Centered Athlete

Weekly News & Updates for June 27, 2011 | 2011-06-27

Workshops

Yoga 1.0 for Endurance Athletes (2-part workshop)
Brossard, QC
Thursday evenings, July 7th and 14th, 2011 from 8:00 to 9:15 pm
Registration deadline is Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

NOTE: This session will be offered once per month and will be a prerequisite for participation in all future TCA classes and workshops for runners, cyclists, and triathletes. Some individuals who have participated in a series of previous TCA group class sessions, workshops, or personal yoga coaching will be exempt.

In addition to exploring the fundamental elements of yoga and how they relate to conditioning, performance, and recovery, we will also address:

- What is yoga for Endurance Athletes?
- How yoga gives endurance athletes an edge.
- How to incorporate yoga conditioning throughout the year for optimal health.
- Specific breathing techniques for more effective training and racing.
- Standing postures that focus on creating stability, alignment, and balance in the feet and legs.
- Key postures for recovery of the legs and lower back.

For more information or to register on-line, click here: Yoga 1.0 for Endurance Athletes


Coming in July 2011:    Recovery Workshop Series, Deep Relief for Hamstrings and Hip Flexors (2-hour workshop)
Montreal, QC    Brossard, QC
Prerequisite: Completion of Yoga Basics for Endurance Athletes or participation in a series of previous TCA programs.

Collaboration with one of Canada's finest yoga studios: United Yoga Montreal | 2011-06-13

In the future, Montreal workshops will be held at United Yoga Montreal. Located in the heart of downtown, United Yoga is one of Canada's best-equipped yoga studios and offers daily classes for beginners, intermediate students, as well as programs for advanced students and yoga teachers. It is also Montreal's home to Hart Lazer, one of Canada's senior yoga teachers, who offers workshops, master classes, yoga teacher training, and training in yoga therapeutics.

Weekly News & Updates for June 13, 2011 | 2011-06-12

News

New initiative in collaboration with Right To Play: Centered Athletes Helping Kids
sport : a catalyst for development and peace

Join the team of Centered Athletes Helping Kids so that together we can raise $5000 by the end of the year. You can participate in one of several ways:

1. Join the team and dedicate your 2011 races toward the cause of using sport as a catalyst for development and peace.
2. Register for any TCA group class or workshop and 10% of your fee will be donated. $100 has already been donated since May.
3. Donate directly to the cause by sponsoring an athlete.
   

To join the team or to sponsor an athlete, visit the Right To Play Centered Athletes Helping Kids website at:
http://righttoplay.akaraisin.com/RacingForRightToPlay/4a50c31c791f42db96f41e9d13ec751c


Greener marketing initiative using SPARQCode technology (www.sparq.it)
In an effort to further reduce the use of paper for marketing and promotional purposes, The Centered Athlete has obtained several SPARQCodes to help direct people to the TCA website, Facebook page, Twitter account, and the latest events.
Download a free reader at www.sparq.it and enable the camera on your smart phone to access a wide variety of media and information. Some of the magazines using this technology include Triathlete, ROAD, and many others.

Future collaboration with United Yoga Montreal (www.unitedyogamontreal.com)
In the future, Montreal workshops will be held at United Yoga Montreal. Located in the heart of downtown, United Yoga is one of Canada's best-equipped yoga studios and offers daily classes for beginners, intermediate students, as well as programs for advanced students and yoga teachers. It is also Montreal's home to Hart Lazer, one of Canada's senior yoga teachers, who offers workshops, master classes, yoga teacher training, and training in yoga therapeutics.


Workshops

Coming in July 2011:    Yoga Basics for Endurance Athletes (3-hour workshop)
Montreal, QC    Brossard, QC    Ottawa, ON
NOTE: This session will be offered once per month and will be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to attend any future group classes and workshops. Some individuals who have participated in a series of previous TCA group class sessions, workshops, or personal yoga coaching will be exempt.

Coming in July 2011:    Recovery Workshop Series, Deep Relief for Hamstrings and Hip Flexors (2-hour workshop)
Montreal, QC    Brossard, QC
Prerequisite: Completion of Yoga Basics for Endurance Athletes or participation in a series of previous TCA programs.

Featured Sports Health Professional: Dr. Normand Voisard, DC | 2011-05-30

Dr. Normand Voisard, chiropraticien, est gradué du Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College de Toronto en 1991. Il pratique toujours dans sa clinique de St-Lambert et ce depuis maintenant 17 ans.

Son approche chiropratique implique donc le traitement des blessures sportive et de troubles neuro-vertébrale variés. Au fils des ans, Dr Voisard a développé un intérêt particulier dans les traitements des lésions reliées au mouvement répétitif.

