From Recovery to Running — 5 Essentials I’m Leaning On

Recovery may be a long game, but I’m showing up for it one day at a time. As I continue to build back strength post-hip surgery, my fitness routine looks a little different these days, but every piece of it is playing a meaningful role in my recovery.

Here are 5 key parts of my current fitness routine—essentials I’m leaning on now and plan to carry with me when I’m fully back on the road.

Fit Five Friday: From Recovery to Running — 5 Essentials I’m Leaning On

Intentional Movement (Walking + PT Work) — Right now, every step counts—literally. Walking is the foundation of my movement routine, and I pair that with strength work prescribed by my physical therapist. These small but powerful sessions are rebuilding muscle, improving mobility, and helping me move with less discomfort and more confidence.

Stretching + Mobility Work — Stretching is no longer something I skip “if I have time.” It’s non-negotiable. I’m focusing on hip openers, mobility drills, and dynamic stretches that keep my body limber and ready for progress. This habit is here to stay, even when I return to more intense training.

Recovery is Training, Too — Sleep, hydration, and downtime are just as essential as my workouts. I’m prioritizing quality sleep and keep a water bottle nearby at all times. Recovery isn’t just about rest—it’s about giving my body what it needs to heal and perform well, now and in the future.

A Positive Mindset — Staying mentally strong through recovery is just as important as physical progress. I’ve learned that mindset isn’t something that just shows up—it’s something you practice. I lean on small wins, focus on what I can do, and try to celebrate progress, no matter how incremental. (If you’re working through an injury, you might want to check out this earlier post where I shared some tips on staying positive during setbacks.)

Consistency Over Perfection — Some days, everything flows. Other days, it’s just about showing up. Right now, consistency is more important than intensity. I’m focused on making movement a daily habit, even if it’s short. That mindset will serve me well as I rebuild toward running again.

Bonus Boost: Music That Moves Me — A motivating playlist helps lift my mood and keeps me going when energy is low. I think a good playlist can make or break a workout – it’s the soundtrack to my comeback!

Tell me – What are the non-negotiables in your fitness routine? 

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