It is so amazing. Yesterday, I ran 5.33 miles. Think about it: 5.33 miles is 8,500m. I never ran this long distance before. The longest distance I did during my heydays (that is, college days) was 3km. If it was not for PE exam, I probably never tried 3km.

Yesterday evening before dinner (that was a mistake, I was starved to death after the exercise), I went to gym as I had promised to my wife. I first did an aerobic training program for 20 min, which was about 2 miles. Since I have done a 3 mile program a few days ago (which by itself is amazing too because it is about 5km and already more than I had ever done before), I switched to the 5k program just to see how that program is set up. Kind of by instinct, I started to run.

I kept running and running and felt great. The exercise grade is about right—the middle grade 5. It took 40 minutes to finish 5km. I thought I might stop in the middle when it reached 3 miles. However, I didn’t feel exhausted. My feet and legs didn’t hurt. My breath and heart beat were regular and rhythmic. One idea flashed through my mind– could I do 5 miles?

At about 3.5 miles, I paused to drink water and to swipe my sweaty face. 10 seconds later, I pressed on. I watched the progress bar flashing and the distance accumulating. 4, 4.5, and bingo–5 miles! After another several minutes, I finished the program with a total 5.3 mile distance on the meter.

Furthermore, unlike last few 2-3 mile runs which ran with speed up and down and with rests, this 5 miles was real. I ran at a constant speed for more than an hour. It was truly amazing.

I was proud of myself. During my whole life, 8km never came to my dream. Even a 1,500m run in the morning was dreadful for me. I was not fond of athletic activities anyway. But now, I can do it—a distance even my fittest classmates once dreamed of.

Frankly, had I not been active during the summer, I couldn’t run that far. During the last few months, I ran bikes almost everyday. Last few weeks, I walked 3+3 miles several times from home to office. I walked instead of taking shuttle around campus. My intention is not to lose weight although shrinking a little waist circumference is extremely desirable. In fact, I can get my belt one hole inside now. This is great.

Exercise is a joyful experience. I wish I had started it earlier in my life. How could I so fear of 1,500 m exam before? Unbelievable.

Next week, I may try 10km. It is just 6 miles, and I am almost there.

By the way, this morning I did feel a little uncomfortable with my legs and feet, but not sore. They are ready for tomorrow’s 5km.