January 19, 2015

Updates: Nutcracker, Back to Basics, Friends in Ballet

Back in December and early January, my ballet class was working on choreography for the Spanish dance in the Nutracker, which was really fun. My instructor even brought in fans for the final classes we practiced it in the first few days of January.

Soon after that, we dove back into the basics for the yearly crowd of newcomers as the new year began. Surprisingly, it’s been really tough going through the class relatively slow (tough but good). The first weekend of those classes I made it to three classes in one weekend and was super sore. This weekend I found myself sick and barely made it through two classes.

This weekend I did make it to a pointe class, too, despite being sick. That was tough, especially since my last class in December was really tough and painful (I’m still not sure why).

I’m happy that in this weekend’s class I managed to keep my pointe shoes on for the entire class (and not have switched to flat slippers), but I know there’s still a lot of work left to be done there. I’ve tried to keep up with strengthening exercises everyday at home and trying to make it to every class that I can.

I’ve also had one of my coworkers join me for a class, and I’m looking forward to her joining me for more. I love bringing new people to class.

How’s your first half of January been? Please share updates in the comments–I love reading them! 

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Filed Under: Ballet, Ballet Class Recap Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment
February 18, 2014

The Perks of Not Getting into the Broad Street Run

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When I first saw that people were getting emails on Sunday night saying they had been selected for the Broad Street Run, I began hyper-checking my e-mail (which I frequently do when I’m expecting an important e-mail). I could sense that I hadn’t gotten in. Yesterday morning, although I had no rejection e-mail, I checked the list and knew that HQ and I hadn’t gotten into the lottery.

At first I was upset. It was supposed to be HQ’s Valentine’s Day gift. I’ve always wanted to run the Broad Street Run and I had to give up my bib last year due to injury.  After a little while, I realized it was for the best.

Now, I can take my time with my recovery and not stress out that I have to be ready for ten miles in May. I can schedule a half marathon when I feel ready.  (Plus, it means more time for ballet).

Have you ever been upset by a setback that turned out to be a blessing in disguise? 

 

 

Filed Under: Ballet, Running Tagged With: , , 4 Comments
February 13, 2014

Thursdays are for Thinking Out Loud #1

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It’s been a pretty busy week here. So when I saw that Emily from Fit and Free Emily was participating in Thinking out Loud I knew it’d be a great way for me to get some of my thoughts out, since I’ve been so busy.

1. Ballet is Cancelled for tonight. Dammit, snow.

Once again, Philadelphia is getting pummeled by snow, and I’ll be missing ballet for another week. Somebody try to make me go on Saturday, please.

2. At least I get to participate in an awesome Tweetchat!

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Sincerely Syreeta, a blogger I greatly admire here in Philadelphia, will be holding an awesome chat on her journey from blogging to branding. Go follow @SincerelyReeta for her Twitter Series: My Journey from Blogging to Branding #SSB2B at 8pm tonight!

3. An Awesome Editing Tool

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I’ve always been a big fan of Hemingway’s short, concise sentences. I love this web app that tells you when your sentences are too long, when you’ve included too many adverbs,  and when you’ve used passive voice.

4. Yay for Spring Races

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I’m (almost) officially signed up for two spring races: the Hot Chocolate 5k and the Broad Street Run. HQ and I still have to make it past the lottery phase for BSR, but fingers crossed!

5. Cheap Valentines Day Ideas, Anyone?

Since my gift to HQ was technically the BSR registration (if we get in)–I’m in need of something super cheap and simple, but CUTE. Here’s to being a broke recent grad.

Filed Under: Ballet, Blog Tagged With: , , 2 Comments
April 2, 2013

Sometimes It’s Okay to Give Up + Day 1 of April Stretch Challenge

Sometimes, you just have to know when to stop doing something (No, I’m not quitting ballet).

I’ve decided to drop out of the Broad Street Run (my boyfriend has too). After a long thought process and debating selling our bibs several times (between starting training late because of my shin splints and busy schedules).  After a particularly rough training day at the gym today, we’ve decided to pass on this year’s race.

While I’m a little bit sad about it, I feel like it’s for the best.

I’m not giving up on running, I’ve just decided to take it slower, and not unnecessarily push myself (seeing as how that’s what usually causes injuries). Part of it is so I can focus more on ballet (rather than killing myself trying to do both as I’m trying to come back from my injury). I plan on listening to my body more and stopping when I’m in too much pain (guilty as charged–I run and dance when I really shouldn’t be sometimes).

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yoga (Photo credit: GO INTERACTIVE WELLNESS)

On a brighter note, my Squat and Plank challenge has been going well (Check out the Facebook Group–it’s still not too late to join!) Who ever thought I could hold a minute and fifteen second long plank? Not me, that’s for sure!

I also did day 1 of my April Stretch Challenge (I picked doing yoga to generally increase my flexibility). My mild shin splints feel better and my hips feel awesome.

How are you challenging yourself this April?

Filed Under: 30 Day Stretch Challenge, Ballet, Blog, Info, Outside Class Tagged With: , , , 3 Comments