There’s so many things to love about this photo (and a few that are less good)….you’ll have to scroll down to see the full photo. (I’d love to think this was a cunning marketing ploy for people to stay on the page more – but unfortunately it’s more about my web and photoshop skills or lack thereof).

Yes running is initially about getting some exercise to get / stay active and healthy. But there is so much more you can get from it.

Since leaving Uni back in the 90’s, running has been a big part of my life. I’m not particularly quick but enjoy it – the longer runs / events more so. Perhaps back then, as a runner some yoga would have helped.

Getting into long runs takes time – a bit like starting yoga as a beginner, or making sure you go to regular yoga classes at a local yoga studio or joining online yoga classes.

At the start, in my mind, people do yoga and go for runs for the physcial health benefits – feeling stronger, getting fitter or losing weight. All of which are more ‘visible.’ Personally, I think it’s the invisible stuff where I have benefited most – the mental health side of things. Though, in this case I think there is a subtle difference.

When running by myself, I am able let my thoughts run wild and sometimes they go full circle -other times they run away with themselves. In one way, it’s quite meditative. (I don’t run with music – but that’s my choice). From a yoga perspective the aim is to be present, focus on breathing (pranayama), gaze (drishti), yoga poses (asanas) and clear the mind of thoughts when in Savasana. Either way, I end up feeling better for the run or the yoga class.

Sorry – back to the photo (guess my mind was running wild then…)