Never underestimate the importance of stretching before and after a run; that is the lesson I learned today.  I mentioned yesterday that I had not worked out for a whole week until my run yesterday. When I put in my regular 5-day workout I stretch each time before and after my run or strength workout; not getting to the gym all week I also did not stretch last week.

Saturday before my run I did some stretching and also after, but I definitely fell short and knew it, I was trying to get done early.  Today, I felt it in my hip.  I got 2.25 miles into my run and I was done, I walked out the rest for a total of 3 miles, but was done with my run.

I came home and stretched, especially my hips and then again later today, definitely helped, but the soreness is still there, so resting and cooling tonight.

So, note to self and anyone else out there…when you take up a physical activity at the age of almost 50 after being overweight for a decade, you will get some aches and pains.  Figure out what they are, why they are, figure out how to fix it and Carry On, cautiously.

On a better note, I am getting things packed up for our move, what seemed like an impossible task a couple of weeks ago, is feeling a little more under control.  I have keep and pack, trash, and yard sale piles, in other words I have too much crap and have to purge.  I am not a hoarder or anything, just a keeper of stuff, my kids stuff and old stuff from my family.

Plan for this week, rest day Monday, strength Tuesday, short run for pace Wednesday, same Thursday, rest day Friday, 6-mile Saturday, strength and swimming Sunday.    What is your plan for the week?

176 days smoke free and 165 more nights sleep before the Disney Princess Half Marathon.