Woodrow Wilson HS Track.

Another short day and another short run. Had breakfast with Dr John this morning so I only ran 2 miles. I'm beginning to think that I might start focusing on 1 mile at a time. Today's first-mile pace was the fastest I've run since starting this training, 39 days ago — 12:28 — almost a minute faster than yesterday. The second-mile pace was 15:32, for an average pace of a 14:00. More importantly, today was the first time that I've run a mile without slowing to a walk. I ran the entire first mile. That's significant to me.

Since I'm doing this with no trainer at my heel coaching me with the proper technique or the best strategy for my age, weight, etc., etc., I'm trying to figure this out on my own. All I have to go by is my gut. What does my body tell me it needs to improve my time? I'm becoming more attuned to my body than ever before. I'm paying attention; I just don't know if I'm interpreting what it's saying, correctly.

Having my doctor on board with what I'm doing takes a lot of the worry off my shoulders. Getting rid of some of the meds I've taken (for too many years) I believe will help me, tremendously.

What I don't want to do is start thinking my way is the best or the only way to train properly. Right now, I'm open to some coaching from someone who's been down this road and can offer sage advice.

I'm not as fit as I'd like but I'm otherwise in good health and my doctor has given the go-ahead for this training so I'm going to push myself as hard as I deem necessary to meet my goals. Steel on steel. That's how to sharpen a knife. Until proven wrong, that's how I'm going to train.