Today is a special day for me. This is the 3rd year I ran in our local Sleighbell race. 2 years ago was my first 5k. 2 years ago I was so tired after the race, I spent the next day in bed and took many Ibuprofen. 2 years ago, I was panting my way to a 32 something finish time. 2 yearsa go I know I walked part of the race.
Today I ran a 25:43. Today I did not need to take any Ibuprofen. Today, I ran the entire race and sprinted (my version) at the end. Today I feel good. What a difference 2 years can make. 2 years of running consistently 3-5 times a week, despite illness, injury, and weather.
It’s not just a difference of 7 minutes, it’s a difference of confidence and stoicism in the face of less than ideal body and weather. It’s knowing that you have committed and short of something cancelling the race, you are going to show up. My body feels strong and my mood is good.
I am going to be even faster next year.