Check Local Yoga Classes

There are so many different options to chose from with classes varying from yin yoga to vinyasa and there is no obvious choice that suits all runners. To be honest there is little difference between the types of classes and consistency is key when starting this type of training so take a taster session at each class and decide which instructor and style you like best. This is important because this is going to be a vital part of your training so needs to be challenging but enjoyable otherwise you simply wont attend.  

Timing Is Important

As much as we have discussed the benefits of taking part in yoga you still need to consider is the timing right for you? Particularly if you are looking ahead to a race you must think about your level of training before committing to a new style of training. For example if you are only a few weeks out from competition and your mileage is high then you should think about undertaking relaxing sessions which focus on recovery and rehabilitation type flexibility. But if you are in the off season or in the early stages of a training program you can take on the more rigorous approaches to yoga as you have time to allow the body to recover.

Don't Expect Miracles

When I recommend yoga to my clients they often come back saying they were awful at it and they hated it. But you need to be humble and remember you are starting something completely new and a lot of the positions aren't exactly natural. So don't go to your first class expecting to be a natural and be able to do the downward facing dog with ease, focus on your own ability and try not to look at the person next to you. You are there to better yourself in running and not become an expert in yoga. Take the challenge and find the determination to be better.

Avoid Getting Injured

Runners tend to be very competitive and have relatively high pain thresholds if they run over long distances. This can actually be a negative when it comes to yoga because you can try too hard. Yoga is designed to improve flexibility and a lot of the poses are designed to push muscles to their limits.

See Also: Beginner's Guide To Yoga

Try and reign in the competitiveness during yoga as there are no competitors its just you vs you. If there is an area you feel is tight talk to your instructor as they can offer you some additional poses or modify the ones they are using to help you avoid getting injured. The last thing you want is a part of your training used to improve performance to actually hamper it.