Cautious is an Understatement

If I were to tell you I am cautious, those that know me, will immediately tell you this is an understatement. So, when I threw caution to the wind yesterday, it was a bit of a surprise. However, the writing was on the wall. Literally, the post on my blog wall regarding losing patience spoke volumes regarding the decision I made yesterday, to override my walk/run protocol for my comeback, and simply run.
My run started just as planned, but plans change. I walked two minutes, and then I ran three minutes. The goal was to do this three times out, and repeat the process on the way back. However, when I reached a little over 1.25 miles, I determined that I needed to challenge my Achilles more. I needed to let it try to break up the scar tissue. After all, when I researched Astym Treatment, it claimed that patients should continue doing what they love doing. Well, I love running. So, I adjusted my plan and committed to running the entire way back from 1.5 miles with no walking breaks. It seemed to go just fine. I would like to say it went great, but it wasn't. I still had discomfort, and occasionally pain. Nothing sharp, but more like hot spots around my ankle that came and went. For the most part, it never got any better or worse than when I was running three minutes, so I didn't stop or let up. I finished the 1.5 miles in 9:30-something. My last mile was 6:26. It felt good emotionally to be moving like that without stopping. I could tell my Achilles was aggrivated, but it wasn't awful, and it didn't inhibit my abilty to walk normally. In fact, right after this, I mowed half my lawn (the other half was done the night before...I wasn't slackin'). I think this helped loosen it up without the intensity of running.
Friday I ran three miles. Ok, not all at once. I walked at the mile and two mile points. It seemed to go as well as when I ran 1.5. Not great, but not any worse. So, my plan now is so try the same thing again tomorrow. If that goes well, I'll continue to increase my mileage, but all the while walking at each mile.
Wednesday I have race scheduled. It's a sprint triathlon, which ends with a 5k, and I want to be able to run the 5k. I don't care if I run it slowly, but I want to run it. My decision to run broken up miles, instead of broken up minutes was in part, due to this fact. However, the bigger, more obvious factor is that Ironman Louisville is on the horizon, and the horizon is not moving, and it is not going to wait for me.

I'm looking for hope and hoping I find it.