yoga yoga yoga!

It's my lifelong dream and wish to help people understand yoga. It's really not that hard and believe it or not it is so very little about a pose. It's so much about connecting the mind and the body, much like we do in training. It's really no different than swimming biking or running, in those times when your head is just silent, and you are moving from your heart.

What I see very often is this.... and as I articulate this..... see if you can grasp the feeling rather than the words...... someone new comes into class. They are first surprised about the heat. Then the class begins and they think: my butt is in the air.... it is too hot..... what did that teacher say.... what's this Darth Vader type breathing...... oh my GAWD I am sweating...... I don't get this........

That's a lot of mental traffic. That's a lot of resistance. That's a lot of resistance to giving up the control we all like to have over our lives. In the beginning it's normal, it's part of the process.

After a class or two you begin to think less and you begin to move more. You stop comparing yourself to the yoga stud in the room and you stop competing with the woman who is older/younger than you.

You start to notice that the mental hamster wheel that constantly spins in your head begins to slow down and if you are really lucky.... it even stops. Rather than trying to fight through poses, survive poses and even perhaps "win" the pose..... you start to relax into them. You realize that you are good at making things hard. And you are not good at letting things just happen.

Yoga has been around for hundreds of years and while there are several styles, schools, types of yoga.... the essence remains the same. The poses have not changed. It isn't like there are new yoga moves like there are bikes and helmets and swimsuits. That's not a coincidence either. Each asana or pose or series of poses is linked to a part of your mind, dare I say spirit. It awakens, brings to the surface and opens doors within you that you never realized you had closed.

DVD yoga is good, but you don't get the full effect, as you are trying to watch a screen while you are upside down. The teacher isn't there talking you through it or better yet giving you physical assists. Plus at home there is a phone, children, a pet, distractions.

So as you slide through your off-season I encourage you to be open minded and try something different. The first 3 classes are the worst. You are awkward, uncomfortable, uncoordinated. You begin to have feelings of this is not for me.... essentially you have already written the end of the story before it has even begun.

As an athlete my recommendation is the style of yoga that I practice and teach: Baptiste Vinsaysa..... find a studio near you by clicking here. (We do OM in the beginning of our practice, rather than laugh at it, find out the meaning.) I know many of the teachers throughout the country so I can certainly give some input if you need it, especially you Colorado folks! There are lots of other styles from Bikram to Gentle Hatha..... you have do explore and see what fits you.

So this year spread your wings a little bit. Get a little bit muddy, and embrace something new with an open mind. You never know what just might happen if you spread your wings. You just might be able to fly......

playing for her

There is a quote I think by Mia Hamm that says something to the effect of Behind the athlete that you are today, behind the coaches who push you.... is a little girl who fell in love with the game. Today... play for her. As I weathered the storm of 2008.... like so many of us have.... I have been getting to know that little girl again. The one who loves to run and swim and bike and be a little bit reckless with herself and her heart.

As 2009 is just a month away I feel it brimming with possibility and opportunity. This is the year. I can feel it. Throughout the past year and even past few seasons I have tasted disappointment and defeat more than I have tasted victory and success. Lots of things played into that. But for 2009 I have a clean slate.

I feel full of love and abundance. Love for a very wonderful life that is right now filled with laughter. Abundance not in terms of things.... but in terms of people. Our Triathlon team for example. A mix of positivity, possibility, ability and passion. This might be the most passionate group I have coached yet. For the record I say that every year and then every year the passion and the drive go even deeper.

'Round here the Christmas Tunes... (Carrols..... Caroles...... how am I doing professor?) are playing and I don't care if I hear Frost The Snowman eight hundred times. I only get to hear it for ninety days and I will not live in the box of "This is too much Christmas." like I see so many.

This week we will put that Christmas tree up and as Luc is 8 .... we've got the beautiful collection of handmade, homemade ornaments. And that is what a tree should have. I believe a Christmas Tree reflects you.

