New 5k season best

I just finished what started out as a tempo run but turned into a 5k time trial.  When it was over I ran it down in 24:12, which was more than three minutes faster than anything I've run this summer!  I started the season running 5k in about 29 minutes, which was kind of a let down (you always think you are in better shape than you actually are.)  I got a late start to training because of illness and injuries during the spring, and with such a slow start my plans of getting a PR this season went out the window.

But after only six weeks of serious training I've already knocked five minutes off and with my best 5k in High School being around 19 minutes, I only need to trim off another five!  Winter is coming fast in Utah so I don't know if I can get it done before the big freeze, but it's definitely possible.  The race is on.

Praise of my physique from unorthodox strangers

I've had a couple of funny experiences lately out running.  It's been wicked hot so I run in short-shorts and no shirt, which feels good but gets a little attention.  A couple of weeks ago I was running through a neighborhood and this little Mexican boy said, "Sexy bodyyyyyy" and sort of danced back and forth as he said it.  It was so goofy I totally started laughing.

Story two was last Saturday I was out for a long run on the Provo River Trail, and I passed by a guy that can best be described as being like the old sea captain from The Simpsons only scarier:

As I went past him he exclaimed, "You're in GREAT shape, bro!"  There was nothing creepy in his tone of voice, it was as if he had never seen someone athletic and was genuinely astonished.  I told my friends about it at dinner later that night and they all thought it was pretty dang funny.

Now I'd be lying if I said I didn't want people to be impressed as they see me running by, but 10-year old latino's and old homeless guys isn't really the demo I'm going for.  Maybe the girls are impressed too and they are just being coy...