Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Twin Cities Marathon: Goals

Wow, I guess it's that time again: to make goals for the marathon. Here we go again!

1. First and foremost, as always, to enjoy myself. This is billed as the most beautiful urban marathon in America, and I intend to make the most of it. There may be storms, but that could be fun too as long as it doesn't affect the running of the marathon. I'm also running my good friend Erik D., and now that I know how great it is to run with someone else, I'm definitely looking forward to that!

2. But of course, there's the nitty-gritty of the time goals. Of course, primarily I want to break 4 hours. Most indications seem to be that I'm in better shape than I was this spring, so I think I can get it this time. So, there it is: 3:59:59.

3. But a PR of any kind would be welcome! 4:14:19

4. Run strong during the last 10K. This will be even tougher than usual because the first few miles are uphill. But thereafter it's downhill to the finish, so if I can stick it out for a time after mile 20, I can coast on home.

Accomplishing #4 will hand me #2 and #3, so other than staying on pace, that will be my focus. I know from experience that adrenaline and the excitement of the day will carry me well past halfway. After that I just need to hold on to my pace and dig deep when I hit 20. This is where I always fall apart and this time will be different.

There.

Okay, a recap of the last week and a half: I ran the Corporate Challenge Mile and won the women's race with a blistering 6:49! Really this just shows how non-competitive the race was, but still, it's nice to win something. I also ran the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K in 23:32 and was 4th in my age group, which is pretty neat as it's the biggest 5K in Indiana, supposedly (or at least central Indiana). It would be fun to spend a season working on shorter distances and see what I can do with that 5K time, but that will have to wait. The taper has been going well. I've been feeling fresh and rested. And ready.

6 comments:

Nitmos said...

Wow, you are blistering these races lately. I have no doubt you'll pass 4 hours or at least shatter your marathon PR. Go and get it!

jen said...

Congrats on the smokin' fast mile and the WIN! Awesome. Great job on the 5k too. You are in great shape and so ready for the marathon.

Those goals are really smart and I belive you can go sub-4! Have a great time and I'll be thinking about ya this weekend. Good luck!! :)

Al Durham said...

Good luck at your marathon. I hope that both of us hit our goals of under a 4 hour marathon time.

DawnB said...

Goodluck with your marathon goal Mir, I'm sending all good vibes your way!!!

Nice races congratulations on winning the women's mile and nice job on the 5k as well


Most of all have fun!!!

Russ said...

good luck with the 2xcity marathon...sounds like you are ready for #2.

Nuke Runner said...

Congratulations on your recent races. Good luck at Twin Cities!