I Did It

     Hey guys, hope everyone is doing well and whatnot. I must say that today was a great day for myself. Not only did I complete my 3rd 5K in a month, but I performed my best run today. I finished the race with the time of 29:20.

     This race was important to me because I had to redeem myself for my last two races. Don't get me wrong, I did alright for a guy my a size, but I knew that I could do better. For instance, I can run three miles under 30 minutes any day of the week when it's just me by myself. But then what happens is that I see other people running during the race and in my mind I have to outrun everyone.

     I have this competitive nature when it comes to anything related to fitness. I have to run faster, lift heavier, all of that. That competitive nature has been my downfall in the past. By the last mile, I slow down and my pace and my rhythm gets all messed up. I end up with a less than desirable finish time, which gets me frustrated because I know I can do wayyyyy better. So this time, I made it my goal to finish this race with a great time.

     When it was time to start, I had to tell myself to block everyone out and pretend that it's just me running around my neighborhood like a regular workout and just keep a good steady pace and breathe, just BREATHE! So we're off, my playlist is going (MJ of course) and I'm just keeping focused on the path and nothing else. There were slight moments when I said I needed to outrun him or her, but I let it go and worried about competing with myself.

     So I'm running and I'm running, then my timer told me that I had one more mile to complete. That's when I kicked it into overdrive. I was determined to finish this race strong and not stop. I didn't even stop for water, I just wanted to cross that finish line. Then of course, "Bad" comes on the shuffle. I swear, y'all just don't understand how MJ's music inspires me and motivates me to keep moving and pushing myself.
   
     Once I saw how close I was to the finish line, I started sprinted like there were pitbulls chasing me. It was not a game. I checked my phone to see what my time was, and I did my 5k in 29:20. You can only imagine my excitement/lack of breath. I was so proud of myself and it only goes to show that if you set a goal and work towards achieving that goal, success is right around the corner. This is only the beginning. I'm ready to run a 10K, then a half marathon, and eventually the Boston or New York marathon. Why not? I'm prepared to do the work and it's gonna happen. Keep pushing everyone and have a great night!

(2009/Today's race)