Running & Yoga: Opposites Attract

For years I have found balance through running and yoga. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describe how opposite forces compliment each other. They are interconnected; dependent on each other to form a dynamic system where the whole is greater than all its parts. Just as a shadow cannot exist without light, we cannot exist without both masculine and feminine qualities. Our "yang" qualities that energize us to push, endure, strengthen and overcome are complimented by our "yin" qualities that soften and ground us.

As runners, we strap on our watches, we track our pace, we clock our time. We push through fatigue, and we endure. At the end of our run we feel that we have either succeeded or failed, because as runners we are goal-oriented: we strive to achieve a certain time, pace or mileage. This focus and determination is the reason why men and woman are able to train, run, and finish a marathon, and it is a force to be reckoned with.

As yogi’s, we approach our mat with stillness and awareness. We strive to stay in the moment, focusing on the breath and the subtle movements we make. At the end of our practice we feel light, calm, and sound in mind. As yogi’s we are soul-oriented, focusing on the journey rather than the outcome. Pushing the "re-set" button, stress and anxiety melt away.

Our yin and yang qualities are interdependent: they cannot exist without each other.

What a great reminder for us to love all of our parts, all of our qualities. Instead of getting down on ourselves for the way we feel, we should embrace the mood we are in. Be soft when we are called to be soft, push & endure when we are called to dig deep and find strength. 

On the surface, the runner and the yogi appear to be very different.  In the end, these opposing qualities cultivate the same intention within us: To reach our full potential and to become the very best version of who we are. To achieve balance and live a full, abundant life.

Keep running.. and keep practicing.


Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma

Fitspiration Friday!

It’s Fitspiration Friday! Meet Tara Steuernagel: Rock star runner, yoga devotee, mom and business owner! Tara is one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. She pulls off three runs AND three yoga classes per week.. effortlessly!

TF: What gets you out of bed in the morning and why?

Tara: I get up to see what life has to offer.  To get to see my wonderful son.  To live life & work on myself. Lately I have been refocusing and learning how to balance life for my family, my relationship with my husband,  as well as put some focus on myself.  I wake up excited to work on this and see what this new positive energy will bring myself and my family.

TF: Who and what inspires you? 

Tara: This has been a very long and stressful past few years. Moving from our home town to San Diego, then dealing with some health issues. I’ve met a few people this past year that have really inspired me with all their words of positive thinking and focusing on positive energy. Catherine Mazure, the yoga teacher I take classes with at Re:form Yoga in Carlsbad, has been a huge part of this for me. I am also very thankful for new friends in my life who inspire me every day.

TF: How do you stay motivated to stick with your workouts?

Tara: I get to go to my “happy place”.  I love the high I get from running.  I am a morning runner, because it’s such a great way to start my day.  The days I don't' run, I definitely miss it.
I am an early riser, so I try to get to bed early! My motivation to keep going is just how it makes me feel when I’m finished!

Tara’s Tip: Make time for yourself each day.  Don't let the stress that life can bring take over your life. You matter, you are important, and you need to take care of you too :-)  Focus on the positive and positive will come.


Thanks for sharing with us Tara! Keep inspiring us friends!


About Tammy: With a genuine personality and a playful yet grounded attitude, Tammy Fodrey speaks to the spirit inside each of her students. Tammy uses practical application of yoga postures with strong, engaging messages to encourage her students to break free from self-imposed limitations and create every opportunity to grow and thrive in life and on the mat. As an experienced yoga practitioner and teacher, Tammy’s classes are a mixture of rythmic vinyasa flow and alignment based education of traditional yoga postures. Her classes are characterized as challenging yet gentle, as she inspires her students to stimulate self-awareness, vitality, and connection. Tammy is a dedicated mother, yogi, runner and wellness ambassador whose ultimate goal is to find to grace and ease in a busy, fast-paced world. She offers group classes, facilitates workshops, and teaches private sessions in her community.