Tag: Exercise

Running…to Remember Vlady

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

By Lisa Calice

This is a photo I took while running the Brooksie Way Half Marathon

Thinking back to my childhood, running wasn’t a specific activity, it was a natural state of being. I’d like to think running was for the sheer joy of doing it, and imagine my little girl self taking off just to see how fast my legs could carry me, almost like flying. As I grew older, running took its place in my life as training for my chosen sports. We had to run for basketball, soccer, softball and even volleyball. Whenever training for a new season began, it would be challenging, but after a few weeks of doing it, running always became effortless.

Over the many years of running, I noticed that regular practice seemed to reap amazing benefits, confidence and I could actually feel my legs and my lungs getting stronger as it got easier and I felt faster and lighter. This is one truth that never changed.

Finally, when I was in my 30’s, the day came that I couldn’t run. I tore my ACL and underwent surgery. Life changed and I thought it might be permanent. Even walking was a challenge and on more days than I wish to admit, I wanted to give up. I went to physical therapy twice a week and my kids came with me. My son, Vlady, took a keen interest in my recovery. He held the clipboard while I did my exercises and made sure I completed them. When I was getting “stretched” by the physical therapist, he coached her to touch my heel to my buttocks. As I lay there feeling like my knee would disintegrate, I wanted to quit. Many, many years later, I am grateful for his tenacity. Other patients we ran into each week, called Vlady my “caddy” and asked where they could get one! At home I just wanted to flop onto the sofa and feel sorry for myself. Vlady would set a chair out on the driveway and have me “shoot hoops” with him. He never let me give up and so I never did. I’m forever grateful for his encouragement. Eventually I got back to running a few miles per week, just like I had before I tore my ACL. I was slow and careful not to re-injure myself, but at least I had the ability to run again.

Many years later, my daughter Lina asked me to run the Brooksie Way Half Marathon with her. I had zero training to do such a long race. I used to do the YMCA Lazyman Triathlon each year because it always coincided with my birthday and for me it was the start of a new year. Lina promised to motivate me each week and she did. We had little time to train before the race but somehow we did it. On the morning of the race, she was in a car accident. She told me to run without her. She did try to do the race when she got there, she had lost her socks in the accident so she was not able to finish due to blisters. She gave so much encouragement to me for which I will also be forever grateful. I completed the race without injury or pain in my knee of any kind. From then on her gift to me was that the Brooksie Way became a tradition. It gave me confidence that I could overcome adversity and accomplish my goals. It helped me to not give up.

Running has continued to thread its way through my life.i began to enjoy doing races with either fun themes, good causes, or both. It always gives me a sense of accomplishment when I meet my goals and complete a race. It can help bring awareness to something I believe in. Running also helps me to honor the gifts my children Lina and Vlady gave to me when they encouraged me and stayed at my side during my difficulties. I think of them and thank them each time that I run.

I was not at all surprised to discover that Vlady encouraged others in their goals as well. His good friend Zachary contacted me recently and told me he was doing a 50K at the Traverse City Trail Running Festival in April. He asked me if I wanted to join in or be there to cheer him on because he dedicating his efforts in memory of Vlady. I decided to join him in a 10K. We also have my sister, Anne, doing a 10K in his memory.

Our entire family and all of his friends miss Vlady every day. This April will mark an entire year without him. We are dedicating our training, our miles run in all kinds of weather, and our race day performance on April 23rd, to Vlady’s memory, with gratitude for having had him in our lives and to encourage ourselves and those who are struggling with his loss, to keep going. On many days when I don’t want to run, I feel like he is with me telling me not to give up. My running has given my life a daily purpose. I hope we can also bring some awareness to mental health struggles that many face, and bring attention to some causes I know Vlady would have supported had he been here with us today. For me I’m hoping to recapture some of that childhood feeling of “running for the sheer joy of it.” Please follow my posts and blog entries in the days ahead as I attempt to do just that. I appreciate any and all encouragement on this journey.

You can support our upcoming runs by supporting these causes:

Stop Soldier Suicide this organization helps veterans and active duty military. They provide consistent, safe, confidential care that saves lives. You can read more or donate on this link or on my Facebook fundraiser. You can also join my training team: Team Vlady and help me do 2000 burpees in the month of April!

UCARE, Inc. (Ukrainian Children’s Aid and Relief Effort) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Organization whose focus is the children of Ukraine, primarily those living in orphanages and internaty (government run orphanage-schools). I know that Vlady would have appreciated our support as this was his life before he joined our family. Currently the need is great in Ukraine with the Russian attacks and these kids need our help! You can donate to this cause in memory of Vlady on this website.

