“It all begins on the mat.”

I came to yoga seeking stillness. Years later, I found myself at the start line of a marathon — a space defined by motion. At first glance, yoga and running seem like opposites, but for me, they’ve become deeply connected paths of self-inquiry, discipline, and growth.

🧘♀️ Yoga as My Base

Yoga taught me how to move with awareness — how to breathe through challenge, listen to my body, and align from the inside out. As an Iyengar teacher, I value structure, precision, and presence in movement. That’s why I’m intentional about the tools I use.

I practice on Zenvibes Yoga Mats and blocks — beautifully made, eco-conscious, and designed for grip, support, and strength-building. Whether flowing through a sequence or drilling handstands, my mat is my foundation.

🏃♀️ Breath That Carries Me

The same breath I use in Trikonasana carried me through my first marathon. Yoga trained my mind to stay steady and my breath to guide me — especially when the doubt crept in around kilometer 36. Running became another way to practice being present.

🌀 Recovery Is Practice

Yoga became my recovery ritual: Viparita Karani, twists, and slow, breath-led movement. It helped me not just heal — but reconnect with joy. I wasn’t chasing time. I was chasing presence.

✨ Final Thoughts

From the mat to the marathon, this journey has shown me that strength isn’t just in the legs or the lungs — it’s in the breath, the stillness, and the willingness to keep showing up.

You are stronger than you think.
And sometimes, the only way forward… is inward.

Hiral Pandya is a certified Iyengar yoga teacher and marathon runner based in Australia. She practices and teaches with Zenvibes Yoga Mats, crafted for mindful movement. Follow her story at @meandminimeeyoga.