Today is a beautiful Saturday in Kentucky. The temperature is just below the freezing point, the sun is shining, and we couldn't ask for a more perfect February day. All the snow from last weekend has melted, and today is a day to get things done. But I'm not going to get anything done except maybe some house work. Today I choose to be lazy and enjoy the sunshine through my windows.

As an injured runner, I've spent the last 6 weeks or so lamenting the fact that I cannot get out on the road. My hip flexor injury has had me sidelined for too long. What was supposed to be an intense time of awesome marathon training and long runs has turned into some serious self reflection.

Mostly what I've learned is patience. I know I'm not patient. I never have been. That is not some new, shocking revelation. I mean, seriously... When I first laid eyes on my husband, it was only briefly on July 9, 1981. We were married on July 20, 1981. No sense in long, drawn out stuff. Right? But not all things work out that well. Sometimes you just have to wait, and time is truly on your side, especially when it comes to healing an injured hip.

I hired a personal trainer/running coach to help me through this. Actually, my original intent was for him to make me awesomely fast at the Flying Pig Marathon. But then the hip injury came along before my first session with him. So instead of being awesomely fast right now, he has me focusing on ... guess what ... healing. And guess what else ... strengthening so this won't happen again.

Imagine that. Healing and strengthening. No, I would not have had the self discipline to do that on my own. But since I'm paying him to help me, I will listen (for the most part).

What have I learned from him? I've learned that I can actually swim, and I enjoy it!! So three days a week I start my day with a swim. Two days a week I spin. I discovered I'm actually good at it! And the bicycle seat is not nearly as painful on my rear end as I remember it being. I even enjoy the elliptical! Even my weighted hoop and I have become reacquainted.

All that stuff is keeping my cardio strong so I can pick up where I left off once I get back on the road (well, sort of). But the stuff that's preventing re-injury... Oh.Em.Gee... I think my trainer is actually the devil. I have a strength routine focusing on my core and lower legs, and it is killing me!! My quads, hamstrings, glute and abs all know they have been worked. This morning I could hardly even sit down on the toilet. Ha!

On Thursday I get to start running a mile a day to see how my hip holds out. That will be the best mile ever!! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!

When I start running again, I will keep swimming and spinning, because I've discovered I like it. Who knew?? I'm actually more than a one-dimensional exerciser!! Go me!!

Anyway... Enough rambling... I'm going to go enjoy this scrumpdillyicious day. I'm going to relax, have a good time, and give my quads a break. Ouch!!

Have a fantastic day, and do something good for yourself.