Round and Round

My wonky hip discomfort in January was diagnosed as bursitis and resulted in two weeks of no work outs followed by two more weeks of physical therapy.  Only then was I authorized to get back on the elliptical at the gym.  Consultations with the orthopedist and the physical therapist sent me back to the gym with a new workout plan. Pro-tip:  running up hill with a high resistance on the elliptical is quite a strain on aging hips.  Also, according to my doctor, "nuts."  That's a clinical diagnosis, folks.

I weathered the period of less activity much better than I expected and still (mostly) have my sanity, which is likely pleasing to those who are forced to deal with me on a daily basis.   On the day I was able to get back on the elliptical, I was practically giddy as I stretched out my achilles (a remnant of the last elliptical injury), fired up my favorite workout playlist, and got ready to run.  

I started slow and enjoyed the sensation of my muscles warming up to that familiar rhythm.  Within a mile, I settled into a comfortable pace.  By mile two, I felt peace descend over me. I had so missed the build up and attendant release on the other side of a good run.  That night, I went to bed pleasantly tired.  I woke up the next morning and stepped gingerly out of bed only to find that my hip felt just fine.

So I'm back in business, albeit well-aware of the need to look after myself and heed the warnings of sore or strained muscles.  That is serious progress for me.   It would seem that an old dog can be taught a few new tricks.