Holy Crap! I wrote a book!

Exactly five months ago today, I got the crazy idea to sign up for a book writing program with Integrative Institute of Nutrition. I'm in the IIN Health Coaching school and I had an idea of what I wanted to write about (flexibility of course) but aside from the vague concept of "how to be more flexible, balanced and resilient" I was starting from nothing... no outline, no title, no budget, not even any book writing experience. But it was November, and we were heading into winter, so I figured the timing was perfect to hunker down and write. 

The writing journey has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. Like many big commitments (a wedding, having a baby or training for your first marathon), at first, I was super excited and enthusiastic with all the possibility and with the feeling of stepping out of my comfort zone. I knew it was time to challenge myself and experience something new. Then, I quickly became overwhelmed, got cold feet and even tried to bail out of the program. All the excuses and fears came into my head like "who am I to write a book", "I don't know what I'm doing" and "what if I'm terrible at this." 

If you're reading the "Flexible Warrior" blog, you're likely someone who is used to stepping out of your comfort zone too... and the thrill that comes with that challenge. And you've likely experienced cold feet too. Whether it's birthing a child, graduating from school or crossing the finish line at your first race, the feeling of "Holy Crap! I did it!" is quite exhilarating, especially after over coming all the obstacles that will no doubt arise during your journey.

But, unlike a race, writing a book is more like having a baby in that the work doesn't really begin until the baby is born. So, I'd like to introduce you to my new book "Find Your Flexible Warrior: Think, Stretch and Eat for Balance and Resilience. I plan on doing some combination yoga, spinning and book signing classes, but in the meantime, if you'd like to pre-order my book, signed copies are available on my Flexible Warrior web site or you can order (unsigned copies) on Amazon.

I wanted to keep my post short today (honestly I just want to get outside after sitting at my desk for 5 months straight!) I'll talk more in future posts about topics that are in the book including nutrition, self-care, balance, willpower, chillpower, anti-inflammatory foods, superfoods, healing with diet, autoimmune and Lyme disease, recovery, stretching techniques and how to create a more resilient, adaptable and balanced mind and body.

Thanks for your support! Let me know how I can support you on your journey to your best self.

Namaste,

Karen Dubs
www.flexiblewarrior.com

Run, Roll and Stretch (self care for a great cause!)

Several years ago I was training for a 10k race and developed plantar fasciitis. If you've ever been sidelined with an injury you know how frustrating it is!

As a yogini I try to listen to my body and the messages it's sending me but in this instance I failed to acknowledge the little twinges and warning signs leading up to the excruciating pain that comes with plantar fascitis. So I ended up not being able to run for a good 4 - 5 months...

And that's when I started adding foam rolling into my stretching and doing self foot massage with tennis balls and a frozen water bottle. I became so hooked, I started teaching foam rolling in my Yoga for Athletes classes, and even in my Spinning and boot camp classes. Everyone looked forward to the "hurts so good" benefits of foam rolling that I even ended up filming a DVD so I could share the joy of foam rolling with even more.

Yes injuries truly stink but I try to be grateful for even the set backs because it's all a learning experience and I believe enduring and recovering from that pain has blessed me with knowledge that I can share with other runners as well as empathy, compassion and a new understanding of self care and how to stay healthier.

I'm sure you already know that the time you spend training is only half the battle. As an athlete, your performance is directly related to staying injury free, the quality on your nutrition plus how well you recover. If you're not putting attention into self care and recovery it will eventually hold you back. 

Here are two short videos with yoga inspired tips on how to heal heel pain and how to incorporate foam rolling with your stretching and recovery. 

On December 6th I'll be teaching a Foam Roll and Stretch charity class at Charm City Run in Timonium. 100% of the donations for the class will go to Back On My Feet in Baltimore, an organization that inspires men who are currently homeless to incorporate running to feel more uplifted, inspired and to create an upward spiral that will positively affect all areas of their life including employment and independent living. This is true flexibility and resilience in action. 

If you can't make the class but want to support the cause and feel the benefits of foam rolling and stretching you can DONATE $15 FOR A DVD at any Charm City Run location. See flyer for details or email me are karen@flexiblewarrior.com

As we head into the winter season, it's a great time to incorporate more cross training with Yoga, Pilates and Foam Rolling! Have a great off season.

Karen Dubs
www.flexiblewarrior.com