I've been feeling very contemplative about my running lately. I feel like my improvement is a constant look back at where I've been and a look ahead to where I'm going. I'm approaching my 6-month anniversary of getting off the couch; it's just over a week away. Since I took that first step in Couch to 5K, I've improved my 5K race time by over 3 minutes and run 6 miles twice. I've experienced some aches and pains and little niggling things that luckily haven't turned into fullblown injuries. I've seen my waistline decrease and my cardiovascular fitness increase.
Still, sometimes it feels like improvement takes so long. Sure, I've made big strides (ha ha! strides!) in my training, but I still run slow. I still want to be able to run 10 miles and know I'm a ways away. It's still very hard not to compare myself to others and feel envy in their abilities, although I know a vast majority of them started out right where I am, right now. I buy gear and wear all the right stuff and get out there every day I have scheduled but some days I still don't feel like a runner. When does that change?