Friday, January 09, 2009

A protesting body

This week I've done something, twice in fact, that I haven't done in a very long time: exercise. I've wanted to exercise and had grand plans but either I didn't have time or found excuses not to find the time.

On Tuesday I went to a new yoga class that I've registered for at our local community centre. I've taken a good amount of yoga over the last several years and never considered it exercise, per se. This class was different. I was aching by the end, in a good way. I broke a sweat. This wasn't even deemed power yoga. It was hatha yoga. I would not want to be in a power yoga class led by her. I would have been crawling out the door. Having said all that, I did enjoy it. It just wasn't what I expected but it will do me good if not give me the relaxing evening I expected.

And then last night I joined two friends on the canal for a skate. Armed with a flask of Bailey's and dressed in three layers on legs and torso, we had a great time and were fully prepared for the minus 20 temperatures.

I really love skating the canal at night. The canal isn't very busy with skaters, I enjoy the quiet of the city at night (and yes, Ottawa is quiet at night. We're a sleepy city), and of course, I like the risk of the cracks you have to navigate with no lights. Okay, that actually is a bit scary for an iffy skater like myself. And I did have one wipe out but no injuries.

I can't wait to do it again, especially now that the canal is open, as of this morning, almost the full length. Welcome, winter!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think the addition of Bailey's to canal skating is brilliant. It's a perfect match!

Karen said...

It was quite civilized I must say.

little b said...

I was wondering if the addition of Bailey's somehow offset the exercise part of it, but I don't think it does. It just offsets the cold part.

Pam said...

Canal skating at nighttime with friends is the best. I must add Bailey's to the mix next time...brilliant idea!

Shan said...

I know exactly how you feel Karen! the Bailey's was a great idea.

Mommy Project said...

Sounds like so much fun. -Wish we had something like that here.

(p.s. I'm thinking of signing up for a "Mommy and Baby" yoga class after Baby K gets here...and I'm allowed to exercise again).

Julie said...

The Bailey's was an great idea. We'll have to make it a ritual. I'd love to do that once a week with you. We can put the kids down and still enjoy some exercise and fresh air. I don't know what I didn't do it last year!