New personal best

Yes, I was way too forgiving in the last post. The reason why? Running.

I know I used to quote my favorite local band, "I only run when I'm being chased." Ironically, that band's music has become my most motivating running music. I actually told the lead singer when I last saw him that he's like a second personal trainer.

I used to think I hated running; turned out I just hated running on a treadmill. So last fall I got myself a Nike+ and started running in the morning before work and I wouldn't say that I loved the actual running, but I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment before I even really began my day, and I liked exploring my new neighborhood on foot. I even started the Cool Running "Couch-to-5K program" so that I wouldn't overextend myself ... then the weather got colder and I hung up my running shoes - well that's a lie, I still use them for cross-training, just stopped running outside.

Then about 2 weeks ago at the gym, I found myself on the treadmill, doing interval drills and not hating myself in the process. A few possibilities why:
A. I used to get shoulder pain from the impact of the treadmill, but I think my shoulder has gotten stronger through weight training and is less susceptible to injury.
B. I am carrying less weight, so it is easier to propel myself forward.
C. My heart is stronger and running doesn't tire me out the way that it used to.

I had planned to re-begin the Couch-to-5K when the weather got nice, like mid-March ... but I had a realization that there was no need to wait anymore, I could start on the treadmill.

So I did.

And yesterday? Yesterday I hit my personal best time for the mile: 13:32. I ran 2.34 miles in 31'43". And at the end, I wasn't even all that exhausted. In fact, I felt awesome.

The best part of it all is that yesterday was my personal best - that I'm going to try to beat tomorrow. And next Tuesday and next Thursday, as I get into week 2 and my sprints get longer while my resting decreases.

I never thought I would enjoy running this much. I guess I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Twenty five is going to be a good year.