Back in the Old North State 🙂
Rewinding back to this morning….
I met Crystal and Cara at 9:30 for a little yoga action. My first time trying Bikram and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be hot. I knew there were 26 poses that took 90 minutes to complete. And I had checked them out this morning so I knew what they would be like. But I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not.
90 minutes later….yeah…Bikram and I are not really made to be best friends. I didn’t dislike the class, but I felt like it was missing so much of the parts of hot yoga that I love!! No chatarangas. No flow. None of that “be one with your body” love. No “I’m shaking so hard I don’t know if I can go on” challenge. I didn’t think it was that hard at all! I thought the poses were interrupted and didn’t flow very well, and while I know the series has more to do with digestion and health than fitness (or so my research led me to believe), I just didn’t feel like I got a good workout like I do when I leave Tanner‘s classes. And I missed the rock music of Y2Yoga a lot!
So the class was good, but not great. Think I’m going to keep looking for a studio. Sadly it doesn’t seem that there is a hot vinyasa studio in Cville! TOTAL sadness!
Crystal and Cara were super nice! Thanks for bringing me in ladies 🙂
While I was in yoga, Matt ran 5.26 miles around town. My blister doesn’t hurt anymore, but it’s not that close to being healed! Hoping I can find some good bandaids to help me run again (not sure moleskin will work exactly because I might rip it open or something!)
We raced back to the hotel to shower and pack up before leaving for the KERF brunch. I was quite shaky and starving when we arrived at 12:45 for lunch at BEER RUN.
Only in Charlottesville (or perhaps Asheville) would you find a beer store that also sells local and organic brunch food!
Being a group of 7, we had to wait around for our table for about 20 minutes. I hadn’t planned on partaking in the brews, but when I saw you could get a 10 oz pour and that the rest of the table was ordering one, I decided to join in and got this awesome malty English ale.
Perhaps not the best thing to have on an empty stomach after hot yoga, but it definitely helped tide my hunger!
Loved the reusable napkins!
The brunch menu was eggtastic but lacking in the greens department. But they had some really tasty combos (and used all local eggs and more of that famous Polyface chicken!). They had a sweet potato and peanut butter soup that I really wanted to try but they were ALL OUT! Bummer.
But the pesto grits with poached eggs and a lemon hollandaise did not disappoint! The eggs were SO GOOD and the hollandaise light and fresh and the pesto grits a winning combo. I ate about 75% of them and shared the rest plus most of my taters with Matt.
After much confusion, I also did get a side salad which I gobbled down happily.
And some mediocre bread that I had a bite of passed down to the husband
Matt shared some bites of his corned beef sandwich
We had really, really bad service (waited nearly an hour for our food!?) but really, really great company!!!
Kate, Sarah, me, Cara, Crystal 🙂
After lunch we promptly hit the road [Jack] for our 5 hour drive back to Charlotte.
3 hours in, we just happened to pull off the road in Greensboro and found ourselves at a brew pub for dinner.
Not a few minutes in who shows up but my parents! Totally not unplanned. (Catch that?)
They drove in from Hillsborough to meet us for dinner while we passed through 🙂
What I am to desserts, Matt is to beer. We can’t stand to try every flavor!
So we solved that problem with a huuuuuuge beer sampler to share at the table.
I had a sip of each kind. I have the same “gotta try everything” complex
For dinner Mom and I shared the hummus + pita platter. This hummus was great!! Very chickpea-y and not too oily. I think I had half the mountain!
My main course was a simple veggies salad with lots and lots of hummus on top. It was good, but not fabulous due to the lackluster lettuce. But I loved the crunchy almonds and the dressing was good!
We ended the weekend with a little Creme de Menthe cheesecake.
I had just one bite!
(Ok, ok, I had two of those!)
It was great to see my parents – thanks for dinner mom and dad!
***
I’m blogging on the car ride home. Matt isn’t too happy with me because he’s driven the whole way back and I’ve gotten out of time behind the wheel because “I have to blog.” Well here I am doing it!
