Getting Somewhere

Distance: 2 miles
Time: 16:38
Location: Powhatan to Ottawa Route

Now we're talking! Tonight's 2 mile run was a giant leap forward. It was the fastest 2-mile I've run since May of 2010 when I began my training regimen. 16:38. I finally broke 17 and not just barely. My previous '10/'11 PR was 17:10, which I ran on the Nisqually Route on August 12th, 2010. Since then I had a couple of close times on the Powhatan/Ottawa Route (17:22 and 17:20), but nothing to indicate that tonight I would shave off over 30 seconds from my previous best! My motivation has been lacking lately, so I hope tonight's time will be just the boost I need.

I last ran on Monday, a 17:20. Since then I had a couple of busy days, including yesterday when my parents and Deborah's parents came up to visit and check out the house we're hoping to move into soon. It ended up being a late night and thus I didn't get a run in. So tonight's run was important. As soon as I got home from work I changed into my running gear (one of my strategies for assuring I'll get a run in). And once the sun went down (around 8:20pm) I departed. As soon as I started my run I felt pretty good. My legs felt good and strong and I immediately set my mind to breaking a record tonight. However, those feelings faded a little into the run. I was breathing harder than normal and I didn't know if I would be able to maintain a strong pace. But I persevered. I forced myself to run on my toes for most of the run. It definitely wasn't an easy run. I struggled to keep myself on pace, but it paid off in the end. When I rounded the corner from Mesquite onto Powhatan I looked at my watch and saw a 14:30 with 400 meters to go. I knew I had a PR in the bag as long as I maintained my pace. So I pushed myself as hard as I could for that last quarter. But even pushing myself I felt like I was barely moving. I was spent. But it must have worked because I ended up with 16:38 which is right where I wanted to be.

I've only been running now for about 3 weeks since taking 5 months off, and I can't believe the progress I've made. My ultimate PRs are still far off in the distance, but they're seeming closer every day. Tonight was slightly warmer than Monday but still cool for May. With the weather as it is now it would be ideal for day runs, but I never have the time for those. Still, the weather was pleasant enough tonight, though it'll be nice when I don't have to run with sweatshirts anymore.