Amma's Hug~ Worth The Wait?

It only happens once a year in NYC and lasts just three days. Once you are in, the wait could be over 5 hours to receive the ultimate treat. I'm not talking about the Hermes sample sale, I'm talking about getting a hug from Amma.

Why would I (and several others) wait so long for a hug from anyone? Well, I must admit it was pretty special. Amma has been called a living saint, a guru, a mystic and The Divine Mother. For the last 39 years, Amma has been "embracing the world". She has hugged and comforted over 30 million people. Amma and her growing humanitarian movement, 'Embracing The World', have aided not only her native Indian countrymen but have sent man power, medical and building supplies, money and prayers to such devastated areas as the small towns nearly wiped out by the tsunami in Japan and the earthquake in Haiti, as well as several other communities that have been struck by disaster.

So, the hug....this was my first and I hope not my last. After arriving at the Javits Center, I was given a token-K3. Once my letter/number combination was displayed, it would be my turn to line up. The festivities start at 10am with a Pada Puja (a ceremony involving worshipping the feet of Amma), a procession and then a brief and lovely meditation. I was then able to browse the Indian bizarre selling books, jewelry and clothing and eat some fab Indian cuisine. At 1pm, K3 was finally displayed.
 Minutes later, I was kneeling before Amma. With my arms stretched out on either side of her, she pulled me into her chest, kissed my cheek and then wrapped her arms around me. As she whispered a mantra for me in my ear, I could feel "energy" rise from within her and pass through to me. It was like a mild electrical jolt but filled with unconditional love. Pretty darn amazing. Worth the 4.5 hour wait? Absolutely!

 To read more about Amma, her humanitarian organizations and review her tour schedule, visit www.amma.org

Raising the Barre

I had the pleasure of attending the Well+Good NYC (www.wellandgoodnyc.com) special event Tuesday night highlighting Barre 3 (www.barre3.com), the brain child Sadie Lincoln. The view of the Hudson River from the Baryshnikov Art Center, where the event was held, could not have been more incredible. How would petite Sadie keep me focused and engaged for 60 minutes?

With fab music and encouraging words (that actually were encouraging), I realized that I had been doing some variation of squats for over 20 minutes. My legs burned, my core was engaged and my face was relaxed with a slight hint of a smile.

Oregon based Sadie has designed her classes to incorporate equal parts balance, strength and flexibility. When the burn got too intense or if there were any injuries, Sadie offered plenty of modifications so all could participate.By using her three favorite disciplines~ ballet barre work, yoga and pilates, I left the class feeling like each muscle group (big and small) was tapped into.

When I asked Sadie when she would venture to NYC in a permanent space; she said she was trying to be patient and find the right location and timing. In the meanwhile, enjoy classes at www.barre3.com~no barre needed.

Side note~ Well + Good is a great site to follow and for more fabulous blog ideas~ Bloglovin, <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3815293/la-fille-sportif?claim=wpzv6bwk5hr">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Putting Your Best Foot Forward~ The Running Shoe Analysis

When you tell someone that you are doing a triathlon, it is amazing the amount of "advice" you get. One reoccurring theme has been the importance of the right running shoe and getting a"running shoe analysis"... and I might have to agree.

I spent this past ski season in an air-cast after tearing my Peroneal Tendon. With high arches and the uncanny ability to roll my ankles regardless of the heel height of my Choos, I was supposedly prone to said injury. I was fortunate that we did not have epic snow falls this Winter, but was instead challenged with 3 months of wearing only 2 pairs of boots. I dare you to try this for just one week.

As Spring approached and the threat of bikini season around the corner, I was like any Sportif and was hit with sporadic bouts of energy. I decided to lace up my deliciously cushy, old Nikes and go for a run. Needles to say, I didn't know I was causing potential damage to my recovered ankle because my trainers did not have the right support. A friend shared their experience of getting a "running shoe analysis" and I decided to give it a try. 

There are a few places in NYC that provide this fabulous service. I went to The Running Company (www.therunningcompany.net) at Columbus Circle and recently took M. Sportif to Jack Rabbit Sports (www.jackrabbitsports.com) on 14th Street. We both had a great experience. It was such a simple process: go to the store, tell them if you have any issues (best to stay to the topic of running), have your feet video taped on a treadmill (you go at your speed), try on a few pairs of running shoes that the advisor suggests, get videoed in those and decide which feel best. The beauty is that there is no cost for this service. So, why wouldn't you do it? Go ahead and put your best foot forward.

Trying To Be A Triathlete

Have you ever thought about trying to be a triathlete but then had the running shorts scared right off you?

I thought long and hard about attempting one last summer, the year of my 20's x 2. What a way to show myself that I still had it. I researched everything I could about triathlons until I was thoroughly confused, scared and ultimately defeated before even lacing up my trainers. The triathlon training schedules I found seemed so intense and intimidating~ for true, proper athletes. Maybe it was all too much for a simple Sportif girl like me. My dream of being a triathlete quickly evaporated for Summer 2011 out of fear and laziness.

But not this summer! To pop my triathlon cherry, I wanted to participate in a female only, sprint distance.  There are some fabulous organizations that offer just that: SheROX (www.sheroxtri.com), Iron Girl (www.irongirl.com) and Danskin Triathlon Series (www.danskintriathlon.net). The sprint distance is a mini triathlon consisting of a .25 mile swim, 10 mile bike ride and 3.1 mile run (distances can vary a bit depending on organization).

I spent my childhood in New Jersey and thought it only appropriate to have my first race be SheROX/ Asbury Park, NJ. Race day is Sunday, 26th August. After submitting my registration, I did what all good Sportifs would do...I started searching for the perfect race day outfit...something pink.

With just over 12 weeks to go...let the games begin...