{Health} Arthritis won't beat me

I don't even remember the last time I put on my running shoes (until Sunday morning).

According to my Nike+ App the last time I ran was Nov. 28, 2012.

Last November I did a half marathon and then my regular exercise came to a screeching halt. The pain of my arthritis had caught up with me and I took a break. A really long break - read more. I wallowed in the pain. I wake up in pain every, single morning. During the spring and summer, the heat of Arizona helps. After I stretch and get moving each day, the pain lessens, but some days it's really horrible.

My doctors tell me I shouldn't run. I have osteoarthritis. Running will just make it worse. I've tried all sorts of things in the last year: steroid shots (hate them); yoga (love it); gluten free diet (helpful); acupuncture (heaven sent) .... and the list goes on. All the while, I just sunk deeper into a sedentary lifestyle, which made me feel yuck. I gained some weight and I felt old ... really, really old.

On Sunday morning I jumped on my treadmill (motivated by my husband who's been walking and jogging again). I power walked on an incline for 40 minutes. When I was done, I felt good. Really good. I didn't run. That's okay. I'm not sure if I'll ever run again. Knowing myself, I'll do some light jogging, but we'll see.

Next month I'll be 39, just one year left in my thirties. I'm tired of feeling yuck. I know that moving more has always made me feel better (and it keeps my crazy at bay, but that a whole different post). I'm giving arthritis the middle finger. I'm going to start moving again.  Here's my plan/goals for the next month:

• 20 minutes a day
• 15 miles a week
• At least one workout outside (the sunshine is good for me too)
• Stretch daily

So what are you doing today to take care of yourself? Self care is beyond important. It's essential. Join me and let's take better care of ourselves. We can do it.