I'm Coming Slow But Speeding

Today was the last day of Summer Speed Sessions. It's been a 10 week program geared towards increasing speed for a specific distances. The summer speed session was focused on shorter distances like the mile and 5k. Since this was the first time I have ever participated in this kind of work out it took some time getting the feel for it. From trying to hit my times, to making sure my watch was working, it was a little bit of a learning experience. Actually it was a huge learning experience. The past 7+ months have been huge. I have learned so much about running from some very knowledgeable and accomplished runners and I am pretty darn lucky they are supportive of not only me, but anyone who has expressed an interest in running.

Running has never been one of my favorite things to do. Ever. I hated mile day in gym class and for the Presidential Fitness awards. (Do they even do that anymore? If they do, I am pretty sure the majority of the US youth would fail...)

So 2 years ago I started taking a boot camp class at the Y. The very first day we had to run a mile. My time? 9:06. I was THRILLED with this time. In middle school my best mile might have been in the 10 minute range and I think that may have only happened once. A year ago I ran my first 5k. And today? I ran my fastest mile ever. 7:19. I know for some this is pretty slow, but for me it's amazing. I started speed with a 7:45 mile and improved by 26 seconds.

There is going to be an informal speed session as part of my half marathon training and I might even be a tiny bit excited about it.