Clinique Chiropratique Normand Voisard

Weekly News & Updates for May 30, 2011 | 2011-05-30

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Burlington Marathon and the Ottawa Race Weekend events. Great effort from those of you who did PB's! Well done everyone.

Workshops

Relax to Recover (Post-race recovery for Ottawa and Burlington Marathon runners)
Studio Yoga Source in Brossard, QC
June 4th, 2011 2:00-4:00 pm
(NOTE: Today is the last day for early registration at $40 -- $50 until June 2nd deadline -- $60 at the door if space is available)
Register on-line at: http://www.centeredathlete.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=2_18&products_id=121

Links

Sports Health Professional

Normand Voisard, DC (St-Lambert, QC)
http://www.centeredathlete.com/images/attachments/2010_08_shp_nv.pdf

Weekly News & Updates for May 23, 2011 | 2011-05-23

Resources

Library:

FEATURED POSTURE:    Chair-assisted hip flexor release
A safe and effective way to release an area of chronic tightness in endurance athletes.
http://www.centeredathlete.com/images/attachments/chair_series_hipflexors.pdf


Workshops

Ottawa Race Weekend “Get Race-Ready”
Ottawa, ON
Location: Ashtanga Ottawa, 200 Bank Street
May 28th, 2011 1:30-3:30 pm
(NOTE: Today is the last day for early registration at $40 -- $50 until May 26th deadline -- $60 at the door if space is available)
Register on-line at: http://www.centeredathlete.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=2_18&products_id=122

Relax to Recover (Post-race recovery for Ottawa and Burlington Marathon runners)
Studio Yoga Source in Brossard, QC
June 4th, 2011 2:00-4:00 pm
($40 until May 30th -- $50 until June 2nd deadline -- $60 at the door if space is available)
Register on-line at: http://www.centeredathlete.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=2_18&products_id=121


News

The Centered Athlete will be leading Yoga for Runners at the annual Craftsbury Masters Running Camp from July 17-23, 2011
It was confirmed late last week by Lynn Jennings (Craftsbury running program director and Olympic bronze medalist) that TCA will be leading the Yoga for Runners instruction throughout the Masters week.
Craftsbury website: http://www.craftsbury.com/running/camps/home.htm


Links added this week

Blogs:

Sage Rountree – Yoga For Athletes
website: http://www.sagerountree.com/blog.php

Endurance Sports Retailer:

Sports4 (Ottawa, ON)
Jean Blain, Store Manager
149 Bank Street (between Slater and Laurier)
Very knowledgeable staff and an excellent choice of road and trail running shoes.
website: http://www.sports4.ca/

Yoga Studios & Teachers:

Sage Rountree (Internationally recognized authority in yoga for athletes)
website: http://www.sagerountree.com

Yoga Retailers:

lululemon athletica
Montreal, QC (Ste Catherine)
http://www.lululemon.com/montreal/stecatherine

Ottawa, ON (Rideau Centre)
http://www.lululemon.com/ottawa/rideaucentre

Ottawa, ON (Westboro)
http://www.lululemon.com/ottawa/westboro

Centered Athlete Profile - Wendy Reyes, Runner | 2011-05-09

Having completed two full marathons, including the 2010 Ottawa Marathon and the 2011 Boston Marathon is impressive enough. But for Wendy, being on the move is the all about being the best that she can be for her family. Read her full story.

Centered Athlete Profile - Eric Vanasse, Runner | 2011-05-02

Eric started running – seriously, 10 months prior to the 2010 Ottawa Marathon. With a time of 3:29:12 at the 2010 Ottawa Marathon, he qualified for the 2011 Boston Marathon. And along with this new goal came the responsibility of trying to maintain balance in his already demanding schedule that included business, family, training, and his artistic passions. Read his story.

Éric a commencé à courir de façon sérieuse 10 mois avant le marathon d'Ottawa, en 2010. Grâce à son temps de 3 h 29 min 12 s au marathon d'Ottawa en 2010, il s'est qualifié pour le marathon de Boston 2011. En plus de ce nouvel objectif, il devait essayer de garder un certain équilibre entre son entreprise, sa famille, son entraînement et ses passions artistiques en dépit d’un horaire déjà très chargé. Lisez son histoire.

Donations to Right To Play | 2011-04-18

Because of the important role sport and physical activity play in our lives, The Centered Athlete will be donating 10% of all future registration fees associated with group classes and workshops to Right To Play. We are proud to endorse and support Right To Play and the work they do.

Right To Play improves health, teaches basic life skills and helps children and youth to develop skills to resolve conflict peacefully in some of the most disadvantaged areas in the world.

Mission
To improve the lives of children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health and peace.

Vision
To create a healthier and safer world through the power of sport and play.

