Pushing Limits at the Polidor 5k Race: My Fastest Time and New PR

Another weekend, another race. This time, it’s the Polidor 5k race in Columbus, Indiana. Proceeds go to a solid cause—the Alfa literacy program in Haiti. But you know what? All that melts away when I’m out there pounding pavement. It’s not about the charity or the hundred other people grinding it out beside me. It’s just me versus me every damn time.

Fourth place out of 111—that’s cool. But that’s not the point. What matters? I sliced 38 seconds off my last 5k from two weeks ago in Martinsville. I’m clocking in at 24:01.02 now, a personal best, with a pace of 7:44 per mile. It’s the fastest I’ve ever gone, and I can feel it. That’s not just improvement; that’s me proving to myself that last time’s limits don’t mean jack today.

People think racing is about everyone else on that course, but let’s cut the crap—it’s not. It’s about facing down the voice in my head that says, “This is good enough,” and answering back, “Not a chance.” Because if you’re not out there with that mentality, what’s the point? Every second shaved, every step faster; it’s about breaking past whatever’s holding me back. It’s about stepping up, demanding more, and refusing to let my best self stay somewhere off in the distance. That’s the game: show up, go harder, and keep pushing until you cross that line, knowing you left nothing behind.

Stay disciplined. Stay resilient.

Jim Lunsford

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Author: Jim Lunsford

Jim Lunsford is a peer recovery coach in training, certified career coach, certified life coach, resilience advocate, and seasoned professional in personal empowerment and criminal justice. With a history marked by overcoming personal struggles, including addiction and trauma, Jim draws from his life's challenges to guide others. His dedication to service is evident in his roles in law enforcement and corrections, where he actively contributes to community safety while fostering positive relationships. As a devoted family man and community servant, Jim's mission is to inspire and nurture resilience within others, encouraging them to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. View all posts by Jim Lunsford