Growing up my mother had 2 trees. Her tree and ours. Her tree had a theme, ribbons on each branch, lace..... we considered it to be her tree to F**** up. Our tree..... represented our family. Picture ornaments of ourselves in kindergarten. My sister and I always play a game, I always put her picture on the back of the tree, and she will switch mine and hers. This goes on for weeks.

The Eggers' family tree has a little bit of everything, because that's what we are. A little bit of everything. Ornaments get hung wherever because some things in life don't need to have rules. The lights..... whatever we seem to be in the mood for.

What's important is that there is love in the air. There's magic as Luc focuses on the fireplace. There is hope for something bigger than us. There is abundance of family, friends, Christmas Cards arriving.... and this year I am even sending cards..... popcorn of all kinds, candy canes and stockings.

Man I love this time of year. Because whatever we are celebrating, whatever religion we all walk around with a bigger smile, a hop in our step and a lot more love.

Love is what makes the world go around. This year I have been able to unlock it with my full potential. Like opening the trap door and letting it all fall out. As I look at my guys I think..... how lucky I am.

As I hit the bike at early o'clock I will continue to be grateful for the ability, for the passion and for the dream. Sometimes you don't realize what you have until you have it physically threatened.

So that little girl within me that fell in love with this sport 10 years ago? I am on the bike for her this morning.

Giving Thanks

It's funny because if I posted a picture of my hair cut, you would wonder what has changed. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Two inches shorter but when you can still pull on your own hair when you reach your hand up your back, 2 inches isn't noticeable. It's healthier, and I don't know why it took 2 hours to cut, but I got to drink coffee.

I wake up this morning feeling pretty excited, which is odd because I am not spending Thanksgiving with the boys. As strange as that sounds, you have to realize that I am a nurse and even though I work 2 days a week, holidays come with that territory. I usually choose to work Thanksgiving because when the big family descends upon us all at Christmas I don't have to work. Besides after I get my Masters (2 years!) then I won't have to do any more holidays.

I send the boys out to my mother in laws a few hours away. She's in her eighties and she's alone and it is far more important that she have company. Besides I get to spend the day taking care of kids and that's a good Thanksgiving gift. Both to them and to myself. Besides every day is Thanksgiving with these guys.

And then I eat less too. Icing on the cake.

So I awake this morning with a sense of excitement and wonder. My first big race is now in April, which seems so close. I finally finalized my race schedule and I love the feeling of wonder. I've never been to New Orleans. I've never done a 24 hour triathlon. I've never felt so strong about opportunity and possibility as I do right now.

2008 had some good stuff in it, but it also had much heartbreak and just, strange things happen. I learn more form these kinds of seasons than I do from the really good ones. But it's been a bit since I have had a really good one, so I have to admit I am hungry for one.

So it is time to hit the bike here at early o'clock. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Mardi Gras

I have a habit of celebrating things late. My son was 14 days late (42 weeks of preggo=fun). My birthday is always celibrated late. I celebrate Spring Break in May in Panama City Beach and then usually again in the fall.

So why not celebrate Mardi Gras late?

Upon arriving home after a great morning at Masters.... meaning sprint day hurt a lot..... I looked over my schedule and prepared to have a session with my coach. I had been feeling that 3 half Ironman / 70.3 / whatever you want to call them these days..... races weren't enough to get my issues with this distance solved. I want four. I want four good and solid 70.3 performances. I looked at my schedule..... I didn't want one between Gulf Coast and Mussel. I didn't want one in August with the 24 hours of triathlon coming up. I wanted one earlier.

Realizing that Oceanside was filled up (I had my chance.... but the thought of going with Beth, Marit, Jen....... DARN!) I noticed New Orleans 70.3 was still open. Since my husband recently lost his mind in buying us a puppy and then signing up for Ironman Arizona 2009.... I thought it wise to take advantage of his complete insanity by running it by him.

He said sure and I hit submit. And North America Sports is once again a little bit richer.

Of course that meant an email to Kelly B., and then to Sarah. Because when I travel I like to bring friends. We are headed to the French Quarter and I hear that's a pretty neat place to go.

And of course there will be Waffle House.

