Sometimes the best part about running is the numbers. I find such satisfaction in tracking my runs and watching the times go down or the miles go up. I’ve found that if I work hard and am patient I can really see results.
A few weeks ago I made a short term running goal to get my 3 mile run back under 30 minutes. I’m taking my time with this comeback, but I needed something quantitative to work on to let me know I’m actually improving. To put this in perspective, before I got sick in February, I was running 3 miles in 28ish minutes. When I first started back running again in June I was running 3 miles in 33 minutes.
So, GUESS WHAT?! I’m getting faster and I have the numbers to prove it.
It was honestly just sort of fun typing that. 
My hubby and I both have “workout” boards where we track or plan the workouts we do during the week. They are basically dry erase boards with a fun silver back. I know… we are both Type A.
This was my board two weeks ago…
My 3 mile time started at 31:15. Then it went to 30:30 and then down to 30:15!
This is last week…
30:15, 30:15 and ….
…but it was super HOT and HUMID during this run so I actually consider this one a victory too. My last super steamy outdoor run was 30:55.
This week I know I’ll hit my goal. I’m so close. I already ran 3 miles in 30:05 on Monday.
Hey, did you hear? I’m getting faster, the numbers don’t lie.
(The magazine article page next to my workout list is a kettle ball workout I ripped out of a magazine that I want to try.)
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QUESTIONS:
DO YOU EVER SET SMALL GOALS FOR YOURSELF?
WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT RUNNING GOAL?
DO YOU TRACK YOUR WORKOUTS?
Dan Steadman says
Set small goals and track, not usually small just big goals and track progress toward those...I have in my planner the workouts I need to do and try to hit those goals (of course in the sauna known as SC Summer that gets hard). You know my current goal...Asheville 9/28/13 (I can't believe it is almost only 2 months to go) finish and be around 3:45. You're doing great on your comeback, take the small victories as they come, and remember fall will be here soon and the heat and humidity will be gone
JulieWunder says
I missed all of Spring running 🙂 60 will feel pretty great!
Kim @ Cooking in the City says
That is so awesome! Especially in this weather 🙂
I track all of my runs on my Google calendar. Usually just milage, but I do add speed if it was a workout or something noteworthy! It's fun to look back on previous years.
JulieWunder says
I do that too... love the numbers 🙂
Harold Hall says
Congrats on getting back in to running form, a running lifestyle will keep you looking young and fit. To improve your speed find someone that is a little faster than you to train with and to run with on race day. You both will benefit and you will see your times come down faster! Keep up the good work and go girl?
JulieWunder says
Thanks harold!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
That's awesome! Getting faster in running is so rewarding. I haven't ever kept that close of an eye on the numbers in running because I tend to get a bit obsessive, but it's nice to see improvement that you can measure.
JulieWunder says
haha-- yeah it's a trick balancing act. Watch what you are doing but not too closely or you will miss out on all the fun of actually running.
Jaime says
A few months ago I started tracking my running workouts on dailymile (and I also blog all of my workouts weekly.) My current goal is just to get excited about running again! I'm hoping to come up with a game plan for a fall race and that can push me to be a bit more motivated.
Great job on your running times!!
Bethany says
Awesome!!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Bethany!
Frank Burrell says
Wonderful!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Frank!