Well, after multiple set backs this year due to sickness and other physical set-backs, I have made another milestone towards my running goal! As of last week I have hit the two mile mark on my way to a 5k (3.1 miles).
I know it's not a lot compared to any marathoners who may come across this thread, and it's definitely under prime conditions (easy pace, indoors, flat grade), but damnit when I started running only 1/4 of a mile would leave me without breath so I'm pretty happy with where I'm at.
As usual, the mental game is the hardest. I can do okay with not looking down at the little timer in the treadmill for about 10 minutes, but after that it's a slog. Although admittedly less of a slog than it used to be. At this point I feel confident in my physical ability to push the whole way through, but the main thing holding me back is fear of overworking my kness or giving myself shin splints.
Nevertheless, I will push on. Following the ol' 10% progressive overloading advice, the jump between mile 2 and mile 3 should be much shorter than getting from mile 1 to mile 2 (and gods willing, I don't get COVID in the middle of it again).