August was a difficult month

Eight months to go.
As with every journey, there are ups and downs.
August was one of those “down” periods, as a whole.
I ran my first 10K race Aug. 6 — it was an extremely overwhelming sense of accomplishment, considering I had never ran further than 5 miles before.
Since then, my furthest run was Wednesday night, a 4.86-mile trot, putting my total running distance for August at 52.16 miles, which is approximately the distance from The CR office to Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.
I have yet to run the same 10K distance I did earlier this month, so my work is cut out for me if I wish to build my way up to running the Indy Mini half marathon in May.
There are a number of circumstances as to why I haven’t been able to get back to 6.2:
•I haven’t had much time. With the fall sports schedule picking up in recent weeks, my normal summer routine changed drastically so I have to get a new plan in place to build the distance back up.
•Physical issues. As I’ve mentioned before I’m asthmatic, and it seems during my runs lately that my asthma has been acting up, preventing me from going the distances I’d prefer. Also, some lingering knee pain from the Mad Run in May keeps coming back, and I’ve been dealing with a sore calf for about two weeks.
•It’s been hot. I don’t handle hot weather too well. I prefer colder temperatures, especially if I’m going to be exerting the copious amounts of energy that running entails. A week or so ago, temperatures dropped to the high-60s during the evenings. Those nights I ran well, but on hot days by the time it dips to more comfortable running temperatures it is too late in the evening.
•Mental toughness. I’m still working on the mental capacity it takes to push myself to run 6.2 miles — or further — on a consistent basis. The other factors mentioned previously are easily remedied, but this will take the most work. And I feel it will also be the most challenging.
After completing the 10K in slightly less than 1 hour, 10 minutes, I am more than expecting to complete the Indy Mini in about 2 1/2 hours.
There are a lot of things one can do in the time I foresee myself running: watch “Goodfellas” or any of the “Lord of the Rings” flicks; drive to Indiana University, Purdue University or Ohio State University; fly one way from Indianapolis to Miami, Denver, San Antonio or Nassau, Bahamas.
But instead I’m choosing to hustle around downtown Indianapolis, take a lap around Indianapolis Motor Speedway and run further than I ever imagined my body to be capable.
That’s what’s been fun about this whole process — seeing how I can push myself to do things I never would have done in the past.
Plus, I know when I cross the finish line in May — more than an hour after the winner and with plenty more people already finished — all the sweat and pain I’ve endured to be able to reach the tape will be worth it.
Eight months to go.