So somewhere back in this post I said that I signed up for a 5k race in July. It’s in Newport, Rhode Island, and it’s part of a craft brew race series, so after the run, there’s a festival after with beer and food. Obviously, I’m there 100% for that. One of my co-workers is going to run with me.

I wouldn’t call myself a runner, but I’m someone who runs. Okayish. My exercise-induced asthma kind of hinders long distance running. I can’t let that stop me, though, and I’d like to think that by running consistency, it’ll help build up my endurance. (Ironically, though, I found out I had asthma in eighth grade while running the mile for the state fitness test. I feel like they don’t make students do that anymore.)

I’ve been running every other day or three times a week since the middle of April. I keep track of my runs on my Fitbit and on a running app, and I also keep a running log in the notes section on my phone.

My ultimate goal is to run a mile, walk a few minutes, run the second mile, walk a few minutes, and finish the run. I don’t think I’ll be able to run three consecutive miles, so I’d rather take a few minutes to catch my breath in between and not use up all of my energy in the beginning. Not sure if this is a fool-proof method, but it seems like the easiest to me.

I’ve been running on the track at my old high school a few afternoons after work. I used to run in my neighborhood and on a bike path in a few towns over from me, but the track seems to be working for me. But when I run, I can’t think about running. I have to think about literally anything else: my story that I haven’t been working on, new blog posts, or focusing in on the music on my playlist.

Anything doing with physical endurance and ability is actually has a lot to do with your mentality. If you think you can’t do it, then you’re setting yourself up to fail. I need to be nice to myself when I’m running and tell myself I can go just a little bit further but also listen to my body and slow down if I can’t breathe. (I’ve only had one major asthma attack once, and it was scary, so I’m trying to not have one again anytime soon.)

I feel like the vibe of the 5k in July will be fun, and it won’t be super serious. I’ll try to run as much as I can but also walk if I have to. The race starts at 12:00 p.m. and the festival ends around 4:00 p.m., and I’ll be running right by the water. Plus I’ll get beer after.

Sounds pretty good to me.