Monday Check in

Another Monday, another week!

I had a nice reminder to trust the process this weekend.

There’s a loop I run frequently near my house. I can tell you I’ve ran it 14 times this year, which is more than the 12 times I ran it last year. It’s about 4.5 miles with over 550ft of elevation gain, climbing and descending the high point of Barrington, a whomping 557 feet.

Way back in 2020, one of the first times I ran the loop, I set my PR on it. Under 40 minutes, and pretty much untouchable for me ever since. My average time on the loop is about 45 minutes, and each time I ran it under 45, I would think; how can I possibly get under 40 minutes—it must be a fluke, I could never have ran it that fast!

Then a few weeks ago someone got my record on Strava.

Then I got sick and felt less and less fit.

Then, I slowly built back up, careful not to push it.

When I started my run yesterday morning, the plan wasn’t to let it rip and go for the record, but I just couldn’t believe how good I felt starting the climb. And more, it felt good to push, and run with my heart rate high and huffing for air.

I ended up beating my old PR by 41 seconds. I didn’t retake the crown on my segment, but I was very close and I know I can do it.

Sometimes when you feel stuck, progress sneaks up on you. Trust the process—you might surprise yourself with what you still have.

—Justin Miner