I just got back from a nice run on the lakefront with one of my best friends. Probably one of the things I cherish most about my friendship with my girlfriends is that we're all runners, every last one of us.

Running with friends is always a great treat. We're going to run a six-miler Friday morning together, too.

So I'm in Week Two of my new job and it's made such a magnificent change in my life already I'm not sure where to start. In addition to the work itself being rewarding, I've come back to this whole new head space. It's a luxury, to be sure, to be in a situation where you can spend your lunch hour in your back yard, in the sun, with a book and an ice tea. I know this. But it's my reality now and it's made a pretty instant change on my disposition.

Plus? I've worked out every single day, I now ride my bike everywhere and I'm able to cook for myself for every meal. My hip is still tender, but I'm taking care of it pretty well - lots of ice and advil and stretching. I'm in the gym lifting and doing the cardio death march. Hell, I'm even taking all of my vitamins and getting plenty of sleep.

Truth be told I'm still working hard - I start working as soon as my feet hit the floor. I'm online and working by 6:30 a.m. each day. But I'm taking full advantage of being close to the things that make me healthy and well, and I'm proud of myself for that. It would be very easy to get slack and unorganized and just hang around the house all day. But I'm not. I've got a gift. I'm using it wisely.

I've splurged on new running shorts, new running bras and shirts. I even bought a new fuel belt for my longer runs. It feels so good to be back to this sport I can't even tell you.

I still need to get to yoga, though.

Posted by Erin at 09:24 PM | filed under: Inspiration