I started my run this morning with the intention of running as fast as I could for the full three miles. Having been so close to a personal best on Monday, I wanted to know if I pushed myself, how quickly could I run my loop. I knew I was going at a good clip when I passed the cemetery in under 20:00. Chugging up East Watson I was conscious of trying not to slow down too much as the incline grade spread out before me. The road was slick from a light drizzle this morning and as I was extending my stride on the downhill on Stark, I was concentrating on not slipping. By the time I turned the corner on Hawthorne, I my face was hot, lungs felt like they were working at maximum capacity, my nose was running and I felt like I was breathing and exhaling really loudly. I pushed the stop button on my watch at the driveway, looked down and saw this:
Woot! Yeah baby!
I know to real runners, my time is laughable. But I've decided not to be embarrassed about it and to celebrate my victory. I shaved 1 minute and 38 seconds off my personal best time of 35.01 from back on May 6. Reflecting on my running journey that begun on February 13 I need to remember that I was unable to run 1 mile without stopping and walking. It took me 19 minutes to walk, run 1.2 miles or 2 times around the big neighborhood block that first day. The first time I ran/walked 3 miles on April 3, I took 39.19 in doing so. And today, I covered the same distance six minutes faster. I've gone from 13+ minute miles to just over 11 minutes per mile. I'm happy with that improvement.
I just might turn into a runner yet.
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