My empire (5km) of dirt

To paraphrase the song Hurt (the Johnny Cash version)

What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know runs 5km
In the end

One of my goals this year was to run a 5km, something I don’t think I’ve done since I was a teenager. This morning I did my third! I can’t believe doing a parkrun at the time I used to get in from a Friday night session is who I’ve become. But park runs are… good? A few hundred people having a collective jog in the morning sun is… nice? Communal exercise, on public land, feels… right?

I’m not fast, as you can see below.

• 24/05: 34:27
• 26/07: 32:29 PB
• 09/08: 33:00

Average: 33:19

But since I’ve already achieved my goal of running just one 5k, I can set the next goal of finishing one under 30mins.

There’s around 3 minutes to shave off, and 5 months of the year remaining. Definitely acheivable and being more consistent will be the key. I’m quietly confident.

Yesterday I also hit my 200th day without alcohol this year. Not in a row, but 200/220 is way (way) better than last year and I definitely feel the difference both physically and mentally. My relationship with alcohol has bent back into my control and I get to have a clear head and enjoyable days.

Really angry that no booze, a run and a smoothie is good for me. Furious.