To get to the finish line, you’ll have to try lots of different paths~
-Amby Burfoot

 I ran a 10K distance today, 6.20 miles and it felt great! I’ve not run this far in a long time.  I ran this far today, because I felt good. I had no pains, or anything that was hurting.

I like that I wasn’t sure how far I was going to run. I just set out for a run and let my body decide.  About 3 miles in, I realized I felt wonderful and I was going to run a 10K if I ran just a little more and then headed back.  I actually felt like I could have gone longer.

I’m still a little worried that something is going to give though, and I’ll re-injure my hip, if I push it too much.  I’m trying to just follow the guideline of not increasing mileage by more than 10% a week.  But it is hard- I’ll admit, as I’m feeling so good running.  But I’m determined to not overdo it and get reinjured.

As I was finishing up an easy 10K, it struck me, I’ve really done it. I’ve become a minimalist runner!  It took me about nine months from the first run I ever ran this way, to where it just feels natural and easy for me.  It feels hard and awkward now for me to run in traditional running shoes- I really don’t like running that way.  But running minimalist- I love it, and I’m adjusting to it where it feels like the natural way to run to me now.

I know I still have a lot to learn though and a lot of running miles ahead of me, to perfect my form. It will always be a work in progress.  I’m not sure I could run a half marathon minimalist yet, but I could definitely run a 5K or a 10K.  I’m thinking of signing up for a 5K to just to run it free, have fun and see how I do.

So this was a great run for me today. I’m knocking my goal down one mile at a time.  To think about running 26.2 miles- that is hard for me. But thinking I can run it a mile at a time- that is easier.  26.2 miles minus 6.2 miles leaves 20 miles.  That’s 10 miles one way and 10 miles back, and I’ve done that before. I will do it again- I’m getting there.  6.2 miles down, 20 to go!

(Note: While I was designing Running Free Blog, I was writing blog posts too as I started this process, but had no place to post them.  So for a while the blog posts will be a few weeks “retro,” until I run out of content and start writing “live” every week. This post was originally written September 7.)