Happy Friday! Hope you’ve had a great week! I cannot believe that Sunday is May 1st. Although the past few months have been full of excitement, I am looking forward to the month ahead and the beginning of the summer season! Bring it on, May!
Photo credit @angargoz
The couple of weeks post-Boston marathon have been filled with rest, relaxation, a little running, and lots of fun. My parents threw an engagement party for me and Mark last weekend, and it was such a special, memorable time. We haven’t made any official wedding plans, but are deciding between a few different venue locations and dates.
As far as running and other workouts, I’ve recently tried SoulCycle as an alternative to running. When I signed up for a class at the new studio in Beacon Hill, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to and I don’t think my friend Molly did either :). Luckily I was NOT seated in the front row (which is a given, it’s apparently difficult to secure a seat up front!). Entering the class, I was a bit terrified—the darkness, the candles, those intense dance moves– but as the music continued to play over the course of the hour, I slowly got the hang of it. I started to feel comfortable about the spinning part, at least. I do not think I will ever get the hang of doing push-ups and dance moves on my bike, even though it seems like an incredible workout overall.
In case you have more questions regarding SoulCycle, Vox answers them here. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt also depicts the SoulCycle experience. This show is hilarious, by the way- I highly recommend it! In the meantime, I think this uncoordinated gal will check out other classes or stick to running…
Speaking of running, Wanderlust and I are working together this May! Wanderlust 108 festivals are held around the county, and are “Mindful triathlons”- a field day for your mind, body, and soul. The triathlon includes a 5k run, yoga, and meditation sessions. The Wanderlust festival committee asked me to lead their 5k run and stretch session this May in Seattle, and it took me only a few seconds to accept the offer! Check out their site for more information on festival locations or how to work with them, if interested. While I won’t be running wild this time around, instead I will be focusing on motivating other runners and helping them make it to the finish line. This experience is making me think of the trip that Mark and I took to Seattle last summer.
Here are some of my favorite pictures from the surrounding national parks, Mount Rainier and the Olympics! I don’t think we will have time to visit these splendors this time around, but I hope to explore these areas again soon!
To the Southeast of Seattle, Mt. Rainier National Park:
To the West of Seattle, Olympic National Park:
I just want to say that I am so thankful for everything that has happened over the past few months, and a lot of my happiness is rooted in my running. I am so thankful for the positivity and mental strength the sport has given me, and the fun opportunities as well!
Also, have you been to a running or yoga retreat? What are your thoughts?
Have you tried SoulCycle or other spin classes? Apart from SoulCycle, I have tried Flywheel many times and actually love it. Torque board really gets my flying!
Have a wonderful weekend and hope it’s full of adventure/fun/everything else in between!!
Jane Runs Wild 
I’ve tried spin once, but I really want to try a barre class! I love the idea of a yoga retreat as well!
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You should check out Wanderlust!! Hope you had a great weekend! :)
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Grats again on the run and Best Wishes on your engagement!
Sounds like you are relaxing and settling back into routine which (let’s be honest) most of us need.
Very exciting news about Wanderlust. I’d love to get to one but not sure if it’s in the books for this year. Have fun in Seattle!
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Thanks so much! Hope you had a good run this weekend. I am still feeling super sore which is crazy! Need to take more time off I guess. Have been running very short distances every other day over the past few days and maybe that’s even too much! It’s hard just to relax :)
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It is hard to not run. I totally get it. I haven’t gone out yet this morning but I have a feeling I’ll do maybe just a mile…..
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Sounds like all is good with you after Boston.
That SoulCycle class sounds fun. I am not all that coordinated either.
I am volunteering at Wanderlust in Whistler the end of July. I am looking forward to that.
Enjoy Wanderlust Seattle.
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That’s so awesome that you’ll be at Wanderlust Whistler– talk about an amazing location!! Let me know how it goes! Have fun :)
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Yes, Whistler is a great place. I will let you know and I look forward to hearing about your time in Seattle. :)
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Between being a beginner runner and improving my swimming I only manage to get to a Pilates class. Spin sounds both hard core and fun.
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You should try it- and take into account what soul cycle is all about!
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Wow! Beautiful pics…thanks for sharing. Haven’t tried spin. Traffic is so bad around here it makes any other exercise besides lacing up and running out the door seem too tough!
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I agree with you there- sometimes it’s just quicker and easier to lace up and head out the door! Hope you had a good run or two this weekend!
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I’ve never been to a retreat of any kind, but a running camp sounds really fun! How did you get affiliated with that organization for them to ask you to lead a run?
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Check out their web site for more information on working with Wanderlust/Wanderlust 108 retreats. I think you’d love it!! Hope you had a great weekend! :)
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Hey Jane, that’s awesome – I’ve not heard of Wanderlust but we’ll be sure to give you a huge 12 Man welcome to our beautiful city :) Not sure when the event is but depending on schedules, we’d love to meet up with you and Mark if it all works out…so maybe we’ll see you in Seattle!!
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Awesome!!! We will be in touch! Only there for a quick weekend but that would be fun. Looking forward to heading out to your gorgeous city!! Hope you guys had a great weekend!
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Think you might find this article interesting giving your SoulCycle experience:
http://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-stopped-going-to-soulcycle-2015-7
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I read that!! Very interesting, thanks!
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You are welcome. I sort of had sticker shock when they were talking about how much it cost per class. I think I will stick to my biking to yoga. It is free and there is fresh air.
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One yoga retreat, in Costa Rica, and a couple of weekends spent at the local Shambala Center, each one very worth the effort. I haven’t done a running camp since high school, and have always thought that we be great to do now, now that I would actually appreciate it!?
Cycling and yoga have been a big part of my running routine for the past six years. I’m now longer an everyday runner, my knees just won’t tolerate it, but the other activities have had the obvious physical benefits, but also have really opened up my perspective. And, skating skiing… If I had to give up running, skating skiing would be the direct replacement. I’d move further north, and skiing 8 months out of the year!
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