If you would like to join us in Traverse City on April 23, here is more information. We welcome participants and we also welcome fans to cheer us on!

Freedom…Remembering the Joy of Walking in My Bare Feet

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

By Lisa Calice

I went on a journey today and like most journeys, it wasn’t about the miles traveled or the destination; it was the memories of the people and places that came before.

On the way home I took an unplanned detour. Why not? After all, I was now alone. While many of my freedoms have been limited lately, today was the Fourth of July, and I felt free. No one knew where I was, or cared; no plans, no invitations, and no expectations. Only my dogs waited at home for me today, and somehow I knew they would understand. My journey continued. I stopped at a place quite familiar to me; a place I had often visited with people I loved. Loved ones who because of circumstance and choice, are no longer with me. I had been longing to return to this place for a while. In part I did this to feel connected with that love and those memories again. And I also wanted to make this place my own.

I began walking the familiar path. My American Flag flip flops probably weren’t the best footwear choice for a trail walk. The river off to my right sparkled and bubbled in the evening sunshine. Drawn to the water, I left the path to climb down the stairway to a winding trail along the river. The memories came flooding back. While the trail was the familiar, it had changed with time.

Being in this place, I felt the presence of my loved ones here. More than mere memories, I felt like little pieces of us had remained here by the river; our words, our laughter, our tears, maybe even a fishing lure. I half expected to hear the sound of a familiar voice, or footsteps behind me.

I was still wearing my flip flops as I walked along the sandy, winding, sloping trail; ducking under branches, climbing over trees. At one point I slipped on the path and slid towards the water. I wasn’t afraid, but that’s the point where I realized my flip flops needed to come off.

How great it felt, finally, to feel my bare feet on the warm, sandy earth! My feet softly gripped the uneven ground, just like they were always meant to do. There was an instant change. More than just memories walked along with me. I was like a child again, filled with the sheer joy of being alive and connected to the nature around me. I was in my element. Dragonflies and other insects buzzed around and led me closer to the river. I came to a point where I could climb down and wade into the water.

The water felt warm and gentle as it swirled and flowed around my feet. It felt soft like silk. I stood there in the water for a long time. It was so peaceful. I continued to plod along the trail, exploring and finding places to climb into the water again and again. My troubles melted away.

Why hadn’t I thought to take my shoes off sooner? Now, in my bare feet, I was transported back in time to a place where I was free. Throughout my childhood, my parents had given me a place to explore freely, and I had embraced it. It was a world where I breathed the fresh air, played in the water, climbed trees and felt the earth between my toes. I lived in my bare feet. Most of the obstacles in this world could be easily surmounted; I simply climbed over them. Love embraces me; surrounded me. I loved the animals, the fish, the birds, and the people in my world. People loved me back. They spoke the truth. I didn’t question whether they truly cared for me. There were no countries, no boundaries, no politics, no fighting (other than some sibling sparring). There was no judging, no drama, no manipulation, no sabotage. I was truly blessed. Love was eternal, unconditional. No one controlled me; they wanted the best for me. As long as I followed some simple and reasonable rules, life was really good.

I felt so alive being barefoot on this winding trail that reminded me of a better time in my life. Remembering it began to fill me with confidence again. The fear of slipping and falling into the river evaporated. My feet were sure and expertly navigated the trail. My feet could breathe again! I could breathe deeply in the fresh air too. This is how I was meant to breathe. I began to feel like myself again and I was filled with peace. I remembered I was someone worthy of being loved. After all, my parents had loved me. Out here in my bare feet, I could finally connect with that love!

As I walked along and waded in the river, the evening was beautiful and perfect. No one could wreck it or make it look ugly. There was no agenda, no threats, no attacks, no criticism. I didn’t mind at all being alone. The love, faith and freedom my parents had given to me, filled me up. I remembered who I was. And who I still am. And I was free!

This river had changed. It wasn’t the same river I had walked along so many times before. Time had passed. The path of the river had changed. I had changed. My recent life experiences were very different from those of my childhood. I had lost people who had chosen to leave me and didn’t love me anymore; and maybe never really did. It hadn’t occurred to me that this was even possible, but it had happened, nonetheless. I now lived in a world where I had to watch my back at all times, could trust very few, and love was anything but a certainty. People have many agendas. The loves I had lost, the experiences we’d shared, were gone for good. The pieces of us whispered in the trees and the water, now only a memory. I had loved as completely as my parents had loved me. I felt my feet on the warm earth and felt like it was time to say goodbye. This loss would always be a part of me, but I decided to leave the memories, the hopes and dreams, along with my tears. I walked away and left them by the river. I watched them float away.

