run at your own speed...

every time someone ask me how long did it took me to reach the level where i am today with my running, i normally tell them years and that i'm still trying to improve.

unlike most of my running buddies from Nike Running Club (yes, the brand name is my running club), there's a few of us who run just for fun and for staying healthy.  majority are training for their first half-marathon or planning to run one of the big six world marathon (i.e. tokyo, boston, london, berlin, chicago and NYC).  i know a few who are actually running the marathon in antartica in a few months.

for a runner, you only have two things to think about during a registered run: (1) complete the event and (2) set your PR (personal record).  for a seasoned runner, they would put # 2 first since that's their benchmark of improvement.

i do not see myself as a seasoned runner.  i do not participate in every activity with my running club but i do try to run at least three times a week.  i know i could be doing a lot more to improve but for now, i do not see myself running a full marathon.  i was registered for the berlin half-marathon this coming march but because of my new job, i have to cancel  - i cannot take time-off.  maybe someday...

to date, i have only participated in two, yes 2 registered run - a 4 miler back in 2012 and a half-marathon in 2014.  i've been running for 4 years.

click here to read a good topic/advice in regards to being a slow runner.

yes, below is a picture of me running in central park two weeks ago when the temperature was below zero.  i was wearing 5 top layers just to stay warm.

 

**photo credit: Nike+Live