To the excitement of all my readers, the sub-5 mile streak continued for 2026 extending it to 20 years.
Last Saturday Meghan, Harrison and I took to the CB West track to give it a third go on the year. After coming up short with a 5:00.5 and a 5:00.2, I managed a 4:57.7. Training has been about 15 miles a week, almost all with Harrison.
The sub 5 mile doesn’t really mean anything. Most kids on a decent high school cross country team can do it.
But clinging to the streak gives me motivation to stay in shape. It feels like – if I can run sub 5, then I’ve still somewhat got it. I’m not going to do anything major right now, but I’m always just a couple months of hard training away from being able to run fast again.
The other motivation is fear, knowing that the more out of shape you get, the harder it is to get back in shape. I understand why people hate running; when you’re out of running shape, running sucks, I’ve been there.
The final motivation is gratitude (cue Ken Jeong). As someone who loves running, I want to enjoy all the time I have left as a ‘real’ runner. Most likely in 10 years, and certainly in 20, the idea of a 75 second lap around the track will seem impossible. For however long this remains doable, I will make an effort.
I’d put the over / under at another 4 years and will take any action for those wanting to bet on either side.
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