A couple other threads got me thinking about some running milestones. As a fat, out of shape boring white collar type, I am prone to nostalgia. My fondest milestone memories are below, feel free to share your memories.
Sub 16 5000m: I was in 10th grade and ran 15:54 on a cross country course. I was too young and too cocky to let anyone rain on my parade by mentioning cross country courses may be short or downhill (in retrospect this course was definitely downhill, but I dont think it was short). Anyhow, I went into the race hoping to run 16:20ish and to be top 10, I ended up 4th in 15:54, it was a great feeling to see that clock and be truly surprised by the time, definitely a great feeling.
Sub 5 1600m: I was in 9th grade and had run 5:01 about three times in a row, each time going out harder only to come back slower. I was young, stupid and determined, so in my fourth race of the season I went out even harder but by force of sheer determination refused to die and held on for a 4:55. After I got over that mental block and had the pressure of, i was able to pace a little better and quickly got down to 4:35 at the end of the season. Breaking 5 for the first time felt great, though, because it was one of those times where you just will yourself to a time.
Sub 2 800m: this was one of those time that would just never come, after so many 2:00, 2:01 and 2:02 spread across two years I had pretty much just given up. Then I got into a hot race and had invited a girl to come watch. At 600m I got passed by a couple guys and was ready to pack it in as I had pretty much just given up on the 800 at this point (12th grade). But with the girl in the stands, I was able to summon some of my dignity back around 700m and kick in for the win and a 1:58 clocking. Pretty good feeling.