45:26

I went out the other night for a timed run, only this time I didn’t run out of gas.  I am still trying to break 40 minutes for a 5 mile run.  Before starting my run, I decided that I wouldn’t look at my watch during the first half.  I started off slow; I wanted to make sure I could finish strong.  I listened to my body, speeding up and slowing down according to how my legs felt.  Since I had my IPOD with me and was familiar with the playlist, I knew I was going at a nice pace.  Maybe even my fastest yet.

When I made it to my turnaround spot, I estimated that I was in the low 20 minute range.  With confirmation from my watch which displayed a time of 21:56, I felt pretty good and decided to keep going strong.  I didn’t go nuts though, because I knew at this point I wouldn’t be able to make it.  I would need to do the second half in about 18 minutes.  To complete my goal, I need to make it to the turnaround spot in about 20 minutes. 

After a few more minutes, I slowed down a tad; I didn’t want to get to the bottom of the hill like last time and feel like I was going to collapse.  I reached that hill in a strong steady pace and made it upwards without any difficulty.  Once I made the turn to the last part of my run and my watch said 44:30, I decided to go all out to try to beat 45:00.  I came close, reaching the end in 45:26.

The most important thing I learned during this run was that I am able to listen to my body.  I went fast, but not too fast.  I slowed down when I needed to and I finished really strong.  One of these days, I will break the 40 minute mark.  Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday.