Friday, December 23, 2005

Holiday tidbits (including knee update)

Well, today was my last day at work until January 2. The university is closed until then. (Happy sigh...)

Naturally, I have a big pile of reading to do, most of which is dense, thick stuff that no one in their right mind would spend their Christmas holidays trying to digest. But everyone knows that academic types are rarely in their right minds, so I at least have to try to look like a proper grad student. (Hee hee!)

And of course, I will be going to the gym. I was there today and it was deliciously dead. There were a few warm bodies around, but no one had to wait for anything. I enjoyed every second of it, knowing that the place will be a zoo in the New Year.

How do I know this, you ask? I only started going to the gym at the beginning of June, after all... I know, because I have been warned my just about anyone I chat with who has witnessed (in other words, survived) JiG (January in the Gym). Apparently it goes back to normal by February...

I slogged it out in the warmest months of our ever-so-short summer, when every one in their right mind was outside enjoying the sunshine. My ulterior motive was to ensure I was in the habit of going regularly and consistently. It worked. I go.

Though that does seem to show evidence that I am indeed not in my right mind. Hhhmmmm.... Must ponder that one...

With any luck, by next summer I will not be in the gym every day... perhaps only every second day. I will (like any sane person) be outside some days... enjoying the sunshine


... running.

Yes, you read that right.

Running.

I am happy to report that there is much progress on the knee front. General swelling has subsided and my twice daily routine of "new exercises for leg muscles" seems to be paying off.

My physiotherapist gave me a beautiful Christmas gift - hope. (He also jabbed me with three needles, but let's not focus on that, shall we?)

I am allowed to walk over the holidays - on a treadmill, outside, wherever I damn well please! Of course, I have to change how I walk and retrain my muscles so my knees don't roll around. But he dangled a carrot in front of me... "If you can manage that OK and you take it easy... focus on your technique... In the New Year we can get you back running again."

Merry Christmas to me! I shall strap on my heart rate monitor and go do some neighbourhood hills tomorrow, I think... Just because I can!

Christmas day I'll zip up to Red Deer (a mere two-hour drive from where I live on the west side of Calgary) to spend the day with my big brother, Aaron, and sister-in-law, Nicole. Oh yeah... and Hogan the dog... and the four cats... Must remember not to wear black! (Maybe we can even take the dog for a walk after turkey... Yay!)

Anyway, I may be away from the blog-o-sphere for a few days, as I partake in holiday cheer, but I will check in again soon...

Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and general Warm Holiday Greetings (for whatever you and yours celebrate.)

9 comments:

Madcap said...

That's very good news, Sarah! Merry Christmas and lots of laps in the new year!

Mz.Elle said...

That's wonderful news!
Merry,Merry Christmas to you!
Enjoy your time off:)

ipodmomma said...

great!!! that is realy fab... just take it as it comes... hee hee!!!

have a safe drive, and a lovely time with family and animals. you've earned a few days rest...

Merry Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to Leah!!! and a very joyous 2006...

Mark said...

Great news about the knee. Forced downtime is the worst.

As far as "January at the Gym" it's pretty typical I think. Everyone with good intentions with their New Years Resolutions.

It is a good time to pick up fitness equipment of your own too as it generally goes on sale with companies trying to capitalize on everyone wanting to lose weight.

Have a very Merry Christmas and best to you and yours for the new year.

Elliot said...

Merry Christmas to you, Merry Christmas to you, Merry Christmas dear Sarah...Merry Christmas to you! And many more. On channel four! (Okay, now I've gone too far...)

Turtle Guy said...

Safe travels, Sarah and warmest wishes for a happy Christmas.

Kimberly Rae said...

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and a great time with family.

Take it easy on the knee and walks and you'll be back in those running shoes in no time.

kt said...

sarah...it is inconceivable that you would be excited to be able to run! i mean, can you believe this is you? i mean, i didn't KNOW you b4 but i've read thru your struggles (and mine) and this news would now thrill me too! i MEAN what did we INVEST in these enells for ANYWAY???
you be careful, you!
loves to you and God Bless you, dear friend. is it okay if i post your blog link on my blog?
you are so fun to read!
kt

Constantine said...

What a delightful writer you are Sarah. I thoroughly enjoy your prose. What gives with my new acquaintances (via the blogosphere) north of the boarder? I also read Maison Madcap and find myself entranced by the rhythm and joyful quirkiness of her writing. Regardless of topic, naughts and nothings or serious and thoughtful, you two really know how to put pen to paper so to speak.