I ran in a 5K today, one week since the last one I had run in. At the beginning of today’s 5K, I knew my mind was not in the right place, but I could not get myself out of that place. Last week I was able to run the entire race without stopping, and had my best time ever. My thinking for today’s race was that I wanted to top last week’s time. While that is a fine goal to have, I have found that it is the wrong kind of thinking for me. If I go out with something to prove, I’m assured not to have my best run. A better goal for me to focus on is just to do my best and feel happy about my run. Instead of focusing inward, I began concentrating on passing other people.  I wanted to get as far ahead as I could. It was a good way to tire myself out. Instead of finding my own pace, I started rushing. There were hills on the course, and my shins began to really hurt.

I had to stop a few times to take short walking breaks. I was disappointed that I had to stop but I just could not keep going. I had been frustrated that the path was a little bit narrow and that all the runners were on top of one another well into the first mile. I felt like I could have found a better pace if we were all more spread out. This might have contributed to my trying to pass people and find an open spot. I was surprised at myself though, trying to pass and get ahead of people. I guess it was a little glimpse of competitiveness within me. Instead of enjoying the beautiful surroundings of trees whose leaves were beginning to turn beautiful fall colors, I was trying to get ahead.

Around mile 2 I finally started thinking less about the others around me and more about finding my pace. I knew that if I wanted to continue running, and not have to walk the rest of the way, I’d have to stop worrying about the people around me and just concentrate on finding my pace. I was relieved that at least my earlier zealousness had finally calmed down and I could find my own rhythm, and settle into my own pace. Once I found my own pace, I was just fine. I came in a minute later than last week, but with the hilly course – a more difficult course than last week, and the fact that I was not able to focus well, I think it was still a pretty good time.