A Runner's Diary: Trying Out Yoga

Every time I gear up for a half marathon, and I have geared up three times now, something “bad” happens. It’s nothing major, thank goodness, but it always seems to set me back.

This time, I’m getting ready to run the Disney Half Marathon with my friend, Marti DiPaola. But a few weeks ago, I went bike riding in Central Park with my family and since my seat was a little too low and the hills were a little too high, I did something to my meniscus.

Three years ago, my meniscus snapped due to a skiing accident. It took such a long time to heal but once it was healed, I felt great. I had no pain until I went bicycle riding.

I immediately went to the doctor and he told me not to run for a few weeks. He was hopeful that I didn’t need surgery if I didn’t feel symptomatic. So I haven’t exercised, not even one bit. But it’s starting to make me feel crazy.

Recently, I went to my physical therapist who said I could do low impact exercise but no running. “Not yet.”

With my husband, I joined a yoga class at Nassau Community College. We started a few weeks ago. So I felt at least I was doing something.

This week we walked in and took our spots on the floor. Andrea, our instructor, insisted that we take off our shoes and socks. She likes to start the class by asking everyone how they felt after the last class.

“I felt nausea,” one of the older women in the back of the class said.

“Hmmm … I wonder why?” Andrea asked. “Do you have low blood pressure?” The woman shook her head. “High blood pressure?” The woman shook her head again. “You know I really don’t know why you would feel that way.”

I butted in, “Did you eat breakfast before the class?”

Article Author: Hilary Topper

Hilary JM Topper, MPA, is the President & CEO of HJMT Public Relations, Inc., a boutique Public Relations and Digital Media Agency located in Melville, Long Island, Manhattan and in Rochester, NY.

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