As an American, I talk about distance in miles, although from traveling and meeting non-Americans, I’ve learned to do the conversion: 1.6km per mile. Unfortunately, my treadmill finds this measurement mysterious and does not log my accomplishments in kilometers. No problem. Google has the answer. A 5K run is equivalent to roughly 3.11 miles (3.106 but I round up, just to be sure).

Last week, I ran 2 miles in 24 minutes. That was huge for me already. For one of my weekly goals this week, I decided to repeat that feat. Little did I know that I’d surpass my previous accomplishment. I thought I’d go for 2.5 miles today, you know, test my endurance.

The first mile went by like a warm-up. The second mile was a bit tougher, but not too bad. When 2.5 miles crept up on the treadmill, I thought, “To hell with it,” and kept running. I mean, I was SO close to a 5K, so close to the finish, so close to tasting victory! So I continued. My legs just kept going, but I didn’t feel them. I tried not to think about anything but pushing through to that finish line. I was sweating like a pig, I was panting like I had just climbed Everest, and my right side started having those evil cramps with about 3 minutes left to go. I hate those cramps. It’s when you know you don’t have enough water. But screw that cramp. It can wait. My 5K was just 3 minutes away! And so I trudged on.

When I finally saw 3.15 (0.04 for warm-up) on the treadmill, I hit that big red STOP button and paused with a big sigh of relief, triumph, and exhaustion. I’ve never run a full 5K before (and I know, it’s not a race, but STILL). I’ve never gone through 3 miles straight. And to think I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do a 5K until July…oh how I doubt myself. To top it all of, I did it all in 37:08 (5.0 pace). Man! I did it!

Pft. 5K, I’ve conquered you. You’re like yesterday’s paper. Old news. In the recycling bin you go. I’ve got bigger and better fish to catch. 10K, watch your back. I’m coming for you next.

Old goal: 5K by July (accomplished on March 4)

New goal: 10K by July

Tagged as: 10K, 5K, running goals, success

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