Melt the Snowbear!

Have you seen this snowbear on R Street, NW? Very cute--but I am desperately hoping that we will get up to 40 degrees today and that the dang bear will melt along with all the icy sidewalks and alleys. If you haven't heard, they are predicting below freezing temperatures for the next four days and a dusting to one inch tomorrow morning during rush hour. Enough snow! The normal temperature for end of February is 50 degrees...hard to believe these days. 

Knee Improvements and My Dad

I love to run. I know high-intensity interval training or yoga would be kinder for my knees and joints…but there is nothing like getting from point A to point B on my own two feet in the least amount of time possible. I also try to cross-train and take days off completely, but I struggle with rest and recovery.

This past weekend, Steven and I popped into the Vitamin Shoppe and were helped by an older gentleman that reminded me so much of my dad. He could not have been more interested in our habits, nutrition, and ideas on what we thought we needed. He gave recommendations and we bought them!

My dad would have loved a job like this--talking about supplements, clinical studies, and what he thought would be best. I miss him. Most days, there is something that triggers a memory about him. In fact, my favorite cashier at Trader Joe's looks and acts like him too.  That's a story for another day.

Good news--whether due to supplements or time--I am able to run a bit faster and a bit farther. Steven often says that I am turning into my dad in reference to vocalizing my nutrition regime and tips…and I couldn't think of a nicer compliment.

West End Demolition

The West End DC Public Library has been closed since June 2014, with an interim location at the Watergate. This morning, construction workers were making it official with no turning back. Check out the update for the proposed design. It doesn't look like it will be blending in with the surrounding buildings at all. The new, 21,000 square foot library will take up the first two floors, with eight residential floors above.

Knee Pain Pushes Me to the Pure Barre

I have been having issues with my knees. First, my left knee; then, while compensating for my left and still running, my right knee. It took awhile, but I finally get it--my knees need a break from running.

A colleague at work told me about a free Pure Barre class offered at the Dupont studio (2130 P Street NW). January 31 was the last free class sponsored by Lululemon. Even though it was a mere 20 degrees outside, I half-ran/jogged to the studio for the 7am class. I am so glad I did.

As a newbie, I was welcomed into the studio and asked to fill out some paperwork. I removed my sneakers (Mizuno Wave Creation) and headed into the carpeted studio. The instructor, Mary Margaret, began the class right on time (love that).

We started with a warm-up of knee lifts and arm raises. At first I thought, No problem, I got this. Then we started using a small ball and squeezing it between the legs; holding and pulsing, while keeping good posture and tight abs. My legs were shaking in no time. This is normal; the instructor warned at the beginning. You want to get to this stage because it means you are fatiguing the muscles. Even more weird was during the ab/core portion when my abs were shaking. Very bizarre feeling.

I have never taken ballet classes, but this class did not remind me of a dance class at all (my pre-conceived notion). The class is an intense, low-impact workout with no jumping or bouncing. The bar is used for body weight resistance, stretching, and pulsing. It is so much harder than it sounds. Really, it is SO much harder than it sounds.

Initially, I found it strange that the instructor did not participate; you had to pay very close attention to every word of her directions. However, it made sense as we went through the class that she would walk around checking form and helping people--especially since I received three personal visits and each time it made a big difference. :)

Although I am not a fan of group exercise and I enjoy my solitary runs, I am considering trying it for a month. (Pure Barre has a special one-month deal for new clients.) And I will recommend this class and studio to others.