I have been trying to run an 8:30 mile for at least 2 months now. I could never do it. It was a mental roadblock, one that I was determined to overcome and conquer.

The closest I had ever gotten to an 8:30 mile was when I ran an 8:36 mile towards the end of April. Then, I kind of just let that feeling sit for awhile. I decided that I wouldn’t beat myself up over my speed since I had bigger, greater things to focus on: my first Half Marathon. I came to the conclusion that if I give it time, the speed will come. So that’s what I did.

Last night, I decided to attempt the elusive 8:30 mile again. All of a sudden, I was holding an 8:30 pace pretty comfortably. Am I getting faster?

The first five minutes, I felt strong, like a gazelle. I cranked up the speed.

I ended up holding an 8:13 pace for about 2 minutes. With only a tenth of a mile left, it was game on. I don’t think I’ve ever sprinted that quickly in my life before. I was running at a 7:00 pace. I felt like Forrest Gump. I finished the mile, huffing and puffing.

But I finally did it.

I conquered the 8:30 mile. Even better, I ran an 8:21 mile.

I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the night. I finally did it. I had overcome a huge obstacle. I’ve proven to myself that with time and persistence, I can accomplish anything.

My new goal? An 8:00 mile.

I can do this. I will do this.

Last week’s weight: 179.4

This week’s weight: 177.4 (down 2.0)

Last week’s goals:
1. Practice guitar for 30 minutes every day.
2. Go rock climbing once.
3. Swim 1700 meters once.
4. Make Tara’s Couswalnachalicious.
5. Walk for 30 minutes every day.

This week’s goals:
1. Swim 2000 meters once.
2. Make Tara’s Couswalnachalicious.
3. Do 8 full push-ups in a row once.
4. Drink a gallon of water a day.
5. Run a 5K once.

What obstacles have you overcome recently? What are your goals for the week?