The bad news is he was not paying attention and we missed I-85 and ended up in Winston-Salem, adding an extra who-knows-how-long to our trip. Probably 45 minutes to an hour. UGH.
Can’t believe I’m starting a new job in the morning. It’s late. Going to save my workout for the afternoon. Just came home to a house with no heat (it was on hold for the weekend) and ready to climb into bed.
Goodnight!
Gabriela says
I’ve never tried Bikram, but it sounds like a great workout! That brunch looks incredible, too…I love that they serve such delicious food at a beer place! Such a fun idea. That creme de menthe cheesecake is making me drool, too. I don’t know how you stopped at one bite! Good luck in your new job tomorrow 🙂
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
Wow, what a busy weekend…and tomorrow, a new job! Crazy.
Those pesto grits look so creamy. Nom nom nom!
Jules @ eatdrinklivelearn says
Bummer about missing an exit–I hate when that happens! Good luck tomorrow at the new job!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Wow Kath, what a weekend!
That’s awful about th exit.. yikes. Must be super frustrating!
But those pesto grits..OMG. They sound out of this world good!!!
Mary (Food & Fun) says
I’m surprised you didn’t enjoy Bikram. I know that you said you didn’t think it was too hard, but I think it is more about challenging your body every time you go. There are few people who practice a perfect bikram. You take little steps at a time to improve your practice. I find it quite challenging. I suppose it does lack some of the “flow”, but I do love Bikram!!
Brie (The Fit Bride) says
I’m the queen of arch blisters (I can count at least ten blisters on my feet right now and if you think I’m joking there are pics in my blog), and I do NOT recommend moleskin for use on long runs. I use Second Skin blister pads with moleskin for shorter runs, but on longer runs the moleskin actually chafes and blisters my foot even more.
Some people swear by Wright double-layer socks, but I personally don’t like them. If it’s not a serious problem, Body Glide + a good synthetic sock might help (I like Feetures and Balegas).
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Aw, I LOVE Bikram! Maybe give it another try? How fun that you got to meet up with your parents!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
I recommend Nexcare band-aids; they stay on like Krazy Glue (they come off easily though).
That cheesecake looks divine. 😀
Jenn
Run Sarah says
I have yet to try Bikram but I’m not sure I would enjoy it, definitely want to check it out at least once though. That veggie and hummus platter looks delish, perfect appy!
Chloe (Naturally Frugal) says
I feel the opposite about yoga – I love to focus on doing each pose correctly, and then moving into the flows once I warm up. It’s not about challenging my muscles, it’s about challenging myself to go deeper and to look within myself for that strength and serenity I need. Although, I know tons of other people just like you who love a hard core yoga workout – which is what’s so great about the practice – you can make it your own!
Too bad you didn’t enjoy the class, I hope you get to make up for it this week!
M. says
Too bad there aren’t a few other hot yoga studios to try…I suppose if you found a great vinyasa or ashtanga studio it might do the trick (but heated is sooooo cathartic I find!)
I defintely would sample a lot of places in your new town…ya never know what fantastic class may be lurking waitng for you to find it!
Happy yoga hunting once ya move 😉
Lele says
Agh I have a huge container of grits that we inherited from neighbors… now I’m gonna mix them with PESTO!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Oh Kath, you are going to have such a great time living in C-Vile!! I know you are antsy to get out of C-Lotte now but it’ll come so frickin’ fast.
I never knew C-Ville was so splendid!!! I shoulda visited my friends at UVA after all I guess :).
I totally know the hot yoga-oh-my-gawww-I’m-gonna-collapse feeling and love it. I am always disappointed when the yoga sesh isn’t like that when I am trying to get a good workout in. If it’s just a stretch sesh then no need for that.
