For some reason, eight has held special significance for me and running. The first time I felt really proud of my pace was when I completed a 3.3 mile route at just under eight minute pace. While sub-8 pace isn't earth shattering, it represented a significant personal achievement, particularly over three miles.
Other marks have been achieved in the past half-decade, all of them huge successes. My first marathon, my first triathlon, my first sub-four hour marathon, and my first Ironman are among them. Still, those accomplishments that somehow relate to the 8-minute pace stick in my mind.
This past weekend was full of running and included yet another sub-8 milestone. Saturday was a training run with my co-worker. Scheduled for 18 miles, he made to choices that extended that distance to 19.5 miles. First, he opted to "touch the tower" (really just a bridge pillar) which added the first half-mile. Then, he guessed wrong on the end of the route adding another mile. He will be quite a runner if he gets to a point that he can devote solid time to training.
A divorcee, he has his kids every other weekend, which limits his ability to complete long runs. Even so, he finished this weekend's run at an average pace of 8:48. He's on track to go under four hours in his very first marathon.
Sunday, I opted for another run, and did just under 12 miles. I was unsure of the distance of the route I completed until I looked it up. I finished that run with an average pace of 7:59. Under eight minute pace for nearly a half-marathon. It's taken a long time to get from three to 12 at that pace, but it felt good (in a success sort of way, the actual physical effect was more painful).
Time, mileage, and study. With those three, an admitted sloth has improved his pace from 12 minute miles to sub-8s. For those of you who question your ability to improve your pace, I'm telling you it can be done. While I might never reach the levels of Khalid Khanouchi or Meb Keflezighi, I am steadily moving forward in the pack.
And if I can do it, anybody can.
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