Now is the time. If you’ve toyed with the idea of morphing from a leisure walker to power walker or even a runner, do it now. Spring is a terrific time to get you on the asphalt, especially around gorgeous little Lake Lanier.

I’ve been absent from this blog because I’ve been absent from running. I hurt my hip flexor (or psoas to be technical about which muscle) at the GYM (vs. running) a few weeks ago and have been doing a little PT in the last few weeks. However, last Thursday morning, I was driving around the lake on my way home around 9:30 am. I saw 2 butterflies flittering past my windshield. The lavender wisteria nestled in with budding azaleas and wild dogwoods everywhere sent me into a tizzy! I couldn’t it take it anymore. Injury, schminjury - I was going for a run even if it was just a hobble.

So I went three miles slowly and inhaled as much pollen as I could! It was great.

My point to you is that NOW is the time to get out wherever you are. If you are in the Southeast, you are experiencing what we are up here. If you are a committed walker, get out there and walk. If you are wanting to take a dip on the wild side and run a little, get a good 15 minute warm-up w/ a good power walk, then run for 5 minutes if you can. Then walk 5-10, run 5 again. And so on. It really is that simple. That’s how I started.

After my first c-section, I had to get out and do something — for my physical health, but also for the mental! I started out walking just like that, and added a little jog, then kept doing that as much as I could. Before long, the running portion of the workout got longer and longer. I was running a whole MILE and not keeling over with side stitches (those sharp pains in your side). It really does start like that.

So use the excuse of the beauty of spring to get out and start your training for this year’s Ache in September. You’ll be glad you enjoyed these few weeks of milder weather and lots of color before the heat and humidity hit!

Happy Trails—

Scarlette