Darien says
I understand blisters, ma’am! I’m in the military, and they’re pretty much a part of life no matter which uniform we are in. The Band-Aid brand bandages that are made of fabric are fantastic though. They have that little non-sticky pad (in different sizes) so as not to irritate or tear the blisters further, the fabric protects really well, and it stays on no matter how sweaty I get. I even can use them for pinky toes- just wrapping two of the smaller ones perpendicular to one another keeps them on all day, in boots or sneakers. Good luck!
Jil says
All of the food and beer look delicious!!! I have some bandaid brand blister “patches” that have worked wonderfully in the past.
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle says
I miss practicing bikram so much! And Pesto grits= YUMMY! That sounds so awesome!
Jess says
Such exciting adventures Kath! Can’t wait to hear about the new job and futher preparations for your big move!
Colleen says
Try using a large rectangle piece of mole skin and cut an oval in the center where your blister is. Then put a bandaid over the blister to make sure it doesn’t rub or get stuck to your sock. You will be all set for a pain-free run!
Kath says
I read that online – I think the donut method will work for me!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
you guys had quite the whirlwind trip…looks like a lot of fun though! hopefully you can find a good studio in the area…i’m sure you will! 🙂 have a rest of the trip!
Jin says
As a person who practice Bikram a lot, it’s great to hear that you’ve tried it. I’m surprised that you didn’t find it that challenging- most people are quite the opposite! I found that Bikram gets harder and harder as I practice.
You’re right on the fact that it doesn’t flow very well. But at least you gave it a try and now you know! I hope you try it out a couple more times 😀
Good luck with you new job tomorrow!
Rachel D says
I am thrilled that you enjoyed Natty’s! I love that place, actually I ate there yesterday. Their beer is all good and the food is too. And Cheesecakes from Alex’s are one of the best parts of living in Greensboro!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I love that you were open and willing to try out Bikram. I’ve never had the opportunity myself, but being such a passionate yogini, I’d be willing to try out just about any school of yoga. 🙂
Hallie says
I know what you mean about Bikram not being as “zen” as other forms as yoga. I have done it a few times recently and I loved how I feel afterwards, but I wonder if I just need to find a sauna to sweat and a vinyasa class for flow. I TOTALLY think everyone should give it a try though…it’s like nothing I’ve ever done!
Kelsey says
Hi Kath! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and I figured it was about time I left a comment!
I must agree with you on Bikram yoga. Its not that I hated it but there is seriously nothing like stepping into a hot and smelly yoga room and working up a serious sweat! Its surprisingly refreshing and purifying once you’re done!
Erica says
I feel the same way towards Bikram: it’s not that same feel-good, yay world peace kind of yoga. It feels refreshing to do once in a while to mix it up, but when people ask me why I don’t do it more often, I tell them that I don’t feel like I’m doing yoga; I feel like I’m atoning for my sins! It surely is an experience, though.
Kath says
TOTALLY AGREE! LOL>
caronae says
you totally just described my feelings about bikram! Some people are total devotees but I like a good vinyasa class better 🙂
Ashley says
The Bikram series is developed from the 84 classic asanas which basically cover all of Hatha yoga (the physical aspect of yoga). The 84 are considered to cover all of Hatha yoga because you’re reaching each aspect of your body, the Chakras, etc. Bikram chose 26 that he felt would most benefit Westerners who lead a more sedentary lifestyle, do a lot of sitting, etc (which leads to muscle imbalances). The order of the sequences he chose is pretty much derived from the classic order. Bikram isn’t the flow type of yoga that you’re probably more used to, but it definitely is a huge representation of the power/point of yoga. Rule #1 of yoga-Do the postures correctly. How you position each body part totally makes the difference between benefit vs. nothing. Bikram focuses on this whereas most flow classes don’t have the time to teach those new to yoga. And just because you’re not new to yoga and you’ve been doing the poses for some time doesn’t mean you’re doing them correctly. Looking up the poses online doesn’t really do the trick. The only way to learn the postures is to have someone go through each specific pose and take the time to teach you. By repeating the same postures, dialogue, and spending time in each pose (along with occassional individual instruction), students are given the change to practice yoga correctly which is necessary for benefit. Rule #2 of yoga-STRETCH, BREATHE, AND GO DEEPER. Bikram gives you that chance. (Was your head on your knees when you stretched your hamstrings? How were your backbends?) Bikram and Iyengar are the best types of yoga for beginners that correctly teach postures. Once someone is experienced, Ashtanga is a good flow yoga. Yoga and Pilates are both excellent for the body, and don’t give you the same type of workout that something like running does. They must be done 100% correctly to acheive benefit. (True classical Pilates is all about this, and will kick your butt.) And if I had to pick yoga/Pilates vs. running or some repetitive motion cardio workout to maintain health, longevity, an attractive body, Yoga or Pilates would win hands down. I encourage you to reconsider Bikram and yoga altogether, because it’s a huge world of benefit to be explored and you’ve barely opened the door.
