Yoga for Runners

So… I’ve started running.

Who am I?

I used to be one of those people who struggled through every minute of running, never believing that anyone actually enjoyed this world of hell.  Sure, I enjoyed the post-running high with the best of them, but I had to grit my teeth and endure every step that came before it.

Then one day, a month or so ago, I needed something more challenging and all-consuming to take my mind off stress and emotion.  And suddenly I was running… and not hating it.

Don’t get me wrong I’m a long way from being ‘good’ (whatever that means), but I can honestly say I might be one of those annoying people that actually enjoys running now.

But of course, yoga will always be my first love, so combining the two was bound to happen.  These poses are the ones I practice after I run.  *Cute toddler not required.

Gomukhasana
From a cross-legged position take one foot up and over the other leg towards the hips. Your top leg may sit higher if your hips are tight.  Stretches muscles in the glutes and hips.

Prasarita Pardottanasana
Take legs wide and turn toes in.  Take head towards the ground taking the hands back in line with the legs.  Stretches hamstrings and calves.

Parsvottanasana
Step the legs wide, face the front foot forward, keep the back heel on the ground and turn the toes  towards the front. Work the nose towards the knee. Stretches the hamstrings.

Paschimottanasana
Keep the chest lifted as you lean towards the toes.  Draw the toes back towards you.  Stretched hamstrings and back.
 

Supta Virasana
Sit on your knees with your feet outside your thighs.  Slowly lower your body down onto the floor using the hands to support you. Stretches the quads. 

Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana
From down dog (adho mukha svanasana), lift one leg and take the foot over to the opposite side.  Even up the weight in the hands.  Stretches the hamstrings and hips.

Viparita Karani
Sit next to the wall with one buttock raised up against the wall.  Swing the legs up against the wall (your buttocks should be right up against it).  Push the legs against the wall and flex the toes back towards you.  Gently stretches the back of the legs, calms and relieves cramped legs.