Needing lots of motivation to run these days, and really wanting to see what I’m still capable of, I went out and ran a local 5K. <a href=”../index.php?misc=search&amp;subaction=showfull&amp;id=1213666163&amp;archive=&amp;cnshow=news&amp;ucat=2&amp;start_from=” target=”_self”>Two years ago at this same race, I broke 19 minutes for the first time</a>.<br/><br/>This year, having run less than 10 miles per month since September, my goals were much lower… I thought 24:00 was possible, and 25:00 likely.<br/><br/>Final time? 22:07. While it’s more than three and a half minutes off what I was running last year, it’s still a 7:07/mi pace. I’m pleased and surprised.<br/><br/>Unfortunately, after the race, my leg tightened right up. Time will tell, but I’m guessing I’m not ready to run again, and running hard is what it may have taken to be sure; I’ve been running lightly for a month or so now, but never really pushing it… I knew I wasn’t 100%, but I also didn’t know if I was doing any damage. If running fast = a clear regression, I’ll know it’s time to give up on running for another few months and REALLY focus on swimming and biking. I’m now at nine months since running hard… It’s not uncommon for hamstrings to take over a year. Sigh… I just want to run.<br/><br/>Look for an update tomorrow and again in a few days!<br/>