As much as I'd love to get up early to capture some of the morning beauty I am never able to really commit to it. I too struggle with stiffness in the morning but I think it just boils down to the fact that I am not a morning person. I'd much rather have a slow pleasant morning and be productive throughout the afternoon so I've pulled back from beating myself up about it. If I do wake up early-ok but if not- that's ok too. All that being said, you got a lovely shot from this morning walk, so good for you! Keep up what you can but don't forget evening walks can be lovely too. Nice shot!
Relaxing is also important! When you wrote: '... my body said no...' , that reminded me of a scene from the comedy Little Britain: 'computer says no!'. You're either a fan or you're running to the toilet ;)
I spent the day gardening yesterday and today I am having a lazy day.