Nora@LiveLifeEatRight says
Mint&Chocolate is my favorite way to end any meal!! I like that you posted earlier about healthy choices on vacations. I’m on a week of celebrations and restaurant outings, and I find it hard even being home to keep up healthy eating. Even being home right now, my family skips breakfast, has an early lunch/or no lunch, snacks through the day and a big dinner. I’m so used to 3 square meals and snacks to keep me going, that it is hard being around people who have completely different habits!
Anne says
That cake looked awesome 🙂 I wish I could have some NOW (it’s 7.30 in the morning here) 😀
I hope you have a great day! and if you feel like it, feel free to check out my blog!
http://foodlovingpolarbear.wordpress.com/
You’ve been a big inspiration to me in the blog world and now, after MONTHS of reading yours (and others too) I finally made THE decision and set up my own 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
best of luck on the new job!!!!
Ashley says
Ummmmmmm I WANT your lunch NOW!!! Those eggs look INsane! mmmm What a fun day!! 🙂
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
What a fun looking day!!! Love the pics 🙂
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
Gosh you poor woman! Being starving and shaky then having to wait an hour for your food :s I couldn’t do it! I bet that cheescake for dinner made up for it though, that thing looks soo tasty!! 😀
Good luck on the new job today!
Samantha says
That cheesecake…oh my gosh!
I was happy and sad to see your GSO pics, since that was my hometown for over 20 years.
It’s wonderful following your journey in moving and opening your GH, as well as your continuing education. The tips you give are great and I love trying the meals you toss together!
Frogs and Men@ Paris Food Blog says
i hate how bad service and good food so often go together…..cocky bastards
a bientot
the paris food blague
Thirtyandhealthy says
Aw bless it sounds like you had a tough evening! On a brighter note you really suit that purple cardigan, such a pretty colour 🙂 Hope you managed to get enough sleep before today. I’m looking forward to seeing how you get on.
Rachel @ Suburban Yogini says
Yeah, Bikram is not my thing either…
Hannah says
I’d definitely have had more than two bites of that cheesecake 😛 But cheesecake is my weak spot, whereas I could easily pass up the beer! Can’t wait to see more of Charlottesville in the future – and good luck with the job!
tiffany says
I left a message on your last post, but it doesnt seem to be there. I am GLAD you weren;t turned into a bikram addict. I too prefer the flow and the oneness of other styles.
I am wondering if anyone else that ordered their nut butter from the open sky amazing deal has yet to recieve theirs? I saw someone post previously that is already enjoying and mine still has not arrived…
reeves thompson says
Kath-I have run two marathons–one helpful thing I learned about preventing blisters {and i got A LOT of them} was to coat my feet in vaseline before I put my socks on…it really worked well most of the time-seemed to cut down on the friction. Just thought I would share! If not…band aid brand makes awesome band aids that are waterproof that worked for me. They are called waterblock plus. Hope this helps! Way to go on your running. awesome!!
