Showing posts with label endurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label endurance. Show all posts

Thursday, February 19, 2015

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

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Superfood Spotlight: Matcha



Matcha is one of the top must-have superfoods because it is simply amazing! Matcha is a type of green tea that originated in Japan, where it is still used as a traditional daily practice. It isn’t your average cup of green tea though. Matcha is especially rich in chlorophyll since it never goes through heat during processing. It’s made from the same plant as green tea, but is treated in a different way. It has a buttery, slightly earthy, mildly sweet taste that is incredibly soothing.

Matcha is an antioxidant powerhouse, energy booster & stress reducer. It boosts metabolism, detoxifies, increases endurance, improves memory, & aids in lowering cholesterol.

Try this SUPER amazing Superfood smoothie & get to know Matcha if you haven't already!

The Green Matcha Monster:

1 cup spinach
1 tbsp. matcha powder
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped kiwi
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop Nanogreens (green apple flavor)
Ice for blending

Our smoothie is topped with chia & hemp seeds for an added Superfood boost!

Cheers!