While–like most New Yorkers–I’m generally go-go-go, even I like to slow down every once in a while.

After running 12.5 miles yesterday, going to a pumpkin party and then staying out until 2am at Gia’s husband’s birthday at the Empire Hotel, a slower-paced day was much needed today.

Photo via Ashley

After sort of sleeping in and doing some cleaning, I convinced my high school buddy Sara to join me and some blogger buddies at Yoga Vida for our NYC Blogger “Playdate.”

I’d never been to Yoga Vida before, but I really liked it. As you can see, the room is spacious and well lit. “It’s very New York-y,” Sara remarked at one point.

Similarly to Yoga to the People, Yoga Vida is very community-oriented–and affordable. I paid just $10 for today’s class, and since I was a first-timer, I get an unlimited week of classes with that. Their philosophy is that yoga should be accessible, affordable and inclusive. While I definitely love fancy yoga classes too, I like classes that strip all that pretension.

The class itself was a flow vinyasa class, and while I’m generally a lazy yogi, this class was still easy enough that I never felt incredibly frustrated, but challenging enough for me to leave feeling completely relaxed and with much looser muscles.

Sunday yoga the day after a long run is starting to become an awesome tradition for me. My muscles get to loosen up, and my mind can hopefully let go of some of the week’s stresses and enter the upcoming week a little fresher.

Sara and I walked back uptown, and I was so relaxed that I was even able to take a nap when I got home. And I am NOT a good napper.

Afterwards, I headed out to New Jersey for a little quality time with my parents. Dinner rolls are good for the soul, too, you know.

Salad? Maybe not so good for the soul but good for the body.

I got the mahi mahi special with sticky rice and clams. It was good, but maybe a little overseasoned.

Oh, and dogs in sweatshirts are good for my soul, too.

What’s like chicken soup for your soul?