Still coming back

80 miles in January with 18 total runs  (4.444 miles per run).

81 miles in February with 18 total runs (4.5 miles per run).

85 miles in March with 19 total runs (4.5 miles per run).

I'd say my knee is just about completely healed.   There's still a phantom twinge now and then but at this point I don't feel like there's much opportunity for reinjury.  

I've been relatively consistent so far this year, albeit at a reduced load.  I've struggled to find the motivation from day to day but I've still been able to keep myself going enough that I haven't completely lost all my fitness.

On the negative side, running hasn't been very pleasant.  My pace has been reduced but my heart rate is high.  I've had a ton of sinus issues and feel like I'm constantly running with a head cold to the point where I've questioned if maybe this is somehow post Covid related... or maybe I'm just getting older or maybe I'm just worn too thin from work, family, and life responsibilities and stress.

It's not all negative though.  For the last few months I haven't felt much of any improvement in terms of building endurance or fitness.  I've struggled though most of my miles and just felt overall out of shape.  The last couple weekends that's finally seemed to be changing.  

2 Saturday's ago I hit the track with my girls and did some short sprints.  Not a lot of mileage but way more intensity than I've been accustomed to for a while.  I followed that up with a 8 mile run on Sunday... legs were tired from the sprints but it felt good.  I finished up the weekend feeling fatigued and sore, but in a good way.  

Similar this weekend.  Hard treadmill run on Saturday, 6 miles, 1 mile at 9 mph, and then more 9 mph 1/2 and 1/4 mile.  It was faster than I've been running, and it was hard, but it hurt in a good way.  Followed that up with another 8 mile run... a little faster and a little easier than the previous weekend.

I think it's going to be a while before I start getting to sub 19 minute 5K fit but I'm finally feeling like maybe I'm at least starting down the path towards it, after pretty much jogging in place since last June.