Well, I’m getting closer to being able to run that 5K (3.1 miles). I ran about 8/10 of a mile in seven and a half minutes today, with no stops. I probably could have done the full mile if the weather sirens hadn’t started blaring and the skies hadn’t opened up and let loose with rain. Regardless of that, this is by far the most I’ve run without stopping since high school. At some point in my high school years, I did a mile in 8 mins, 8 sec. Slow for most people, but that was really good for me. I’m hoping to get close if not beat that during my training - both distance and time.

I’ve found out that the key for me to work up to the distance I need to be at is to not think about it. If I get distracted and absorbed in my music, I end up running longer and farther than I intended. While the The Couch-to-5K Running Plan was a good way to get started, but constantly looking at my watch to see how much time had passed ended up hurting me in the end.

I’m hoping to pass the 1-mile mark by this weekend. The Redlegs Run for Home 5K Race is two and a half weeks away, so I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’m counting on my race partner, a new pair of running shoes and my adrenaline to get me through whatever distance I haven’t trained for yet.