I started yoga at the beginning of this year after attending one of Jo’s workshops for runners. I call myself a plodder rather than a runner due to speed I go but as long as I keep moving forward I don’t suppose this matters. I heard from running friends how beneficial yoga is and as I planned to do my first marathon this year, decided to give it a go. Previously I had suffered with my hips and SI joint when training for half marathons so needed to do something to release tension in these areas. 
I was a bit nervous before I went the first time and had the thoughts I’m sure most people have like, what if i look silly, what if i fall on somebody and worse of all, what if I fart? I really enjoyed the first workshop and Jo was so friendly, helpful and put everyone at ease. Felt like I had known her for years. 
Couldn’t have picked a better time to start yoga as I was also suffering with anxiety and sleep issues. Jo often quotes things to us at the start or finish of each class and I swear those first few weeks they were directed straight to me. They really helped. 
I had always thought of yoga as a fairly relaxing activity. How wrong could I have been?  Was sweating so much at one session I felt embarassed that I hadn’t brought a towel.
Together with the yoga and starting my training again (had a few months off for various reasons) the anxiety and sleep issues soon reduced. I still have wobbles now and again but on the whole I believe I get a lot-less anxious about things since starting classes at Central Wellness. 
I don’t know where the time has gone this year. I have attended yoga most weeks, twice when possible and as for the hip issues. They have been dramatically reduced. I find some of the positions very challenging but it’s a different type of challenge to running. 
Yoga has helped me on so many ways and have noticed an improvement in my asthma too this year. As a child I couldn’t run 400m without needing my ventolin and if somebody had told me then I would complete a marathon one day, I would have laughed in their face – yes, I did complete it. The hip was fine, just had another injury to contend with which meant I didnt complete it in the time I hoped for which means I’ll have to do another ..... one day!
I was raising money for the Lincoln Asthma Swim Group and Asthma UK. My fundraising page is still open if anyone would like to donate?  https://www.gofundme.com/washymarathon
Jo teaches on a Monday evening and Thursday morning