On what is now setting the record for the most consecutive days that I have spent in the gym, I came to the conclusion that have been complacent with running. Let me just rewind a bit to explain what that means to me. In eighth grade gym class it was a requirement that everyone run a mile in under 12 minutes, I crossed the finish line some 20 seconds before the cut off. In high school, I dabbled with shotput and discus; avoiding running entirely. In college I ran a 5k in about 33 minutes. After college I trained for my first duathlon and I ran my fastest 5k in 29 minutes. Two years ago I ran my first half-marathon and averaged a 10.30 mile. Are you seeing a pattern? Over ten years of running and almost zero improvement in my times.
My only defense to this is that I have always told myself that I did not want to get faster. I was ok with a 10-ish minute mile pace. 
I was complacent with being a mediocre runner. It was not until the last three days on a treadmill that I have watched my mile times tick down and down. Today, my fastest mile at 8.15 felt stronger than my 9.30 mile. I wanted to keep going, to continue testing myself and pushing for something that my body already knows is attainable. I have been stuck in my head for so long and my body was ready to move on to something better. It was ready to break through a barrier.
Today I am making a declaration that my half-marathon in May will boast less than a 9 minute mile pace. Anything faster than that would take my breath away- literally and metaphorically.
Here are my questions to you: What in your life have you become complacent with? Are you being honest with yourself with what you truly want? How are you going to set yourself in motion to make the changes that you need to move forward? Be honest. Make a declaration. Watch your life change.
365 Days, 365 Workouts 