For the past few weeks I’ve been rather down on myself. Mainly because I haven’t felt like I’m Improving at all.

Turns out I am.

I still can’t see any differences in myself, but according to the scale, my measurements, and the treadmill I am improving.

I’m shocked, amazed, and so excited. When I first started working out it would take me 64 minutes to get through a 5k or 3.11 miles. I’d burn barely 387 calories. Today…today I pushed it. Hard. I’ve been pushing it for the past 3 weeks. Building up more and more stamina.

Today…I ran a 5k in 50.5 minutes and burned 516 calories.

My fastest yet.

I know for a lot of you folks in cyber land that’s nothing. I’m not even at 4.0 mph. I’m just at 3.8. I’m still relatively Slow, but hot damn I’m fast for me! My calves are still aching 12 hours later. That wasn’t the end of my workout though. I do strength training as well. Meaning….weights!!! Yes, I lift weights. Yes I love it. I love the way muscles burn afterwards. It feels so good. I can feel the muscle strain as I get heavier and heavier weights. It’s a satisfying feeling. Especially as you’re able to lift more, do a longer plank, do more sit ups, or run faster.

So what is keeping me from Running faster?

Me.

It’s my mind that’s been convincing me to slow down and breath. I could push it if I managed to distract myself long enough from thinking about it. Sure my legs hurt. My lungs feel like they’re on fire, but when I’m running and focusing on something else none of that matters. I don’t feel it.

So I need to keep myself distracted.

Do you run? What are some of your tips and tricks to keep yourself running and not slow down?