Day 17: (Thursday 3/21)

Just pushing through my 30 Day Challenge:) I took the 6:15 p.m. class tonight and felt great afterwards. I had a nice class too. I had a hard time on Tuesday because I started menstruating and Tuesday is my busy day, but I still got through it! This week I got back on a consistent regime of crunches and stretching before class too. 500-1000 crunches a day, depending on how much time I have. I'm also kind of training for a 5K run on Sunday. A 5K is only 3.1 miles, but I haven't been running consistently in awhile. It's been really off an on since the fall. I really think (actually I know) doing Bikram Yoga every day has helped build up my endurance and strength, so I'm sure I'll see the benefits on Sunday. I still continue to struggle with a few poses, but I have noticed an overall improvement since I started practicing a few weeks ago. My Awkard Pose has definitely gotten much stronger, but I continue to struggle with the Locust Pose that involves moving just the feet up and keeping my face in the towel. I know part of it is that I need to try and move my elbows even more together under my body, but still feel like I am missing understanding another part I am supposed to do. Maybe I'm just self-critical or because I can't see myself in the mirror when I do it that I am unsure if I am doing the posture the best that I can. Today I was also very proud of myself since I stayed almost completely still during all of the Savasanas. I am also getting more patient about my Standing Head to Knee Pose and locking my knee better and longer each time. Now it is officially Day 18...Since I started the challenge I have only had 3 cups of coffee and a glass and a half of champagne on my birthday. Other than that I have been staying very hydrated and getting even more creative with my Vitamix blender. Feeling strong:)