…number of miles I ran today, almost the number of months post knee surgery (15 weeks to be exact) and lastly, days til I return to work (ew).

I am enjoying this ^^^ way too much. 

Sorry to wake you, Stella. 

It’s been pretty relaxing around here and I like it to the umpteenth power.  I was in hilton head, SC visiting family for a few days over christmas and got back late tuesday night.  It was nice to spend some time in warmer weather and now I  have a couple of days to unwind and just be.  And stop my marathon of christmas cookie eating.

Yesterday, Heather drove into the city and we attempted to brunch at my favorite spot.  Apparently everyone else in Philly decided that was their plan, too and the wait at Honey’s was 40 minutes.  We ended up at Sabrina’s (callowhill location) instead.  Unfortunately, we were not impressed…strike 2, Sabrina’s, I won’t be back.  But conversation was lovely and who cares about the food when you have your best friend in town?  Certainly not me!  BTW, her professional wedding photos came back and they turned out gorgeous, don’t ya think?!  I can’t wait to see the rest!

After I bid Heather farewell, I hit the gym for a semi-hardcore, total body workout.  I’ve done a ton of upper body work but minimal weights involving my lower body.  I don’t really count physical therapy as working out anymore, and I haven’t gone in a few weeks.  I won’t be going to PT again until I am actually cleared to start doing jumping and cutting exercises where I will need supervision.  Especially not when they’re charging me $60 for…ice. 

I did get fitted for a custom brace at the advice of my mom’s friend who is a physical therapist.  I ran on it twice, low mileage, and ended up being in way more pain WITH the brace than running without it.  I had to take a full week off from the gym after using it, I was in that much pain.  My knee doc doesn’t normally fit his patients for braces unless requested, and now I see exactly why.  So I am rolling without the brace for everything.  I ran 3 miles with Stella for 3 consecutive days while in Hilton Head and did a TON of stretching afterwards.  I felt (and feel) great and I am finally noticing less stiffness at the back joint of my knee…psyched for that!  I feel like I turned yet another corner in recovery. 

My 4 miles today was the farthest I have run since late July and even though I max out at about 8 mph when I’m ‘sprinting’, I have no complaints.  Though I am far off from low 8 minute miles, I’m slowly but surely getting back to my old self and there’s definitely a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.  To ring in the new year, I’ll be working on the booty…it’s been neglected for far too long. 

That sounds bad but youknowwhatImean.