The late evening sunshine glittered on the water. I believed that somewhere out there, exists someone just like me.

As I headed back towards my car, my heart was filled with peace. I really should have taken my shoes off sooner. It’s been such a long time. In my bare feet, I had found myself again. I am loved. I am strong. I am free!

After my hike I walked over to get some ice cream before heading home. Homemade butter pecan ice cream cone, which used to be my mom’s favorite. I sat on a picnic table and ate it, watching some fishermen fish in the steadily flowing river. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit! Here’s to you Mom! Happy Fourth of July! God Bless my parents, my family, my friends, my home and my country. God bless America!

“Never be the person who doesn’t do the wave. Those people die alone.” — Phil Dunphy

“Selflessness is humility. Humility and freedom go hand in hand. Only a humble person can be free.” —-Jeff Wilson

Lisa Calice, E-RYT200, BFA, CDP. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/ Twitter: @lisacyogini Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlisayogini/

Visit ilovepete’s shop, for cool artwork on awesome products! https://www.redbubble.com/people/ilovepete/shop

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Over the River and Through the Woods…Hawk Woods, That Is!

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle
The early morning sun in the colorful leaves of the trees at Hawk Woods Nature Center

It was a beautiful Autumn morning and I was feeling inspired after teaching an early morning yoga class. Rather than driving home to rest, I chose to enjoy the morning sunshine. Also healing from a minor knee injury, I was feeling like mixing it up a bit; a fun nature trail workout amongst the changing Autumn leaves was just what was needed.

On a whim, I chose Hawk Woods. I have lived in the Auburn Hills/Rochester Hills area for half my life, and for some reason I had never been to Hawk Woods until this year. To me it appears as a hidden gem!

On this October Saturday, it was so peaceful and quiet, I was at first reluctant to reveal this hidden treasure! I felt like it belonged to me alone! However, I feel many more people should have an opportunity to enjoy the kind of morning recreation that I discovered at Hawk Woods on this gorgeous Autumn morning!

http://www.auburnhills.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/parks_and_facilities/hawk_woods_nature_center.php

Setting off on one of Hawk Woods nature trails

Excited to have found a fun way to log some walk/run minutes for the “Walktober” Challenge I am currently participating in, I trotted happily along on the well-groomed path, the only sound being the crunching of leaves beneath my feet. Every now and again, the songs of birds, the flutter of wings, the white flash of a rabbit’s tail, broke the morning stillness. Filled with delight, I pressed on, excited to explore these paths further, looking for opportunities to snap a few photos and videos. While I did not see any Bluebirds, I definitely heard them!

This was just the workout I was looking for. The scenery was stunning, particularly in the early morning Autumn light. I was drawn to the phragmites in the marshy area. Crunching along the pathway, I startled a pair of loons in the pond.

My view of the Sun shining through the changing leaves

I explored several trails and each trail was scenic in its own unique way. I enjoyed the trail that wrapped around the pond and was able to capture some photos that reflected the beauty I enjoyed there.

Pond view
Autumn Leaves reflected in the pond

Another discovery I made about my outdoor exercise experience, was that it was very easy to do a longer workout! In no time at all, 45 minutes had passed, and I still had tons of energy and enthusiasm! I wouldn’t have even looked at my watch if I didn’t have somewhere else I had to be in the early afternoon. I found this article about outdoor vs indoor exercise:

https://flipbelt.com/blog/working-out-at-the-gym-vs-outdoors

Being outdoors truly helped my mood. As I enjoyed one view after another, I soon found myself smiling. Here are eleven scientific reasons that being outdoors is beneficial:

http://mentalfloss.com/article/70548/11-scientific-benefits-being-outdoors

Choosing which way to go…trail markers at Hawk Woods Nature Center

If you enjoy the outdoors as much as I do, you can find a trail map (even one that’s downloadable), as well as maps for other Michigan trails, here: https://www.michigantrailmaps.com/member-detail/hawk-woods-nature-center/

If you are new to trail walking/running, this is a nice place to start. The 3 mile trail system is rated as “easy” so you won’t come across anything too challenging. Also, it’s always easy to get back to the beginning of the trail/parking area again. I ended up traveling 2 miles and burning 300 calories, and felt so invigorated and uplifted while doing it! I personally find nature to have a powerful healing affect.

