Monday, October 31, 2011

Marathon Tip #4 Goals + My own



I often find it helps to announce goals to other people, it makes it seem more real and more concrete. It also helps put a *twinge* of pressure on you, though honestly that's the last thing I need!!

D - Anything faster than last years 4:53. Worst case, I still want to beat last years time.

C - 4:30. This time is totally doable. My incredibly hilly, tough 21 miler last weekend was about on pace for this. That would also give me a 20+ minute PR. Wait, and that's only my C goal???

B - 4:20-4:30 This would make me really happy. Very realistic. Possible 30 min PR? Oh yes, I'll take it.

A+ - Sub 4:20. My first 20 miler was amazing, and it set me up for a time around 4:18. According to my half marathon PR set just a few weeks ago, McMillan pegs me at 4:20. It is not a crazy pace for me (9:58) but I know I cannot afford to slow down too much towards the end. I need to force myself to NOT WALK just because I'm tired. Of course I will be tired. But I need to shuffle my little legs towards victory. This is the time I really, really, really, REALLY am striving for.

5 comments:

  1. I KNOW you can run a 4:20 marathon. You have worked so hard, progressed so far, and are SO ready for this. I think your biggest challenge will be the mental one - reminding yourself that you CAN do this - and not settling for anything less than the best you can give. NOW DO THIS!!

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  2. Thanks Joe, I definitely know the mental side will be the toughest next week. I can't wait to see YOU kick some ass as well!!

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  3. I'm with Joe - you have done INCREDIBLE work this year and your legs most definitely can carry you to a sub 4:20. Get your brain on board with that plan and you are going to have any amazing race next weekend! Can't wait to see you kill it!

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  4. My goals are so similar! My first was 4:59, but I've gotten a lot faster since then. The crazy bastard McMillan pegs me at 4:04 based on my half PR, but...yeah...

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  5. Just remember, I will be there at mile 24 to give you the energy you need for those last 2.2 miles. You will rock this marathon Sam!!!

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