Between now and then there is much work to be done. But knowing a 70.3 race is looming..... I will be on my trainer with a smile.

Now about that haircut..... it went magnificently. And yes it is true, I got to drink coffee while getting it cut!

I arrived a few minutes early and was escorted to a couch and given that magnificent cup of java. I liked it already at the Spa at the Delmonte. A few minutes after that a giant of a man, who looked more like a football player than a stylist, approached me and introduced himself as Angelo.

He brought me back to the chair and sat me down. The hair assessment began. He marveled at the health of my hair, and I told him I was in the pool 4 times a week. I am so used to people touching hair and gasping..... you must be a swimmer! But apparently my conditioner -in -the- hair-before -the- cap -goes- on- trick has done me wonders.

Angelo said the first thing he wanted to do was preserve the length. I then told him the rules for my hair: I don't care how long as long as I can put it in a ponytail.... I don't care what you do, what instruments you use, or what side you part it on. I told him that he knew what was best and to have fun with me.

He stood back very surprised. "Can all my clients be like you?" What can I say..... I am a dream girl. Just ask my husband.

For over 90 minutes I don't' know what he did. Used a razor, scissors, washed, conditioned, chatted. Then blew it dry. An inch shorter, a bit more lift I am told and voila....... better hair than what I went in with. A little hemp spray (Just wanted to say the word HEMP really) and I was on my way. With an appointment in 6 more weeks.

After i told Angelo that it had been 14 months since my last haircut, he put his scissors down and stood back. "We won't be doing that again." He said.

No sir, not with hands like that!!!!

pampered

I can't believe I am going to say this but I am about to spend a few hours at a spa. The Spa at the DelMonte to be exact. Now here is my confession..... I have not had a hair cut or even a trim since August 5th 2007. Yes that says 2007. I am about to go to hair confessional but I am told I can drink coffee while someone brushes my locks.

Sold!

No big dramatic changes, I know that will be what you wonder the most. A trim, a layer, a brush. Maybe they will even talk me into some product. Product? Product I am told, is the going word for gel mousse and hairspray. All I know is that while on my mat in 100 degrees tonight I do not want get running down my face.

As I am transitioning into becoming a dog owner..... now we don't have Cocoa just yet..... I am very lucky to have some amazing resources. My good friend Downtown Wendy Brown is a Lab expert, she shows hers and she's my mentor through this whole process.

I figured that the first thing we might need is a leash and a collar. Where else would I go to buy these items but my home away from home..... Breathe. Breathe? Yup, yes. They carry a brand called Om My Dog. Being the yogi that I am I thought it appropriate to begin Cocoa's life with the Eggers with good karma, or chi. That meant green and that meant the heart chakra. After all doesn't everything revolve around love?

So what happened to the name Spike????? Well, I caved, folded and crumbled. All the way to the breeder's house I announced over and over and over that this dog's name would be SPIKE. GIRL SPIKE. That would be the only name I allowed my canine to be called.

And then when I picked her up the name Cocoa came out.

It was a horribly embarrassing moment. I don't' often like to show my sensitive side.

So we continue to prepare, we continue to wait, we continue to plug away at the swim bike and run and at the same time relish in the excitement of our new arrival.

SARAH PR'S AT IRONMAN ARIZONA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Train-This athlete Sarah Stanistreet......... in her second Ironman of 2008..... Lake Placid 11:53....... just came across the finish line of Ironman Arizona in 11:12......

a PR! AND 3RD IN HER AGE GROUP!!!!!!

Sarah your whole Ironman Team is rediculously proud of you!!!! WAY TO GO SISTER!!!!!!!!! This is one of those moments as a coach that you just f-ing cry!

you know you are from buffalo when....

I am originally from Orchard Park NY, near Buffalo. Thanks to Facebook (ARGH) I found various groups with old friends from all around the area. I found this group and I kid you not, every single one of these things is TRUE!


I'm from Buffalo. We eat chicken wings, not Buffalo wings.

Jack Kemp is a quarterback, not a politician.

We drink Labatt Blue and love it.