christie @ honoring health says
I had a feeling you would not like Bikram. I don’t like it either, for different reasons, but none the less. Bikram is very traditional and based on Iyengars hatha prinicples, very alignment based and can be a bit on the rigid side. When I went, the instructors even yelled at us! I don’t practice yoga for the exercise of it, it just doesn’t work for me when I go into it with that mindset but I do prefer flowing classes and the zen feeling you get in a good studio. Good luck finding some yoga you like in C’ville. There are only a couple hot vinyasa classes here in Richmond so we aren’t doing much better. We do have plenty of vinyasa though. I myself don’t believe that the heat is necessary with the right flows but do appreciate a good warm session. Most of the vinyasa classes I have taken in Richmond are around 75* which is plenty when you are kicking sun salutations.
molly b says
I used to always get a blister on my arch and would have to cover it with band aids before each run. Now I use a little bit of body glide on my arch, and I haven’t had a blister or even any pain since. Just a tip!
Nicole, RD says
Everything looks wonderful, especially the beer! I knew my Sunday was missing something! But it’ll have to wait…back to the grind of Monday morning!
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
Looks like you had a fun weekend.
Kelly @ Local Foodie Fight says
Definitely be true to how you feel. If bikram wasn’t for you, it wasn’t for you! I am working on trying a few differnt yoga types (I usually practice bikram but have been meaning to try hot vinyasa since I know i can handle the heat and also kundalini) and then do a review of each in my next health column, so much yoga to try and so little time!
Looks like you had a busy weekend. That creme de menthe dessert looks divine! 🙂
Lee says
When I have a blister that I’m afraid will tear, I put a band-aid on the blister and the moleskin OVER the band-aid. That way the blister itself is only covered by the band-aid padding and not in danger of being yanked open, but the whole kid and caboodle is secure and won’t rub loose. Works ever time!
Kristine says
Wow, everything looks so good! I am kind of surprised you didn’t like Bikram. It is the ONLY yoga I have ever done, and afterwards called it quits with yoga and determined that we aren’t meant to be. Now I want to give a different class a try!
I think it’s cute that you and matt take turns driving. Is that how it was in your families growing up? Growing up, my dad ALWAYS drove on car trips, so that is just kind of what I expect, I guess. Not very equal, huh?
Kath says
My dad always drove too, which is why I rebel when Matt says I have to take a turn. I HATE DRIVING!
Kath says
RE. Bikram: I did think it was hard, but it wasn’t challenging me in the ways that I like to be challenged most. Pushing me to my edge physically and emotionally.
Thanks for all the blister recommendatoins!
rustique says
Sorry about the disappointing class, but pesto grits are a worthy console.
M. says
Kath, any Baron Baptise or Moksha Yoga in C-ville?
Both are hot and include flows….
Kath says
No 🙁
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale says
Nothing’s worse than a bad restaurant salad. How hard is it for places to keep some nice mixed baby greens on hand? Nobody likes iceberg lettuce!
Carolyn says
Hope your new job is going well this morning!!
Mom says
Your dad didn’t ALWAYS drive. On longer trips, he made me take a turn (and then usually complained about how slow I was going.)
Kristilyn (My 29th Year) says
Sounds like a great day! Sorry you didn’t like the Bikram. I haven’t tried it before, but want to. Personally, I use yoga for different things. When I want to take it easy, I’ll do a Hatha or Detox flow, and when I want to work a bit more, I’ll do some power yoga. I’m definitely discovering muscles I haven’t used before!
The eats look great – I think my favourite has to be that hummus! I made the honey curry hummus you posted the other day and it was fabulous. Even the husband loved it. I should look for more unique recipes!
K
Carrie @ Love Healthy Living says
I usually can’t sleep in the car and one of the times I actually did, my husband missed the freeway exit and we ended up somewhere completely out of our way. Learned my lesson there!
Your parents are so cute, by the way.
