Why Yoga Became My Secret Weapon as a Runner

I started running 22 years ago during a time when my body felt anything but strong. After experiencing infertility, I was searching for a way to reconnect with my body—to feel useful, powerful, and capable again. Running gave me that. It gave me purpose, confidence, and a deep sense of strength.

But like many runners, my relationship with the sport wasn’t injury-free. Within my first couple of years, I landed in a walking boot with a stress fracture in my foot. Forced time off from running was frustrating and humbling. During that break, a friend kept encouraging me to try yoga with her. I resisted hard. At the time, yoga felt like something “old ladies” did—not exactly cross-training for a runner.

Eventually, I gave in.

My first class was a 90-minute hot yoga class, and I truly thought I might die. I actually passed out in the hot room before class even started. But here’s the surprising part—when I left that room, I felt reborn. The experience reminded me deeply of ceremonies in my Native tradition. It felt like being in a kiva, sweating alongside others who were also struggling, breathing together through something difficult. It was intense, uncomfortable, and somehow…exactly right. I wanted to go back again. And again.

Soon, yoga became part of my routine—four or five times a week, alongside my running. I noticed my body getting stronger and more resilient, especially my breathing. My respiratory capacity improved, and I could feel that strength carrying over into my runs. I became so devoted that I signed up for a nine-week teacher training and became certified to teach hot yoga.

A year later, I opened my own hot yoga studio with a clear mission: get runners on the mat.

What started as a few curious athletes turned into a tight-knit community of yogi-runners—a pack that is still going strong years later. We’re convinced that yoga has been a major reason we’ve stayed largely injury-free. I’m not a scientist or a researcher, but after more than two decades of running, I know this: yoga has been the single most important tool in keeping my body healthy and moving forward. (I’m still PR’ing in my 50’s!)

Personally, I love hot yoga. The heat conditions me for long, humid summer runs here in Alabama and helped me stay mentally steady during last year’s Grandma’s Marathon, which was a little warmer than expected. That said, yoga doesn’t have to be hot to be beneficial. There are so many styles to explore—gentle, restorative practices that slowly open tight tissues, as well as stronger flows that build stability and balance after miles of pounding the pavement.

If you’re a runner curious about yoga, my encouragement is simple: explore. Try different styles. See what complements your training and supports your body where it needs it most.

I hope to see you on the mat—maybe at the Expo, or even after the marathon itself.
Happy running, and happy stretching.