Here is a brief history of Hawk Woods (that I never knew either):

“Hawk Woods dates back to 1837 when the Crawford family arrived in Oakland County the year Michigan became a state and began homesteading a farm deeded to them by President Andrew Jackson. Eventually the area was turned into a nature center by the Pontiac School District, whose students were responsible for building many of the park’s cabins and segments of trails. Unable to support the preserve financially, the Pontiac School District sold the property in 1992 to city of Auburn Hills which took over Hawk Woods at the urging of city councilman E. Dale Fisk.”

MichiganTrailMaps.com

While I did not see any hawks on Hawk Woods trails, I did see a “committee” of Vultures. And no, I am not referring to politicians! What I saw was a real treat! These majestic birds were gathered together, spreading their wings and “sunning” themselves on an old dead tree. I caught some beautiful photos, some even juxtaposed with the waning moon, which really added a dramatic effect to my view of these fascinating birds, before some of them became “camera shy” and flew away. It’s not every day you get to sneak up on one of their gatherings such as I did!

A Committee of Vultures stretching their wings and sunning themselves
Vulture with the Waning Moon

I found some fun facts about Vultures. Did you know they have their own International Vulture Day?

https://www.thespruce.com/fun-facts-about-vultures-385520

One of the joys I discover in outdoor exercise, is stopping to appreciate the little things. Even though it’s a workout for me, I take pause to notice the small wonders all around me, and yes, even to snap a photo! Even though it is October, there are still some beautiful flowers in bloom.

When I finally completed my jogging photo shoot at Hawk Woods, I was quite reluctant to leave! Needless to say, I will return again very soon!

Brilliant Fall Colors
Over the River I Go
The Sun Rising Through the Trees

October

BY ROBERT FROST

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost—
For the grapes’ sake along the wall.

So-Long, Farewell, Hawk Woods! Me and My Shadow shall visit you again soon!

By Lisa Calice

Yogini, Runner, Nature Girl, Suburban Explorer, Dog Lover, Artist, Photographer, Healthy Lifestyle Blogger

I teach Yoga at the Auburn Hills Community Center, and you can find me here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/Twitter: @lisacyogini

Instagram: LisaMarieCalice

Good Morning Sunshine… Stop to Watch the Sunrise

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

How many mornings in my lifetime have I rushed to school or to work, without noticing the beauty surrounding me?

I have a favorite place on the way to the office where I can view the sunrise in all its splendor. I captured this beautiful sunrise on October 1st, which was quite possibly the last warm day of the season. Stopping made me a few minutes late for work, but I knew I would be glad of my choice later on, and would probably end up working late several days this week. Since that morning, I have made up those five minutes, and then some.

For me the sunrise puts my existence back into perspective. It restores my optimism and wonder at the world in which I live, which is brimming with bright possibilities. No one will remember me as the girl who was on time every day or stayed late to help out or to get something done. No employer I have worked for – ever – has appreciated me or compensated me for working extra. They could replace me in a heartbeat and I still would have missed all those sunrises…

Taking the time to appreciate life and live in the present moment, is something we teach in yoga. Take time to breathe, appreciate where you are, even if it’s not a beautiful sunrise. Stop or at least slow down, and feel grateful for this moment. Where are we rushing to anyway? The grave? I mean, what’s the hurry?

People who take the time to appreciate life and connect with the moments and the breaths in between all the rushing around are happier and healthier. This is a really great article that also offers some simple suggestions for ways to implement this in your own life.

https://m.wikihow.com/Stop-and-Smell-the-Roses?amp=1

Take a walk in nature, try a yoga class, watch a sunrise and a sunset. Notice how you feel!

Check back for more mindfulness stories right here on my blog or visit me here:

Lisa Calice Yoga https://www.facebook.com/LisaCaliceYoga/

Twitter: @Lisacyogini

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Or visit me in person at one of my classes in and around Auburn Hills, Mi

The Woes of an Office Job…and What to Do About It – Part 4

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle

I still recall at a previous job, we had an instant message app on our computers. I would be cheerfully working away when out of the blue an instant message would flash across the screen…”Please see me.”

It was from my office manager and the first time I received such a message I bounded enthusiastically into her office. I was pretty naive! It was not a pat on the back and in fact I got chewed out. This was standard procedure in our office. In time, when I saw or heard the words “please see me,” I felt a sense of dread that even made my hands sweat and my heart race. I knew too well that those were the symptoms of the stress response. I was in “fight or flight” mode. The problem is, since I couldn’t run, or fight for that matter, my body had to deal with the surge of stress hormones, and their unpleasant side effects.

Stress is often described as “the silent killer.” It can lead to heart disease, weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression, to name a few.

Some workplace stress is unavoidable. There are deadlines, there can be staff shortages, and other expectations that can cause worry.

