NYC #15 // Stretch out with UNDO

  

Yoga. It makes everyone a more loving, compassionate being on earth. After any session, I am always in Slow-Motion. I move, touch, eat, drink more mindfully. If you haven't read my small THANK YOU note to Yoga yet, here it is again:

Every single session is such a healing gift for my body and mind. I've learned how to combine breathing, physical exercise and meditation. This is real quality time. Always, always love yourself first before you go out and spread it. Also, you start recognizing how breathing is so important while doing yoga. You become more mindful and grateful for everyday little things. When you incorporate yoga and meditation in your hectic, crazy schedule, you will see small changes. Small changes with big impact. And the more I do it, the more I love life and feel happier, more grounded, more myself and confident. 

These pictures were taken at the Undo x WithoutWalls Yoga Event held for the launch of their 2nd Issue. After a small meditation intro session with Ben Turshen, Shae led us through a nice yoga flow. Thanks to UndoMagazine who made this happen!

NYC #14 // The Runner's High

 Rookie Run // Madison Square Park

Ever felt like being on a Running High?! 

These pictures were captured two weeks ago when I first signed myself up for the free Nike+ Runs.  

Sunday Morning: Rookie Run, a one miler to shake off some dust, get some basics and then build up your way to maybe-your fastest mile ever. This fun-run is for anyone who wants to start running - get back to it - or just any runner who needs a bit of change. It's great for taking friends, to introduce them to running and to move your body! The result of the Rookie Run? So, so much fun! We turned some non-joggers into run-lovers! Although it ended up being more than one mile, maybe two, my friends enjoyed it. For me, this was an easy one. I loved the sprinting part and was excited to start running again!

Tuesday Night: Home Run. Central Park. You can choose between 3, 5 and 7 miles. It's supposed to be your home run, so choose wisely. Nike Pacers will be there to help you with your paces and distances. Start slow, build up, go faster. Wow, that was a more challenging one for me because I wasn't used to the pace and the up and downs inside the park. The Pacer did a wonderful job by pushing us through, we motivated each other by brainstorming hashtags such as #makeitcount #noexcuses #nevernotrunning #sweatismagic Loved this group run!

  Home Run // Central Park

Thursday Night: Local Run. 4-5 miler through places and spaces you've never been. Explore the city with a local and learn something new about the New York City neighbourhoods! The Local is one of the best sessions: new seeings, good people and always a nice party afterwards. Although it was kind of raining and snowing that night, this was my best run so far, I kept a steady pace, breathing was excellent and hey, we made it through!

 Local Run // Roosevelt Island

Long Run // Uptown

Saturday Morning: Challenge yourself. Go further. Choose between 4, 8 and 12 miles. Wow, crazy huh? For everyone who is training for a race, the Long Run is good practice! This was by far the most challenging run for me. Why? I was running out of fuel, and I was damn! tired. The Pacer sticked to me, made me finish the whole thing although we stopped a few times to check breathing. She didn't give up on me and at the last metres, she kept yelling: Finish strong!!! The body was not used to it, still, I fell in love with every metre!

Sunday Morning: Another Rookie Run! Brought another friend. It was cold, but it was so much fun. We laughed lots! Connect with friends through movement and endorphins again. Motivate each other to come out and run in a group. These moments are priceless! 

As you can see, I was on a total running high and I didn't want to stop! You make new friends, get your butt moving, it's an appointment, so therefore #noexcuses!, and the feeling afterwards? Just A-M-A-ZING! Thanks to everyone, who make this running experience such an incredible one! Ever happen to be in New York? Go explore the running groups and never run by yourself again ;)

 Rookie Run // Nike Running Flatiron

NYC #12 // TCS Marathon // Running Towards Greatness

Wow!!! Congratulations to all 50,000 runners, 10,000 volunteers and the millions who cheered and watched them run this town! This was my first time being at a marathon and watching this happening. I had no expectations. That day, it was freezing cold, there was a harsh wind, but the music, the sun, the people and all the runners warmed us up when we cheered for the founders of Undo Magazine Robin and Vasha, but also for their friends from Black Roses NYC and the Bridgerunners.

It was really exciting to spread out positive vibes and love to everyone who passed by. They were so inspiring, encouraging and I was just like: Wow! These champions accomplished 26.2 miles (42,2km) on Nov, 2nd in the city of dreams. 

Have a look at the emotions yourself!

Robin Arzon

Nai Vasha

So many smiles, so much fun!

And we definitely need more women in sports, 

chasing their dreams and running towards greatness!

NYC #3 // Skate and Art Saturday

Last Saturday was my very first day skating in and around Brooklyn and you cannot imagine, I loved loved loved it!! Being back on my board was tremendously relieving! I am so glad that one of my friends from Germany brought one of my boards here, so I can enjoy the city from a different perspective :) So, thank you again T! ♥

Although my ankle is still kind-of swollen, I really wanted to push through Brooklyn! That day, I met up with a dear friend and we had a lovely brunch together in Bushwick. After that, we talked a lot about dreams and travels, how we only have one life and that we should do what we love. What is the best for you? Not for your boy/girlfriend, your parents, your company.. but you? What is your purpose here and what is the most fun to you? 

Deeper into the conversation, she revealed some hidden artwork she did when she studied Design. I had to take some pictures and was amazed by her potential and her ideas :) Find Sarah Azpeitia on her instagram to get inspired!

After that nice afternoon of skating and exploring a bit of Bushwick, I took the subway home. In that train, a skatergirl approached me and we had a nice little chat, she told me that there's a skateboard artshow that night. It was the 20 year anniversary of Chocolate Skateboards. A skate shop on Bedford Avenue, therefore very close to home. It was really packed and really hot inside, so we only stayed for 10minutes, enough to take these pictures! But actually after that, I had tons of fun skating through my own neighborhood by night! It was exciting for me because it was my first time skating through the streets of New York, now I cannot wait to click on publish and head out.

It's beautiful outside,

you should go play! ;-)