It’s been a year. A year injured, a year of no running and a year of throwing my trainers across my flat in a fit of rage (ok, I only did that once, but it was memorable all the same) and a year not blogging about running.

So I thought I’d mix it up cos I’m a secret yoga lover (in fact I hate every minute of it til it’s over, but that’s the same with all exercise, right?) and I thought I’d give you a run down of my top yoga experiences world wide. So if you fancy getting your zen on, then look no further…

1. Rishikesh, India

I’ve said it before (here) and I’ll say it again; this is one of the best places I’ve ever been and the yoga was fab. It’s one of the biggest centres of yoga in the world, there’s a plethora of choices, it’s got a stunning location right on the River Ganges at the foot of the Himalayas and it’s cheap as chips if you appreciate that side of life. I will go back here.

2. Bali, Indonesia

More options than you can shake a stick at but in September 2018 I spent 5 wonderful days at the Chillhouse yoga retreat in Canggu – great yoga, a wonderful place to meet people as a solo traveller and the best breakfasts ever.

3. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Not famed for yoga but I stumbled across a wonderful yoga retreat called Horizon when I was traipsing the hot dusty streets of Santa Teresa searching for accommodation in May 2018. I stopped for a fresh coconut and stayed for 4 nights – the view from the yoga class and rooms is fab and the people running it are lovely. This is a great shout if you want to get off the beaten track.

4. San Marcos la Laguna, Guatemala

This place is like an ode to all things esoteric. Every type of yoga going, every type of meditation going, reiki, colour therapy, chakra balancing, energy healing, or the infamous chocolate shaman (read more about the stone in my heart here) and of course the handstand class with Circusman Alex…. I tried it all. I intended to stay for 4 days in 2015 and reluctantly left 2 weeks later… I did most of my yoga in a jungly place called La Paz.

5. London, UK

I usually try to shoehorn Scotland into every top 5 blog I do, but as you know all we do in Scotland is eat haggis and battered Mars bars. And so after 9 years in London and many a yoga class I give you my favourite studio: Yotopia in Covent Garden and I give you my favourite instructor: Jessica Skye of Fat Buddha Yoga. Check her out and get ready for rooftop yoga and stunning London views. Thank me for it later…

See you in class when I peel myself of this golden beach in Bali…