Well, I guess I'm running a marathon tomorrow.
Time to release that inner beast, something I have not been good at in the past. Put one way, "it's morphin time!" (not that cheeziness will help, but one can try)
For the record, my not-so-secret goal is for my finish time to be as close to 4 hours as possible. That should be obvious, and not just because I AM using a marathon training plan called "4 Months to a 4-Hour Marathon." This will be the 10th time that I will be standing at that start line, thinking stuff like, "Why am I here?" and "I can't believe I'm about to do this to myself again." So after that many 26.2's, you would think that I would get better and better (famous last words).
But noooo, my last marathon PR (4:19) was in 2009 when I ran the Pasadena Marathon with "The Ukrainian" and then pretty much replicated that effort on my own at the Las Vegas Marathon at the end of that year. Since then, I came somewhat close in San Antonio last year, but given that I run about three marathons a year, these aren't good stats.
This is the first time in a while where I've actually followed a training program closely, particularly one that told me what pace to do! I think overall, I only missed a few days of training, just on the short mid-week runs when I was feeling tired or life got in the way.
I've seen bloggers post their specific race goals, which is something I fear because I hate having to come back and talk about my shortcomings. This is not news, but I am not a fast runner... or a very consistent one. Will I be thinking about my goals during my race, or get caught up in the moment (lonnnnng moment) as usual?
Race Goals:
A) Finish the race, ideally injury-free
B) Come in under 4:40
C) Come in under 4:30
D) Beat my PR, 4:19
E) Come in under 4:15
Realistically, I am not sure I can top 4:15, given how my other 9 marathons have gone so far. Mental weakness, calf cramps, inclement weather, etc. have been obstacles to me in the past, even when I felt that my base speed was faster. Yep, you read that right -- I have been feeling slower over the years, even if taking whatever speedwork into account..... at 26 years old. I gotta do some defying here!
To be continued.... see you on the other side.
Time to release that inner beast, something I have not been good at in the past. Put one way, "it's morphin time!" (not that cheeziness will help, but one can try)
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But noooo, my last marathon PR (4:19) was in 2009 when I ran the Pasadena Marathon with "The Ukrainian" and then pretty much replicated that effort on my own at the Las Vegas Marathon at the end of that year. Since then, I came somewhat close in San Antonio last year, but given that I run about three marathons a year, these aren't good stats.
This is the first time in a while where I've actually followed a training program closely, particularly one that told me what pace to do! I think overall, I only missed a few days of training, just on the short mid-week runs when I was feeling tired or life got in the way.
I've seen bloggers post their specific race goals, which is something I fear because I hate having to come back and talk about my shortcomings. This is not news, but I am not a fast runner... or a very consistent one. Will I be thinking about my goals during my race, or get caught up in the moment (lonnnnng moment) as usual?
Race Goals:
A) Finish the race, ideally injury-free
B) Come in under 4:40
C) Come in under 4:30
D) Beat my PR, 4:19
E) Come in under 4:15
Realistically, I am not sure I can top 4:15, given how my other 9 marathons have gone so far. Mental weakness, calf cramps, inclement weather, etc. have been obstacles to me in the past, even when I felt that my base speed was faster. Yep, you read that right -- I have been feeling slower over the years, even if taking whatever speedwork into account..... at 26 years old. I gotta do some defying here!
To be continued.... see you on the other side.
My goal for you is still a sub-4:00. :) You've trained hard and trained well and I have faith that if it's a good day, you'll be able to do it.
ReplyDeleteI actually have a challenge for you. Instead of thinking in terms of time, of course you will finish. Just give it your all, and cash in all of those training miles you put in the bank. Trust your Training. You should not have a problem with a sub 4:10. You will crack it........and dont forget to morph! Any amount of cheeziness is ok during a marathon if that is what it takes to do it. Best Wishes!
ReplyDeleteTrust your training. Lay it all out there. Not everyone can do what you do and however you finish, you are a star. So smile dammit.
ReplyDeleteWhat Abby said!
ReplyDeleteHave a graet, safe, injury-free and fun race. Looking forward to the report.
White Tigerzord! As you told me, "You got this! Eyes on the Prize" This is the part where I shout out, "Mastodon!" and head out to take on the GRE. This weekend is about conquering and I can't wait to hear how you took out this race! You're going to do great!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your'e rockin' it! Hope you had a great race!!! Can't wait to hear the recap!
ReplyDelete