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?
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Female. 25 years old. Chinese. Cook. Foodie. UCLA grad. Traveler. Musician. Scuba diver. GWU Law. Runner.
That is so great! I’m so proud of you for not just reaching your goal, but for not letting yourself be weighed down by speed.
Congrats on making your goal! My goal is just to do better with food this week, than what I did this weekend. As you know, it was stressful for me, plus my FAVORITE aunt is coming into town (if you know what I mean) so I had crazy cravings.
P.S. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your comment on my post the other day. Sometimes I get so frustrated with life, and I was so focused on the fact that my friends were going to leave that I barely enjoyed their wedding, and as evidenced, freaked out about it. You are SO right though, all I have to do is pick up the phone. I appreciate it more than you know!
Hope
That’s fantastic! Way to meet (and exceed!) your goal
Dude you are getting so effin fast!!!!!!!
My obstacle was bustin down that 3.1 mile mental block I had to which I chuck norris(ed) the hell out of it and ran 5 miles (but you already knew that!)
Goals: try spinning class again (tomorrow) sans vibrams. Have a great workout with Coach Chuck on Friday even though I miss the hell out of Superman. Walk a great 5k with my friend Kelly on Saturday and leave a crapload of sweat on the gym floor on Sunday.
Congratulations!!! What an accomplishment!
That’s awesome Jess! I think I’ll shoot for a 10 min. mile to start! Thanks for the inspiration. Excited about your guest post tomorrow!!!! Yippee!!!
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. AWESOME!
I’m so proud of you Jess!
you are fast. Geeeez. You will get that 8 minute mile.
WOW WOW WOW So proud of you! That’s amazing!
No big deal! Good job Jess!
That’s freakin awesome jess! The last time I ran an 8:30 mile was in 8th grade. Good for you girly
Nice job. The best way to get past something that you can’t seem to beat is to just separate yourself for a while and clear your mind of the “failure.” And you’ll get to that 8-minute mile soon enough.
Way to hit that goal! You must be so proud of yourself!
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That is excellent! I would need to shave off freaking 3 minutes off my typical mile (over the course of a 5K or so) to get there.
There is hope!
Nice, that’s awesome!
Goals are great motivators, keep it up girl.
Wow!
You can and you will for sure!! I’m still trying to tackle a 12 min mile
but I’m not far off, and even though my lungs aren’t there yet, my legs feel GOOD running faster.
Great job!!
Nice job on the mile Jess!! That seriously kicks ass, that is so fast!! You will hit that 8 minute mile in no time.
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I’m so late to the party, but I wanted to say: AWESOME!! You broke on through. I still have a bit to go to get there, btu that’s awesome. Yeah, the loss is cool, too, but we both know that’s a great byproduct, not the aim.
Kick butt, Jess!!
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Woohoo! GREAT JOB, Jess – that is so cool! You blew past your goal and I know you’ll have an 8 minute mile under your belt in NO time.
My obstacle this last week has been managing my time since I’m working WAY more than I usually do and more than I like. Making my workouts and sleep a priority have helped me stay balanced through the week.
My goals? Get in an early morning 3+ mile run Saturday and a day of strength training Sunday. Otherwise, RELAX this weekend, because I really need it!
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That is awesome Jess, WAY TO GO!!!
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Ahhhh you beat me to it. I’ve secretly been hoping to beat you to the 8:30/mile
Although in my defense I’ve been trying to do it while doing my weekly 10k speed run. Congrats on the new time!