What a difference a day an a half of resting can make. After my run on Saturday I was in serious pain. My RSD had flared up, and my back was super sore. I spent the rest of Saturday and Sunday not wanting to move or do anything, I even questioned whether or not I should continue down this path. The RSD showed that when it wants to be in control, it can be with no notice, but the whole reason I started this was so that I could show myself that I can be in control. When I left the house this morning to start week 9 day 1 I felt much better, but in the back of my mind was worry that the RSD would come out fighting again. While my feet hurt towards the end, I managed to complete the first day of week 9 with barely a hitch. Runkeeper stats after the break.

So how did the session go? Pretty good. Not to sure how accurate the speed is because I had to alter the map again (some GPS issues again) but I tried to map the way points accurately. So week 9 Day 1 requires you to run for a full 30 mins. I will be honest and say that I could not run for the full 30, but I got pretty close. As you can see from the graph, my speed was erratic, that’s because I broke up segments of jogging with walking.

I decided that in order for me to increase distance, I had to try and conserve energy, and for the most part it worked well. I manged to cover my furthest distance yet, and came out of it feeling okay. Halfway through I thought my RSD was going to stop me again, but the pain subsided some what, at least enough for me to continue. Because I knew I would be incorporating more brisk walking into this session, I tried to increase my speed during the jogging sections, and that also worked out decently.

I know that during the 5K race this coming Sunday I will not be able to jog the whole thing, I just am not ready, so this week I will be trying to figure out the best way to cover as much ground as possible, while keeping my time decent.  I think that if I really pushed myself I could possibly jog most of the distance, but Saturday really opened my eyes, I just do not want to feel that way again. I think maybe over time, as my endurance and stamina increase, and my tolerance to the pain improves I will be able to run the full 5K, I just am not ready for that yet.

I am not upset about it though. 9 weeks ago just the thought of jogging was enough to make me want to pass out, and now I feel comfortable with a brisk walk an jog up, so that is a massive win for me already. Taking part in the event will just be the icing on the cake. I cannot wait to get my medal. It will be quite the achievement. I am going to keep on pushing on with this though, and will not give up. One day I know I will be able to run the full 3.1 miles. I am looking forward to week 9 Day 2.

All the best,

Brett