How long will it suck?

Every new and returning runner asks the same question. How long until this becomes less miserable?

I was expecting that I’d have to gut it out for a few months. But less than a month in, it’s noticeably less difficult. And the progress is easy to see. After setting an OMPR (Old Man PR) of 29:33 for the 5K yesterday, I bested that by 50 seconds today. I then went on to finish 4 miles in 38 minutes. And it felt good the whole way.

Running 4 miles at a 9:30 pace seemed a real stretch a month ago yet here I am.

Like any sport, running requires some level of competency if you are to do it consistently and improve. I feel like I’ve established that base. All that is required now is to build on the foundation.