Mighty Taco always has preference over Taco Bell. Pop, not soda and Pepsi, not Coke.

They are sneakers not tennis shoes. It's a sucker, not a lollipop.

Bison chip dip, La Nova Pizzeria, Aunt Rosie's Loganberry, Chevettas Chicken, Peter K's Potato Pancakes and Ted's Hot Dogs are all too familiar...not to forget Taffy's Shakes and Charlie the butcher.

A fake ID is unneccessary, there is always Canada...But we have them anyway. Our bars don't close until 4amm and we DO sell beer in a grocery store (Tops or Wegmans), which always makes for early starts and late nights.

Jim's steak out at 4 in the morning is calling it an early night...

We never cuss, but we swear entirely too much.

We know that a 65 mph speed limit really means 80. We will cut you off, swear, and give you the finger if you are keeping up AND do it all in the snow, while expecting nothing less in return.

Driving in the snow not only comes naturally, it is fun.

We know what Artvoice and Nightlife are and we either love them or try to burn every copy we see.

We start the weekends off right at Thursdays in the square while enjoying beer, free music, and an interesting crowd.

We lived through Wide Right, The Forward Lateral, and No Goal. Dubbed by Dan Marino as "the meanest fans because no-one actually wants to live here..."We all know he wouldn't stand one winter up here.

We love the Bills (no matter what) and accept that it takes 2-4 hours to get home from a game. Nothing closes in 3 feet of snow or -20 windchills...In fact, that's how we prefer to tailgate.

We can correctly pronounce, spell, and identify Chippewa, Scajaquada, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Olean, Tonawanda and Gowanda without hesitation.

When giving direction it's not "take I-90 to Route 33 east" it's " take the 90 to the 33 east"..."the" is not an option.

We are 30 minutes from another country, one of the seven wonders of the world, and even a few beaches. It's the second largest city in New York.I AM FROM BUFFALO, a drinking town with a sports problem, and damn proud!LOVE IT OR HATE IT!

***************************************
-they're not buffalo wings, they're not chicken wings, they're just wings!
-wide right, forward lateral, no goal, nuff said.
-your kid's halloween costume can fit over a snowsuit.
-at least once in your life, you've touched the top of a flagpole without using a ladder.
-you like wings, beef on weck, handmade horseradish, pierogies, golabkis, kapusta, kielbasa, placek, Weber's mustard, St. Joseph's Day bread and twice baked double cheese baked potatoes. -washed down with Genny, Genny Cream, loganberry juice, Vernors, Old Vienna, or Black Rock pop.
-you can correctly pronounce the Scajaqueda expressway.
-you use the word 'the' in front of expressways, the 400, the 90, the 290, etc. -driving is better in the winter, because the potholes are filled in.
-you know what "wind chill factor" and "lake effect snow" mean.
-you celebrate Dyngus Day.
-you go to Niagara Falls for the outlet shopping, not the view.
-you know people who went to school with Ani DiFranco, one of the GooGoo Dolls, chad michael murry and kevyn adams
-you follow a Bills game on TV with the sound off and the radio tuned to the game.
-you've gotten frostbite and sunburn in the same weekend.
-you watch fireworks twice during the first week of July.
-pop is to drink, and soda is to bake with.
-your parents ever threatened to send you to "Father Baker's" if you didn't behave.
-you think of Canada as West, not North.
-the sound system is worth more than the car.
-you know what a firehall wedding is.
-a Bills - Dolphins football game isn't just a game, it's personal.
-You sit in your screened in garage to watch the sabres playoff run
-Foot in the crease from 99 stanley cup
-You know the marineland jingle....by heart.
-You know that Billy Fuccillo is really HUUUUUUGE.
- you've driven during a state of emergency or driving ban
- you've seen lightning and snow in the same storm
- the bars close at 4AM!
-you get made fun of for being from upstate even though you're from Western New York!
-you know who Sal is and you know to "duck" AKA the Erie Canal song we used to sing in elementary school!
-When you have never had a home team win something big and know the world will end when it does!
-When you're in love with the BUFFALO SABRES