life is my anti drug

My friend Austin and I made the brave decision to take on the challenge of Tough Mudder on a whim. Known as “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet,” the 10-12 mile race is featured all around the world, testing a person’s physical, emotional, and predominately mental strength.  

Immediately, our adrenaline took over, bringing Austin to start intensive training, and myself to restart the Insanity workout program (see this blog post by my boyfriend, Zachary). We’re pumped, constantly looking for team uniforms, new strength building exercises, and most importantly, sources of inspiration.

Last night, I found mine.

Aaron Cantor is a 33 year old badass, to put it bluntly.  A yoga instructor at Back Bay Yoga Studio, Aaron is known for his not-so-typical teachings, incorporating what he calls “primal practice” into his sequences. He’s famous for drastically helping and improving his students’ handstand practices, as he constantly integrates intelligence and awareness into his rather bizarre classes.  

On a typical Wednesday night, Austin, Zachary and I walked into BBY expecting to take a quiet, Vinyasa Flow class with Ame Wren, but were surprised with the smiling, scruffy face of Aaron.  After the class, which was full of long holds, interesting choices of vocabulary, ancient Tibetan exercises, and a standing savasana, I was so “zenned” out I could barely stand.  Aaron’s class took my mind (and everyone’s breath) away.  I was stunned at how amazing I felt.

Knowing that Aaron was a Tough Mudder participant, Austin and I decided to approach him to ask for tips for our upcoming race.  I then learned that not only was he a Mudder, but Aaron Cantor came in second place in the 2011 New England Mudder, finishing the hardcore, British Special Forces-designed race at the top.  And to make him even more impressive, Aaron competed in the World’s Toughest Mudder (the 24-hour version reserved for only the most rugged individuals).  

I practically dropped to the floor. 

It seems like it would be impossible for me to find better inspiration.  A yogi who concentrates on smart sequencing and body awareness finishes in the front of the stampede.  I’ve never looked more positively towards such an intense endeavor ahead of me, and I have Aaron partly to thank.