NEW workshops for 2011 | 2011-04-18

As the 2011 season rolls in with marathon events, The Centered Athlete is introducing 2 new workshops for runners and triathletes. The first workshop will take place on April 30th and the second will follow on May 7th. For more information, click on the following link:

NEW workshops for 2011

Benefits of Yoga, by David Fishman | 2010-12-29

Benefits of Yoga

by David Fishman

Ask anyone who practices yoga why and you’ll get a variety of answers. “It makes my day go better.” “It quiets my mind.” “It keeps me healthy.” “Everything flows better afterward.” “My back pain and stiffness are gone.” And “it just plain feels good.”

Yoga can be practiced anywhere, anytime—day or night, summer or winter. You don’t need a health club membership, a personal trainer or any particular equipment. One workout and you’re on your way to developing greater strength, flexibility, vitality and energy—as well as deeper relaxation. 

No matter what your age or level of fitness, the benefits of yoga are available to you. I like to think of yoga as a complete reconditioning process. On a physical level, it helps us to develop a fit and agile body, while training us to breathe more efficiently. And on a mental level, yoga’s focusing and relaxation qualities can not only prevent heart disease and strengthen the immune system, but they can also reduce stress by virtue of their effect on the physiological reactions triggered by stress--blood pressure, respiratory and heart rate, perspiration and muscle tension. And by moving each joint in the body through its full range of motion, yoga is even said to be able to reverse the aging process.

Yet even more impressive than its usefulness in health maintenance and injury rehabilitation is yoga’s contribution to competitive and recreational athletes seeking ever higher levels of performance. While increased range of motion and respiratory efficiency enable the athlete to train harder and more effectively, the ability to concentrate and to shut out noise and other distractions contributes to the total integration of body and mind—often enabling the athlete to enter “the zone” nearly at will.

No wonder we see so many runners, hikers, cyclists, dancers, skiers, swimmers, tennis and golf players, and the like in yoga classes. So isn’t it time to ask yourself what yoga can do for you?

Source: Mountain Yoga

Centered Athlete Profile - Mike Patenaude, Runner | 2010-08-23

If there is such a thing as a natural runner, Mike fits the profile. He started running in late 2007 but then kicked it into high gear in 2008. Read his story and follow him on his Travelling Runners blog where he shares his passion for running.

Article in August issue of Yoga Journal: Yoga gives athletes winning strategies | 2010-08-16

In the August 2010 issue of Yoga Journal magazine, Karen Macklin's article titled, "Yoga gives athletes winning strategies", presents information from a panel of experts about how endurance sports impact the body and how Yoga (through breath and mindful movement) can help counteract the imbalances that are created through repetitive movements.

Detailed descriptions and clear illustrations will help athletes learn more about how to improve performance, prevent injuries, and bring greater enjoyment to their active lifestyles.

Centered Athlete highlighted in August 2010 issue of Yoga Journal | 2010-08-09

In the August 2010 issue of Yoga Journal magazine, senior editor Charity Ferreira provides an insightful article titled “Joy Riding” in which she draws the parallel between cycling and yoga. Her message offers us a renewed perspective on yoga while inspiring us to perhaps put the 120-mile ride along Highway-1 of California’s coastline onto our ‘must-ride’ list.

On page 20, The Centered Athlete is also presented as an option for athletes who want to make the connection between yoga and sports.

Visit Yoga Journal on-line at: http://www.yogajournal.com

Become a member of The Centered Athlete in 1 easy step | 2010-08-05

To create an new account and become a member of The Centered Athlete, just click HERE. It's simple, free, and within a couple of minutes you'll have access to the full range of resources and benefits.

The Centered Athlete on Facebook | 2010-08-02

You're invited to connect with The Centered Athlete on Facebook. New classes, workshops, articles, and events will also be announced on Facebook in the future.

Check out the article: 10K Training Tips from the Nike Oregon Project | 2010-05-05

Thanks to Gripped Publishing Inc. Editorial Director, David Chaundy-Smart, you're invited to read the article in Canadian Running magazine titled "10k Training Tips from the Nike Oregon Project".

Visit the Canadian Running website at: http://runningmagazine.ca

Yoga Journal article "Yoga of Champions" | 2010-03-29

Thanks to Yoga Journal, check out the article titled Yoga of Champions in which 3 Olympic female athletes are interviewed, including Chandra Crawford of the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team.

Visit Yoga Journal on-line at: http://www.yogajournal.com

New blogsite links on The Centered Athlete | 2010-03-21

If you've ever participated in The Centered Athlete group yoga classes or workshops and you have a blog that is relevant to the running/cycling/triathlon community, you are welcome to share it with a wider audience by submitting your blogsite link to info@centeredathlete.com

We can all learn from one another!

New Library section called "Centered Performance" | 2010-03-15

Check out the new addition to the Library called Centered Performance. This section contains a collection of articles and information that will help you develop greater mind-body awareness and balance.