I am a runner.

That’s big for me to say. I call myself a runner now, but running wasn’t always a part of my life.

About nine years ago, a cross-country move, my husband’s new job, and my new law practice put me in a very stress-filled place.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

One day, I laced up my shoes and went for a run. A short run.

In those early days, running five minutes was a challenge, but over time, those five minutes stretched to a mile, then 5, then 10, then more.

Running became my stress relief and my favorite time of day.

It became my place of peace.

Today, I typically run 4 days a week and log 4 to 15 miles per run, depending on the race I am training for.

My husband and I joined an Orangetheory gym last winter to help with strength training. We hit Orangetheory classes twice a week on average.

It’s a lot of running and a lot of strength training that leaves me sore and unbalanced.

Then I found Titanium Yoga.

I had run 4 marathons and 17 half marathons but had never taken a single yoga class. When I heard about Ashley and Titanium Yoga, I was intrigued.

I suffered from the typical runner ailments: achy knees, back pain, hip pain.

At my not-so-young age, I was hesitant to try something new. I thought everyone else would look like they stepped straight out of a Lululemon catalog.

My first phone call to Ashley changed all of that.   

A few weeks ago, I finished the New York City Marathon. It was my first marathon since joining Titanium Yoga.

The training wasn’t easy. 

By incorporating yoga, my body held up much better this time around. I’m five years older than when I ran my first marathon, but the training was far less strenuous on my body this time. I also felt better crossing the finish line and in the days after than with prior races.

Ashley and her staff taught me to listen to my body, make the adjustments I need, and trust myself. I learned to breathe through the discomfort. They also helped me improve my flexibility and balance my body and my mind.

I sleep better.

I’m less sore after a tough run.

I’m happier.

I feel better. 

I can’t say marathon training is easy – or without pain. But I can say Titanium Yoga made a huge difference for me. Yoga practice has become a very necessary part of my training –

And my life.