F r i d a y M o r n i n g: Yoga + Run

Last night, my crew and I went out on a night navigation. It was super foggy and our night vision was shot. We tried using our spot light to flash the channel markers but the light kept bouncing of the dense air. We put much of our trust in our compus bearings, GPS and radar. It was a challenging two hour night exercise and we were exhausted upon our secure at base.

I went to bed knowing that getting up for my run and yoga would be a challenge. My alarm went off at 0650 and I dismissed it. I slowly woke up around 0730 and managed to leave the base by 0800. I had a great run this morning, including my drills and lifting. After I closed with a gentle yoga session. It was nice to stretch and appreciate my body's strength after a late night on the water.

It is hard to get up and keep a morning routine going, but today I conquered my hesitation. I hope to continue my morning rhythm and believe in my inner strength. I do not think it is important to practice hard every day but to go through the motions that your body will accept. Listening and trusting in my strength always seems to impress my mental thoughts.

This afternoon we did a second workout and my body was filled with energy. Surprise strength. Love it!

yours gingerly,

Cox Schnarr

Long Point Yoga Sessions

I am currently working at my Canadian Coast Guard base on Lake Erie. I have less than six days remaining and over the fourteen days, I have managed to practice yoga each day at the base. You really cannot beat yoga sessions overlooking the water, while you are on station for work!  Mountains, white sandy beaches, and rolling ocean waves are always nice too! We cannot be greedy.

Every morning I get up around 0630 and head out for my four mile run. Upon my return I rehydrate and take my yoga mat out onto the porch. I place it over the evening cobwebs and the morning dew. One of my crew joins me and just follows my flow. The energy sharing is priceless and it helps motivate me while living on a restricted base. We have been able to work through partner exercises and deepen stretches.  The best part is always savasana under the warm yellow sun. Weather has been unexpectedly, perfection on a stick!

Each summer I return to the guard with plans to practice yoga every day but it never seems to happen. This summer the rhythm and my motivation seems to be helping. I love the practice of yoga and it is giving me an excellent balance at work and my refound love for running.

I love to attend group yoga sessions but when work and other scheduled plans get in the way it is important (to me) that I continue to grow my practice and passion.

Enjoy your personal time on the mat. Share insights.

yours gingerly,

Coxswain Schnarr