5 mile run came in at 40:15 today, shaving 38 seconds off my previous record. In the Marines, our standard physical fitness test (PFT) requires an absolute minimum of 24 minutes for a 3 mile run, or 8 minute miles. 40:15 is running 8 minute 3 second runs, so I could probably make the basic PFT. At my best in the Marines, I ran a 20:30. There were many guys who were faster, but I have never been an excellent runner (hell, I was 16 before I could even run a single mile without stopping).
In addition to running, I am intent on wasting less time in the mornings. My inefficiency in the morning is probably my greatest cause for lost time, especially since if I start slow, I continue slow. This semester, with all my evening classes, I don’t have any days where I need to move fast in the morning. I hated my commute in previous semesters: 4:30am wake up, out the door at 5:30, 2 hour commute to school. But at least there was at least twice per week where I had to kick the shit out of myself. I would teach three classes by 12:30pm. This semester, it’s sometimes an accomplishment to do anything before 12.
No more resting. Until I build better habits, I’m going to record how long it takes me to get my morning under way. This morning, I woke up at 6:20am, and was at the gym by 6:40, which is really good for me. It is now 7:46. I have yet to shower, but my goal is to be out the door by 8:15am. Writing this post takes about 10 minutes, but if recording my times in the morning causes me manage my time better, then spending 10 minutes can save 2 hours. It’s like a psychological time investment. Anyway, I better close this post now and not check any other websites.
Update: Ended up leaving at 8:30am, 15 minutes late. Appalling. I can do better. The day has been productive since then, as I stayed focused on reading and preparing notes for today’s classes. The first hour was the best, and I’ve gradually slowed down since then. Improvement, but still in need of more improvement. Need more mental efficiency.
Natural Causes 