Hatha Yoga and a burrito bowl

Ok. I think I’ve finally figured it out.

For those of you whom have been reading (thanks for that!) you know that I’ve been struggling with yoga. I have been searching for that burning love that so many share for yoga and I’ve consistently fallen short. Aside from my hot yoga class that Reba took me to for my 30th birthday, I have yet to find a yoga type or class that I really enjoy (Polly’s videos don’t count, by the way.)

I found a Hatha yoga class at my gym (Washington Sports Club Alexandria) and for the past three weeks have been contemplating whether or not I should go. I knew Vinyassa hasn’t been working for me, but I wasn’t sure what Hatha yoga was about. I swear I’d say, “Ok, I’m going to try this Hatha yoga class tomorrow!” And then I’d chicken out and (as per Polly) go for a run instead. This time, however, I was determined to at least give it a shot.

I started out my day with Kabocha pancakes and some coffee, and a quick browse through the newspapers. (Did you guys see the video about the girl who fell on the train tracks a few days ago? It was in Boston. Crazy stuff.) I still read the Boston newspapers even though I’m not there anymore, and I also read my hometown newspaper too (well it was my first job, so I have to keep up with what they’re up to!)

After my breakfast and a quick shower, I headed out to the gym. I was nervous, but excited, as I rolled out my matt and took off my shoes and socks.

“I really hope I make it through this class,” I thought to myself. “I really hope this doesn’t suck.”

Our teacher, McKenna, came over and introduced herself to everyone in the class that she didn’t already know and made sure to get our names as well. “That was cool,” I thought.

The rest of the class was just …. awesome. She was patient, caring, and she made sure we all were happy. We worked on a pose and held it. Now that’s my kind of yoga. We did do some flow, which was OK because it wasn’t confusing and I didn’t feel pressured to keep up. She made sure we were aware that we didn’t need to compete, and I actually focused more on what I was doing than what I looked like. That NEVER happens when I’m in a yoga class. Never. We also spent the last 10 minutes on meditation, which is definitely something I need to do more often.  With waves crashing in the background, she talked to us in a soothing voice telling us to imagine the waves crashing on us, the bubbles exploding their joy on our bodies. Then she walked around and put our towels on us for extra warmth and comfort. I think that just put me over the edge.

I loved this class.

The hour flew by so fast, I was actually disappointed when it was over. 

McKenna, you got me good girl.

My plan was to either walk on the treadmill or use the elliptical after the class, but honestly, I was a little sore and getting hungry, so I came home instead. … which leads me to lunch

Over the summer while working at Harvard, my friend and co-worker Amanda and I went to Chipotle’s for lunch. It was my first time, and since I’m not big into chain Mexican foods, I didn’t think I’d like it. Boy was I wrong.

Since we’ve been here we’ve driven by a few Chipotle’s and I’ve been dying to get my burrito on. Since Dennis has today off for Veteran’s Day, he was on board to try something new. I ordered a vegetarian burrito bowl, which, for those of you who don’t know, is the burrito without the tortilla. Mine contained rice, vegetarian black beans, tomato salsa , corn salsa and guac, which they do not skimp on.

Dennis ordered the hard shelled tacos with chicken.

So.Good.

What a wonderful way to end my morning. And what’s cool is that they have a burrito builder calorie counter on their website, so you can see how many calories each of the toppings are. Mine was 500 calories with 19 grams of fat for the whole thing. I ate about 3/4. Yum.

Now we’re relaxing on this rainy Virginia day, letting our bellies rest from our wonderful lunch.
And don’t worry, McKenna…you will see me again.

Again I’d like to thank all of those whom have put their lives on the line for this country, and those whom are out there fighting for us today. God Bless and support our troops!