it. Reading all of your posts about triathlons has really inspired me to complete on this year!! Looking at the Boston Triathlon in August!

    • Caitlin January 23, 2012, 9:47 am

      Get it, gurl!!!

  • Sara January 22, 2012, 10:02 pm

    Getting back into running! I belly dance and do interval training (bursts of cardio and body weight resistance stuff like squats and pushups), but I’d love to be able to run again without shin splints! My goal is two runs a week for now.

  • Marissa C January 22, 2012, 10:11 pm

    I’m 7 weeks post-partum (and I quit exercising at 5 months pregnant), so I’m definitely starting over. I signed up for a 5k running class and I’m working out with a Jillian Michaels DVD too. It’s hard starting over (I ran a half-marathon the day before I found out I was pregnant!!), but I know I’ll get somewhere if I keep working at it.

    I really want to start back up with yoga, but it’s just too expensive for us right now. I got really excited when someone told me about a $29/month plan a studio here in Dallas had, but turns out you can only go to classes at certain times and none of them would work for a working mom. There is a pay-what-you-can studio close by I might try out, though.

    I’d really recommend this pre-natal yoga DVD. The production quality is a little lame, but it is worth it. I tried a bunch and this was definitely the best–it has a bunch of different length workouts and was the most like a real yoga class. (The one with Shiva Rea is way too easy and it freaks me out that I can SEE her working during the Kegel exercises…TMI).

    http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Prenatal-Vinyasa-Short-Forms/dp/B0032ZOXYO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1327287917&sr=8-4

    • Caitlin January 23, 2012, 9:48 am

      Thanks so much!

      • Marissa C January 23, 2012, 1:20 pm

        You’re welcome!

  • Marci January 22, 2012, 10:12 pm

    I decided not to do yoga while prego. Seemed like I’d miss the regular movements and not be able to do a lot. And I didn’t try prenatal but lots of people like it! Good news about picking it back up after is there’s only one way to go–improvement!

  • Willow @ My Own Trail January 22, 2012, 10:23 pm

    That veggie sushi looks sooooooo good! Now I’m going to have to find a way to get some sushi this week. I’m trying to get back into strength training. I used to be so good about doing it at least three times a week, but I slacked off a year ago (hides head in shame) and I’m having trouble getting back into it. Even though I exercise five days a week and am in good shape, I really need to develop some muscle tone.

  • Ashley @ Cooking for John January 22, 2012, 10:35 pm

    I am not pregnant, nor planning on becoming so in the immediate future, but want to order one of those shirts so badly. 😉

    You rock!

  • Mandi January 22, 2012, 10:38 pm

    Yup I’m a total Re-rookie to running (and if I’m being totally honest to exercising in general). Love this term!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen January 22, 2012, 10:55 pm

    When I joined an adult league for soccer 2 years ago it had been almost 10 years since I had last played. I was scared shitless to get back on the field and I definitely felt rusty and kind of down on myself for not being able to jump right back in to where I last left off (ha!) but I found that after just a few more games, I was back to loving it. Not back to where I was in high school but good enough to love it again. I find with most things there’s a fine line between being rusty and having motivation to improve and sucking so bad that I give up from the get-go. I hope you learn to love yoga again!

  • Luv What You Do January 22, 2012, 11:24 pm

    After Tri season, I take a HUGE break from swimming. I have set Feb 1 as my GET BACK IN THE POOL deadline. Wish me luck!

    Enjoy your yoga. THe best thing about it is that the practice can be your own. YOu will still get so many of the benefits even without the challenging asanas!

  • Kelley January 22, 2012, 11:33 pm

    Awesome! I am LOVING prenatal yoga. You’ll love it too. All of the poses incorporate your baby somehow. They say things like “take a deep breath and make room for the baby” and things like that to get you excited. =) Nice job!

  • Erin January 22, 2012, 11:39 pm

    miso funny….lol. thanks for the laugh

  • Tasha @Tashasdish January 23, 2012, 12:04 am

    Congrats on your return back to yoga. I understand completely – I’ve been trying to get back into running after a long break and it’s been so difficult getting back into the swing of things. By the way, that sushi looks delicious!

  • Khushboo January 23, 2012, 12:47 am

    “Apparently miso annoying”–> haha! Well done on getting back to yoga- the first step is always the hardest!

  • Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie January 23, 2012, 2:12 am

    I do the same thing with yoga! Dedicated yogi for 2 months and then none at all. Weirddd 🙂

  • Hayley @ Oat Couture January 23, 2012, 4:31 am

    Love, love your attitude towards it! ‘Can’t improve if I don’t try again, right?’ I’m terrible, if I’m no good at something I hate it! Although over the last few years I have been trying to change this and challenge myself more. I think it’s so important and so good for building strength of character! Enjoy getting back into yoga! The first class is always the hardest, right?! 🙂

  • Sarah January 23, 2012, 7:35 am

    at least you looked adorable in your new tank top 😉

  • Kelly January 23, 2012, 7:41 am

    I wish I had your attitude…whenever I suck at something I was previously good at I get disgouraged and usually give up. Thanks for being a good reminder! 🙂

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed January 23, 2012, 8:19 am

    I’m trying to get into yoga. I love stretching but really can’t afford the classes, so I’m just trying to learn some positions that I can do at home with the help of my yoga knowledgable sis!

  • Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon January 23, 2012, 8:53 am

    I love your attitude of wanting to improve! I have a hard time feeling motivated to do something that I don’t feel as though I am good at, especially if I once was.
    That being said, I am taking a hip-hop class this semester. I have no previous dance background and, as I showed in our first class last week, I am NOT a dancer but hey, here’s to improving!!!

  • Life's a Bowl January 23, 2012, 9:42 am

    I’m not trying to get back into, I’m trying to just get into it… Bring on some more yoga and fitness classes!

    P.S. Miso jokes are always necessary when dining out at a sushi joint 😀

  • Meg January 23, 2012, 10:33 am

    I’m trying to keep myself motivated for my race coming up because I feel like I’ve all but fallen off the running wagon.
    I tried Bikram a few times at a local studio and in almost every class there was a VERY pregnant lady and I definitely questioned it. At my last class she wasn’t there and the instructor mentioned that although she’d been practicing daily all year, the last time they saw her was a week past her due date so they were hoping she finally had her baby!

  • Amber K January 23, 2012, 2:41 pm

    I’m just getting back into being active in general as I completely injured my foot and back on New Year’s. I definitely have lost some strength and endurance from all of my RICEing. But I’m getting back out there!

  • Catherine January 23, 2012, 3:06 pm

    Trying to get back into re-working out in general. Then I’m going back to running. I was really in a rut but I’m getting myself out!!!

  • Marisa E January 23, 2012, 4:10 pm

    Yoga is the one thing I have been loyal to for over a year now!! Go me!! But I will be re-introducing myself to the treadmill!! I haven’t run since crossing the finish line at my first half marathon this past fall. I’ve already signed up for my first 5K of the year and ready to dust off my running shoes. Re-rookies unite!!

  • Natalie @fitjamericangirl January 23, 2012, 4:39 pm

    For me, it’s running. I used to be consistent and then I just stopped altogether. I’m not as bad as I thought I would be though. Now if only I could make the time to be consistent again.

  • Ashley @ For Two Fitness January 24, 2012, 10:05 pm

    Good for you, Caitlin! We’re proud of you, and we love to see you looking so amazing in our tank 🙂 Thanks for featuring us.

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