The morning is a great time to assess how you’re feeling. Just before you rise, take stock of it, both physically and emotionally, and see how you’re doing. I used to find it so interesting to teach early morning yoga classes; you’d see people come in like sleepy little lambs and over the course of a ninety minute class, they’d open up like a flower.

I woke this morning with the full intention of running but once I assessed things, decided against it. I have not run since Friday, when my leg was really bothering me and I spent Friday night, Saturday afternoon and yesterday afternoon as well doing a combination of yoga and swimming. My knee actually hurts a bit also, from a bit of an intense yoga class I taught yesterday. I usually don’t “do” any yoga when I teach but I was demonstrating a sequence and it was a bit of an odd stretch of the left knee. So, this morning when the alarm rang at 5:30, I took stock of what I was dealing with, and decided against it. I swear it had nothing to do with wanting to sleep! I actually have some new running stuff to try (top/shorts) and odd as it may seem, was excited about trying that as well as just running after two days off.

But, I, more than a lot of my runner friends, have to really be smart about the next 2 plus months of training leading up to the October 19th marathon. I can’t push myself too hard or these little nagging injuries will get worse. I see my physical therapist on Friday morning and am looking forward to starting treatment.

So, today as you begin your day, take stock of where you’re at. Remembering always, though, to be grateful for what you have in your life now and being optimistic for your future.

Have a great day.