by Lauren Anastos
Running and Bikram Yoga
Almost four years ago, while long-distance training, I pulled a hamstring. I continued to run on it and completed a marathon in Charlevoix in June 2013.
I struggled throughout the race due to the pain in my hamstring. Also, despite my training, around mile 14 I had trouble breathing and needed to use an inhaler. At the end of the race, the pain in my hamstring was so bad that I couldn’t bend my knee. I had trouble walking over the next week both due to my leg as well as generalized soreness.
Six weeks after the race, my hamstring still hadn’t healed. I still couldn’t flex my leg despite taking time to rest. I also tried spinning, walking, stretching, and strength training, without any luck. …
That’s when I found Bikram Yoga.
…
Within one week of practicing Bikram Yoga, the pain from my training and racing was 100% gone, and within one month, my mobility was completely restored!
I maintained a regular Bikram Yoga practice from 2013-2015. I felt so good that in July 2015 I started training for the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
I did the same race training as I had in 2013, but this time I made sure I practiced Bikram Yoga 2-3 times per week. The results were amazing!!
I didn’t even feel tired until mile 25, and my breathing was smooth the entire time. When I was done running, I didn’t feel any pain.
I walked two miles after the marathon to catch a cab, and I was fine. The next day, I woke up and was amazed by the quick recovery – I could walk around just fine.
I was back for my yoga practice 3 days after the race, with a smile on my face!