JessicaE says
my Husband prefers to drive. Very, very rarely if its super early he will take up my offer to take the wheel. But like you, Kath, I don’t love driving all that much and feel he is a better driver than I am. I’m SO GLAD he prefers to take over the wheel 🙂
Sarah P says
Argh, blisters.
I developed a blister on my heel when I was hiking in England for an English course I took in college. We hiked every day for a month, so I couldn’t really take much of a rest.
Anyway, my professor was a runner and had developed a blister as a college athlete that had developed gangrene. He knew all sorts of tricks.
The one thing that did actually help was lanolin, super easy to find in England, a little harder here. It soothes and also eliminates friction between the blister and sock and/or shoe.
The easiest way to find it in the U.S. is to ask for Lansinoh at the grocery store or pharmacy. Breastfeeding mothers use it to ease discomfort. It’s basically a brand name for lanolin.
Once it starts to heal, the skin is super thin and can easily be irritated again. Keep using the lanolin. When the skin is a little tougher, start using a blister cushion (Band-Aid makes one; they are near the bandages and come about 6 to a box).
Good luck!
Tara @ Geek Baker says
Hey Kath,
My two cents on Bikram: So much of your experience depends on the specific studio and the specific instructor. I really dislike ‘regular’ yoga. My mind wanders too easily in it. I go to a very strict Bikram studio where all the bikram rules are enforced and the instructors are very strict and hands-on. (In a good way….not a class goes by where I am not singled out by the instructor to push myself to get into the pose better….almost everyone is singled out for either good poses or ways they can improve. It keeps us on our toes.) The combination of the heat and humidity with the very watchful instructors force me to focus the entire time. But this can vary wildly from studio to studio depending on how they decide to follow the bikram rules.
To each their own, though!
Bummer on the blister! Hope you’re soon out running again!
Kath says
That’s kind of how my vinyasa class is!
Tara @ Geek Baker says
good! I’ve never tried vinyasa but I always thought that if I move to a place without Bikram I would switch to that!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
I’ve tried both Bikram and just Hot Yoga and much prefer the movement of hot yoga too.
lisa says
Oh, Kathy, sorry to hear Bikram didn’t work out for ya! You know, all Bikram studios are different because I can guarantee you’d be shaking and sweating at the Seattle Fremont Studio! 🙂 Oh wellz! I’m glad you tried!
Sam says
Next time you are in Cville try Brassier Montiel & Coffee House off of Commonwealth Avenue. The service is great & the food is amazing. I have not been a fan of Beer Run since right after they opened. The food takes forever, the service sucks & I think it is overpriced.
Whitney says
I have never been to place where they have beer samplers but I want to soooo bad. Is there a way you find them or at they at most brewerys?
Kath says
Most microbreweries will have them!
Sarah says
I’m not a big fan of Bikram either. It is the only hot yoga I have tried, so I need to go back and try a vinyasa or hatha class in the heat 🙂
Rachel in NC says
Natty Greene’s!! My husband and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner there – there is a beautiful loft on the third floor that overlooks downtown Greensboro.
And the interstates in Greensboro are nuts now, I’m not surprised at all that you got turned around!
Yasmin @ Pretty Little Steps says
Ohhh you make me want to go back to my undergrad years!
Next time you’re on the downtown mall, try Himalayan Fusion. Oh, and Take It Away on the corner! The freshest sandwiches! My brother used to have me bring one to him everytime I went home (I live 2 hours north).
Also, check out the yoga classes at ACC. All the classes are included in your membership, which can be a bit pricey, BUT it’s a really wonderful facility (2 actually). I liked their yoga classes, especially the ones that John used to teach. Dunno if he’s still there, but if so, give it a try!
Yasmin @ Pretty Little Steps says
One more: there is an international supermarket on… I’m drawing a blank on the street, but it’s basically across the shopping center with Zazu’s & Arch’s. Surprisngly, the market has really fresh and delicious paninis and sandwiches (ask them to make one, not the premade ones). And pretty cheap.
Haha, I’m excited to live through you (;