I set the goal to run a mile before today because I figured it was a good idea to set goals. If I didn’t make it I could have said “Well, I tried. And at least I’m a better jogger now than I was when I started.” And I kept telling myself that even up until the last step of the run.
Me, after running about 3/4 mile (taken by Eliza with one of her anniversary presents)
I’m really happy that I was able to do it, even though I’d thought it would take a bit longer than it did to get up to that point. Running is difficult, no matter what short music geeks from Seattle say, and I’m proud of myself.
I didn’t do this on my own either. Eliza encouraged me during each “training session” that we had. She and I walked three miles a day, for a few days, and each time we tried to jog as much of the last mile as we possibly could. On the other days I’d run to the Post Office and back to get the mail, which is about two-thirds of a mile. This helped a lot, because small successes can help you attain a larger goal.
Then, yesterday Chris and I decided it was time I try for the entire thing. He actually helped me this time by not talking. Normally he is screaming in my ear like a drill sergeant in a Kubrick film – but this time he let me do my thing and I succeeded. I even had enough oomph to sprint the last few hundred feet.
So, what is my next goal? I’m going to run a mile in the seven-minute range. I haven’t timed myself yet, so I am not sure how hard this will actually be, I might even be close now. Once that is accomplished, I think I’m going to add some distance. Oh, I turn 26 on September 30th, and so I plan on doing the sub-eight-minute-mile before then.
[tags]running, jogging, the-diet, mile, goals[/tags]
9 Comments
Congrats! I am so proud of you! You accomplish all the goals you set out for yourself. Way to go. I love you! Happy 7 years!
Awesome work Colin!
Keeping setting and destroying those goals, it’s quite the inspiriation.
Congrats! The biggest part is breaking the mental barrier and knowing that it can be done and that you can do it. You’ve done it once so what’s stopping you from doing it again?
I guess I probably have stamina and endurance but really I think the biggest barrier for me was realizing that it can be done and mentally deciding to keep going the whole way.
Of all the activities someone can do to keep fit, running is by far the simplest (as far as logistics) and most effective option.
If you really want to make this a routine just start doing it. Even if for a while you don’t find it enjoyable, you will get more fit and it will be like nothing.
I personally don’t enjoy running when it’s just once in a great while and I am not trained for it, but I can say that even in those situations when I finish the run I feel really really good. The endorphins just fly and it is a good feeling.
You mention that your next goal is to run in the 7 minute range. Why is your next goal for speed? Why not just keep your comfortable pace and work on extending your distance? If you’re looking for a next place to advance your running, I would personally suggest trying to run longer. The biggest hurdle with running is getting warmed up. People who run much longer distances say that the first few miles are always the hardest because thats when you are getting warmed up. After that (and I can attest to this) it’s more just deciding to keep putting one foot in front of the other and you’ll go much further than you might think you can.
Anyways, congrats and good luck with whatever next step you take.
That is great Colin. I know you were humming that Taylor Hicks song “Do I make you proud” the whole time. This makes me want to get off my duff to jog.
Colin, Awesome job dude! Running is very difficult, indeed
Also, Happy Anniversary to you and Eliza!
Eliza: You’re my inspiration.
James: So are you – you are doing incredible.
Zach: I think it is more of a challenge to my lungs. It will really help me for basketball. After that, I wanna do 3 miles.
Dennis: Haha. Taylor is the man.
John: Thanks bro.
Good work, homie g funk. It was all mental, and it was obvious from the beginning that you had the capability to do it. But, it’s easier for someone else to see that than yourself.
Keep up the good work. Running the 7-8 minute mile should be a piece of cake.
Congrats Mr. Goal-buster — on both the run and the anniversary. With all this goal breaking I have a feeling my first few weeks in PA are going to be very, very intense and tiring. What kind of timeline are you giving yourself for the 3 mile goal?
I suppose it depends on when I accomplish the sub 8-minute mile. If I do it before 9/30, then I’ll set that next goal.
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[...] Lastly, congratulations to Colin for achieving his goal! [...]
[...] Saturday we ate breakfast at a diner, then I ended up running my mile with Chris and James. After that, we played some football (1 on 1 with full time QB). Then, we went to a fair and ate fair food. We had a bloomin’ onion (oh my god I love these things), a sausage and pepper hoagie, ice cream, and some funnel cake. [...]