If running is already a challenge when you are a heart patient, it becomes even harder when you also encounter other issues.
I’ve been running for a little over a year now. I have never stuck to a sport for more than a year before, ever! And I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that I will never be able to get any faster because of my heart. My heart rate remains very high and it will not go down. Therefore 8 min per KM is about as fast as I can go, but I’m alright with that. I enjoy running and I enjoy running races to the best of my ability and I try not to compare myself with anyone else. Of course, anyone my age will be faster than me, but nothing is holding them back.
However, since a few months I’ve had some trouble with inflamed joints. Some joints more than others and some days are worse than others. The inflammation doesn’t go away after a few days, but stays active for a couple of weeks. It’s clearly some form of autoimmune disease, but not sure which one. This is making my ‘running career’ a whole lot more difficult. Not only does the inflammation hurt, but it is also taking up a whole lot of energy.
The last few weeks my plan was to run 3 times a week, but so far I’ve been managing once a week due to fatigue and pain. I have a 10 K coming up in 3 weeks and I’m a bit worried, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to finish.
Heart Runner Girl 
Thanks for the follow…..I run wearing a shirt that says the following. Dead Last Finish beats Did Not Finish and greatly trumps ‘Did Not Start’ – I’ve come last it doesn’t suck. I’ve also not started and it did. The worst thing that can happen if you start is you decide this is a really stupid idea and get the bus home but it’s better than watching the bus drive off without you!