The heat was on
Looking back over the past couple of days, I am shocked at what I have achieved, but not sure the cost. Yesterday I completed my 130th consecutive day of Bikram Yoga. My goal was to go as many days in a row before I had a good reason to stop- imagining it would be a great job doing work that I loved, paying me what I deserved, with the unfortunate side affect of some long days. Unfortunately things are not always as good as my imagination. The reason came yesterday in class with case of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. How did this come about? Funny story really. On Sunday after class I attended a training session which mostly involved watching others perform five postures. When it was my turn, I was self-conscience and really pushed myself. I engaged my leg muscles like I never have before to make my postures better then I have ever performed them. The next few days my quads were sore; but, that is the sign of progress. I did not let up, continued to do additional exercise beyond class, including but not limited to walking a few miles to the beach, running barefoot on the beach, walking home, and additional posture practice. On top of all the physical activity, it mentally hit me rather hard that my wife officially filed for a divorce on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I got up at 5AM to make it to the 6:30 yoga class because I had other appointments that would not allow me to practice later in the day. Upon waking up, I received a text from a friend asking if we could push back dinner and do an evening yoga class. I was excited and immediately tried to go back to bed for some additional sleep. With this new found room in my day, I decided to treat myself to a massage, completely forgetting what happened the last time I got a massage. Last time I was so tired and could not move. So with this lack of hindsight and foresight, I got to the spa early and took nearly a half hour steam in 120 degrees of humid bliss. I then had a great massage, followed by a decadently hot shower. I walked out of there feeling loose and like I was walking on air. I stopped at home for a quick nap and smoothie before going to yoga. Upon getting up from my nap, I felt a little light headed when I stood up. I start off strong in class, trying to not fall out and just push to the point before I would fall, not past; and, if I did push to hard, I would catch myself and adjust. Further into the standing series, I started to have less energy and mental clarity. Then I started to feel dizzy and was having trouble breathing, so I sat out and focused on breathing. I wanted to do the floor series, but still lacked breath and energy. I laid in savasana and sensed my arms going numb, then my abdominal muscles started to spasm, not sever like the bends, rather a constant twitching took over my stomach. I made it through class, but upon trying to crawl to the door, I just laid down. A friend came to see if I was fine, I sent her to get the teacher. Then I realized this might be worse then I expected. My hands were frozen, I was unable to move them. It was similar for my mouth, it felt like I could barely talk, and my hearing was affected also. I was covered in a cold wet towel to bring my temperature down and administered some coconut water to get my electro lights back to normal. I was then walked to the locker room to cool down further, and by walked I mean I had my arms over two peoples shoulders and with their kind assistance I slowly made my way to the locker room to try and get back to normal. I finally started to regain the ability to move my hands and mustered up the energy to rinse off quickly. Luckily my roommate took the same class with me and was able to drive me home. I slowly climbed up the stairs to my third floor apartment and crashed on the couch. It took to much energy to sit up and drink for awhile. Finally some food, water, and Gatorade was consumed. After additional water was sucked down, I went to bed by about 11PM, only for me to awake parched and with an extreme urge to pee at 2PM. I relieved my bladder and drank some water and ate some cashews for additional energy before going back to bed. I woke up with a headache from continued dehydration. Most of today was spend eating and drinking while not moving much. Finally getting back to normal. I have not taken class today, and missed my opportunities; but, tomorrow is another day.











