No, I’m not talking about expensive summer holidays, I’m talking yoga. Kids yoga to be precise. 

Friday afternoons have never been so much fun as they have this holiday. A welcome relief from the Mon-Thurs commute, and quite frankly, the highlight of my week, has been the kids yoga classes that I’m running as part of summer camp at St Georges Hill Lawn Tennis Club. We’ve had Royal Baby inspired classes, Yoga Challenge themes, and the most amazing trip around the world, with fun (and sometimes quite silly) music from appropriate countries to accompany the postures and movements.

We’ve had bumpy truck rides, rollercoaster rides, we’ve been elephants, lions, pigeons, penguins, sharks and surfers (warrior II). When Prince George showed up we were soldiers, corgis, storks, horses, deer, hares and, of course, we finished our asana practice with ‘happy baby’, what else…  This has been one of the most rewarding summers for me, seeing the enjoyment and confidence growing in the children, having fun and acting like a kid with them (all adults should try it once in a while, it’s therapeutic!) and then seeing them all relaxing in their meditation at the end of the class. One group asked for more meditation, the completed 15 minutes, this is a big achievement for 5-12 year olds (the range in that particular class) and the fact they asked for more shows that downtime is sometimes what they really need. No stimulation from TV, computers, games consoles, siblings, parents: just some gentle music and a soothing voice to help them focus their mind, so they can relax fully. There is a great deal of emerging evidence that yoga and meditation provides huge health  benefits to children, not only in calming them and managing behaviour and reducing their stress levels, but inspiring them too, building confidence, building strength and courage and most of all, building their self esteem.

I’m actively looking for Weybridge/Walton/Chertsey area venues to run some public kids classes, so watch this space. I can’t wait…

Photo copyright Kanua CLM

There were some loud youngsters on their way to a party when I was on my home on the train last night (about 9.30pm). Choices had to be made. Do I tut and feel cross, but say nothing? Start whinging and moaning, or telling them off? Or just accept that a bunch of kids are up for a fun night out?

I smiled and shook my head when the girl told her friend to turn down the music blaring out of his phone in case it annoyed anyone. Instant brownie points - they thought I was nice because I wasn't tutting. I laughed at them when one boy spilled his vodka and lemonade all over himself, and I offered to take pictures of all 3 of them when they were trying, somewhat unsuccesfully, to do it themselves.

Then they pounced and insisted on photos with me too. They were a fun bunch - having decided not to insert the phone into a place where the sun doesn't shine and rather practise some tolerance, it resulted in a lovely interaction with some kids who were just out having some fun, not harming anyone but themselves. One of my better decisions. They were last seen waving and shouting 'I love you nice lady' at Hersham station.......

p.s. and the young lady kindly emailed me a picture! A great night was had by all, apparently, and no nasty heads the next day.

So, I just went for my first run in ages, just a 15 minute shakedown (after a jolly good warm up, of course). This year was planned to be a really good running year for me, but one thing and another (mostly whiplash) has stopped me in my tracks.

The really encouraging thing this morning is that my heart rate was not that of a really unfit person, the new work I started in London early in July has obviously helped me, as I am now twice daily taking a brisk 25 minute walk from Waterloo to the office (and back), not to mention walking to and from the car to the station at this end. Although it was tiring, a 15 minute run was totally doable and I probably could have continued for twice that if I'd been in the mind to. I don't want to injure myself again, so patience will be key

With the new commute and some intense pc time, as part of the work, I’ve not been keeping up with my fellow Couch to 5Kers and all their blogs – it was lovely to dip in after the run to give an update and to see how some of the people who encouraged me last year are now doing. Plus I got to encourage a few new people, whose running journey is just beginning.

I'm still recommending the NHS C25K programme to all and sundry and was delighted recently to hear that a girl at my hairdressing salon and her bestie are now well on their way to 5K - she's really happy with the pounds she's shedding and how she's feeling. I can't believe it is a whole year since I started the programme. I can still clearly remember thinking that it would be gruelling and near impossible. I can't really remember the tough bits so well now, it's a bit like childbirth, once it's done, you just remember the good bits and see the benefit of what you have now!

So, run 1 week 1 of recovery done. A few more 'shake-down' runs and then I'll start gently adding 5 minutes here and there. I've set myself some new goals:

·         run minimum 3 x weekly from NOW
·         5K in less than 30 minutes by October (I did this once before, but no way could I do it now)
·         10K in less than 1 hour by end November
·         Twilight 5K run (I think in Sept or October) for cancer research
·         Gloanna yoga run (5k plus 45 minutes flow yoga in Battersea park, do join!) September 14

That lot should keep me busy (on top of the 45 mile cycle ride I do in Sept each year and possibly doing the Great River Race again this year, although no training for that one as I will be a passenger only). I'll start doing the park runs too, when I'm back up to nearer 30 minutes. Can't wait for the next run, wooohoooooo!

Photo copyright Kanua CLM