Bikram Yoga & the Ride to Conquer Cancer

January 26, 2012 3:38 am
After taking her first Bikram Yoga class in 2007, Jane was “instantly hooked” thanks to the balance – both physically and mentally – it helped her achieve. In terms of training for her upcoming challenge, she says, “Given the repetitiveness of the pedal stroke, there is a lot of tension in the hips. Core [strength] and balance are key in achieving a strong stroke. Bikram Yoga aids in my core and balance work but, most importantly, helps maintain the stretch/strength balance I need for building up my endurance.”
In addition to “training hard on the bike,” Jane’s goal in prepping for the ride, which takes place June 16-17, 2012, is to get in the hot room at least twice weekly. As a full-time student with a part-time job, making the time to practice can be a challenge. As such, she’s “grateful there are 6 a.m. classes at BYV five days a week!”
Jane, who will ride in memory of a close friend, plans to raise a minimum of $3,200 for the BC Cancer Research Foundation (find out how to donate at the end of this post). You can also follow her journey leading up to the ride on her blog – here’s a recent post that speaks directly to how she plans to use Bikram Yoga to train.
Facing the Challenge (by Jane Victoria King)
Doesn’t take long to go back from where you came from when it comes to loosing weight and being fit.
I claim an excuse.
Six months ago I fell off my road bike and fractured my pelvis in two places, along with my clavicle. 
Now I wasn’t at prime but I was heading to being in the best shape of my life.
These things happen for a reason.
So now I’m healed up and geared up to go.
Except for the goal.
Cycling is like having a lover on two wheels. The bike takes you places. You constantly experience a wanderlust of endorphin rushes and feelings of gratitude. Especially after any long ride.
Recently I attended some talks on the epic endurance athletic lifestyle. I shook my head in disbelief with the one comment that seems to have stuck.
The body will follow the mind.
Like no amount of suffering can change that?
Last night I dial in on the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer orientation. I decided after the recent passing of a friend that I would ride in his honour.
The goal is set.
Coincidentally the same day I hear of an elderly family member with a confirmed diagnosis.
So I’m in. But on the conference call it’s revealed that the Challenge Course for which I signed up is 160 km a day, times two.
Start training now. Oh yeah!
Super scared. YES!
Know I’ll have to get a new bike. What if I hold everyone up? Are the dudes that are super fast going to be the ones that ride it? Will I be the only woman?
Can I do this?
Today I decide. Yes. My mind has said yes.
So to start things off I walk into a Bikram Yoga class today to assess the muscles and the mass (body fat).
Mirrors don’t lie. No question the body fat index needs to point down, down, like wayyyyy down …
The class, well it was a sufferfest. The teacher favoured the icon of symbolism for me today.
“Let your mind believe you’re doing the right thing for your body …”
And yes, everything else will follow.
Donate to Jane’s Cause
Donate directly to Jane by visiting www.conquercancer.ca/goto/janevictoriaking. Read her blog for training challenges and daily inspiration: janevictoriaking.blogspot.com.

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