12:43. When I ran track in high school, that was my best 2-mile time. I don’t know why I remember that number. It’s not very good for a serious runner; I never even broke the 12:00 barrier. But it was my personal best, on a cool day on a brand new track. The conditions couldn’t have been better, and for an undisciplined athlete, I think it’s not a bad time.
On Sunday, after buying a pair of running shoes, I ran 10.75 miles in 1 hour, 39 minutes and change, which works out to around 9 minutes 15 seconds per mile. I’m a little disappointed with my pace, but I don’t think I’ve ever run that far. Apparently I’ve begun training for a marathon.
One day I want to take that skinny little high school kid to task. I may be 50 pounds heavier but what I’ve gained in weight I’ve also gained in discipline and drive. 12:43 will not stand.
and muscle. Part of that gain is muscle, Mister Century-Cycling-Like-It’s-Cake Stone Thighs. I see that 12:43 going up in smoke.