Spring has Sprung

Happy Spring!

Yes, Spring has sprung, the weather is warming up, the birds are chirping, the days are lighter longer into the evening. Feels so good to be on this side of a rough winter, doesn't it? I don't think it matters where you are in the country reading this, we all agree, good riddance winter!
There's nothing like spring to get you in the mood for starting over. After a long hiatus from exercise it feels good to be running and yoga-ing again! Good, except for the initial sore muscles protesting after 4 months of rest! Luckily muscles protest only briefly.

Is it just me, or do you find it extremely hard to stay motivated and exercise during the winter, too? I very clearly need sunshine and warming temps to get my tush in gear and get going. I started slowly - walking. It's sad to admit, but, yes, I was sore from walking (head hanging sheepishly). That's how out of shape I had become after 4 months of no exercise. The first day I walked for 40 minutes - over a hilly route mind you - but I was surprised by just how sore I was from merely walking. The next day I walked for 50 minutes over the same hilly course and I was less sore the following day. Thank God! But I was smart and wore my running shoes. Not that I had any intention of feeling compelled to run, but rather wore them instead of those "barefoot running shoes" that lamed me up for over a month last summer/fall.

And then I started running again. That's it, two days of walking and then running. Yes, slowly and occasionally walking, but more running than walking. And I started doing the yoga classes that I teach. Which is not very strenuous seeing as how they are either beginner/gentle yoga or a "silver sneakers" yoga class for the elderly. But hey, when you're coming from the empty set of ZERO, even gentle stretching can be positively, uh, what's the word? Painful. But again, luckily for only a little while.

And two weeks ago I signed Poopers and myself up in a running club. And I've been twice. The first week I ran/walked 3 miles and last week, I ran the entire 4.75 miles. We go again tonight - after 3 days of cold rain mixed with huge snowflakes and strong winds - to today which is sunny and perfect temps for running - about 58 degrees.

The house is done - as you know, but we haven't moved in yet. Soon I suspect, but it's like a friend said recently after finishing her kitchen remodel - we don't wanna mess it up. They were using a make-shift kitchenette on their front porch for weeks after their renovated kitchen was completed, before they made the plunge and started using their new kitchen. They didn't want to use their sparkling new kitchen for fear of ruining it's perfection. I can relate!

Happy spring. Enjoy the flowers, the warmth, the sunshine.
Until next time,
Poodle