Then there are the inevitable pitfalls, the junk food, the candy, donuts and other sugary foods that constantly appear in an office lunch room. All the things I wouldn’t buy at the grocery store, are regularly available! Combining the stress with the sugar and steady supply of caffeine to fuel energy to meet deadlines, can also be a recipe for disaster!

These are some of my stress and sugar survival tactics:

1) Remind myself that I am more than this job. It is what I do, but it doesn’t define me.

2) Know my own limitations. I am not super woman. I need to do my best but I need to rest and restore too.

3) No one can make me feel badly about myself. I work hard and I need to value myself or no one else will.

4) I make one cup of coffee in the morning and take it with me in a medium sized travel mug. I have even down sized from the mug I used to use! I limit myself to that one cup. I drink green tea or herbal tea if I really want more. But mostly I stick to water with a squeeze of lemon.

5) I avoid going into the kitchen area, period. There is always something I don’t need to be eating. I bring plenty of healthy snacks in case I need a pick-me-up.

6) Meditating, yoga, and waking or running really help me release the stress. If I feel the “fight or flight” response coming on, I can go out for a run, or I can focus on calming my breathing or doing a restorative pose.

7) I remind myself that the more I feel like I don’t have time for myself, the more I need it!

This article is a great one for reading more about dealing with the effects of stress at work:

https://greatist.com/happiness/manage-workplace-office-stress/amp

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The Woes of an Office Job…and What to Do About It – Part 3

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle, office exercise ideas, wellness, yoga

I do my best to approach my days in the office with a positive attitude. I walk in, determined to have a fantastic, productive day, but often times my plans are way laid within the first hour. In order to combat the inevitable stress, I have implemented the following strategies, which always seem to help:

1. Drink water upon waking to begin the day hydrated

2. Practice breathing or meditation prior to work – 5 minutes

3. Pack a delicious, healthy lunch the night before, to both save time in the morning and to support my energy levels throughout the day

4. If possible, do some brief stretching or walking prior to work. Between 5-15 minutes

5. Wear my athletic shoes, carry my work shoes in my backpack. Then I KNOW I will exercise

6. Get up and stretch every hour through out work day. Do knee lifts while sitting, leg extensions, arm stretches, etc. The following link has some great suggestions for exercising at your desk:

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2012/11/20/wellness-in-the-workplace-simple-desk-ercises-for-you-and-your-employees/

7. Practice breathing exercise at least once during the work day (Apple Watch and Fitbit both have an app for this)

8. Go for a walk in the park during lunch hour. If inclement weather, walk at the mall or go to Planet Fitness or other gym

9. Drink water at least once per hour though out the day

10. Drink herbal or green tea for a pick me up in the afternoon rather than going for sugary snacks or more coffee or even pop.

11. Bring healthy snacks: banana, apple, popcorn, cucumbers, almonds, etc

12. Leave on time! There’s ALWAYS one more thing to do! The work will be there tomorrow!

13. Be sure to fill up your water bottle for the ride home!

Small things, small changes, make a huge difference over time and can make working in an office less stressful and allow you to stay healthy, happy and flexible!

Thanks for reading!

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The Woes of an Office Job…and What to Do About It – Part 2

by LifeWithLisaYogini, posted in Healthy Lifestyle, Uncategorized

One of the most important ways that I cope with the long hours I spend sitting at the desk at my daily office job, is my lunchtime walks. I realized pretty early on that after sitting all day long, the last thing I wanted or needed to do was to go sit in the lunchroom for lunch.

Our bodies are made to move. I’ve noticed that I can focus and think more clearly when I get up and move. I have a much more positive attitude when I get in a brisk walk midday. Besides the exercise, getting out in the park with the trees and the beautiful scenery, really boosts my mood and relieves stress, particularly on the bad days in the office. I would venture as far as to say that my lunchtime walks have been a real lifesaver for me in more ways than one.

I have included a link below that has a nice article about the reasons you should walk at lunch. It even suggests making it a social event with walking buddies, which I highly recommend, if you can find them! So far I’ve had little success in gaining a lunchtime walking buddy, but that hasn’t stopped me. Even the time alone in the park is peaceful and restorative.

So what do you do when the weather is not so great? I’ve used an umbrella on days with light rain, and it’s actually quite nice. Often times I can manage walks on nice winter days if it’s not too icy. I will sometimes walk in a nearby mall, or go to my local Planet Fitness to walk or jog on the treadmill.

https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2015/04/27/why-you-should-walk-at-lunch/

Be sure to check back for Part 3.

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