race report: publix savannah women’s half marathon & 5k weekend, day 3

I am an ambassador for the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon & 5K. I have been compensated for my promotion of the event with a complimentary race entry and other event-related amenities. All opinions are my own.

Sunday morning dawned gloriously over the city of Savannah. It was the most perfect spring day: crisp and clear and cool.

My mom planned to visit some of the local churches and cathedrals, while I met up with Anna-Marie and Meghan for one last weekend event: Yoga on the Square, courtesy of New Balance.

I love practicing yoga outdoors, and the thought of unrolling my mat in Ellis Square and getting in my poses made me almost giddy.

Our instructor, Biza, was from Savannah Power Yoga. At first, I was a little nervous, because I wasn’t down for a crazy rigorous workout, but once the the flow began, everything was lovely.

It was kind of interesting having a different instructor with a different style, leading us through a different version of a flow. Everything was familiar, but also different and unexpected.

Even though we were completely and utterly on display, there in the middle of one of the busiest squares, adjacent to City Market, and surrounded by other people I felt 100% comfortable.

And when Biza asked us to try some more difficult poses, like Crow, I put everything into it, and even got my toes up off the ground for a second or two. She seemed to put everything in perspective that day: Just try. It’s ok if you can’t, as long as you try. The worst that happens is you’ll fall on your face, and so you laugh and move on.

She was exactly right.

From time to time, Biza slipped in a  few “power” moves, but they served to just break up the flow a bit.

Towards the end of the hour, she asked us to try some form of inversion. I am pretty opposed to being upside down, so the alternative was to hold a high Dolphin. Dolphin pose is pretty challenging when you have to stay in it, working your shoulders and your core, and Biza wasn’t having any drops on this one. She directed us to get right back up. “Just because you can.” And, again, she was right.

I could.

So I did.

When it was time for Savasana, I was ready. And for the first time in my yoga history, I almost fell asleep. I was so zen and at peace and for the first time ever, I was really able to detach, let go and drift off.

It was beautiful, at peace with the breeze and the sun and the smell of fresh grass.

One of the most fulfilling practices to date.

Before we parted ways, the ladies and I needed one last picture.

I felt like jello on the walk back to the hotel. I was absolutely relaxed, and that’s something that never happens.

I hurried to take a shower and finish packing so that we could check out on time. The hotel was kind enough to allow us to stash our bags in the car and stay parked until 3:00 PM, and we took full advantage.

Before we bid the city farewell, we hit Vinnie Van GoGo’s for pizza.

As always, it was worth the wait.

Until next time! I can’t wait!

Have you ever practiced yoga in the great outdoors?

When you travel, do you ever drop in on yoga studios in new cities?

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A huge thank you to everyone at the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon & 5K for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing weekend. Savannah is a warm and welcoming city, and it was a privilege to play a part in such a great event. I was in love with the overall experience: three days of race-related activities set against a backdrop of history and beauty. It doesn’t get any better!