Since I can’t run until Thursday or Friday, I’ve been enjoying hanging with my family and doing family things. We had a great weekend together and I must admit it was nice not to have to wake up early to get my run in before doing weekend chores.
I was thinking today of my goal. Last March when I made my running goal to qualify for Boston, I honestly didn’t know what I was in for. I thought to myself that I made my half at BQ pace and so it shouldn’t be hard to get in a whole marathon at that pace.
Um – Not!
Knowing what I know now, I have a lot of work to do to make my goal. My pace for my one and only marathon wasn’t great, but I’m fine with it. I finished that race in 4:14 and I have to finish in 3:30 to BQ.
So, as always is the case, TJ has helped me come up with a plan (thank you TJ). I have just under 6 months before the next marathon. I hope to run the Shamrock Marathon in Va. Beach on March 16, 2014. I have to save some money as TJ and I will need to fly there, run and fly back over a long weekend, but at least I can stay with family so I don’t have to pay for a hotel or meals (thanks Jeff).
Right now we are in a planning stage. On the horizon is the Vulcan Run 10K with @BigBigGeek, The Mercedes Half Marathon and various other 5K’s and races to keep us motivated.
Back to my goal.
To be honest I like to put myself on the line for what seems impossible. It helps with motivation and builds character. Also since I put my goal in the name of my blog, I have no choice but to work hard toward it. I don’t say this in a negative way, honestly! I have learned over the past two years that pushing myself in positive ways is immensely important. I have to move forward or I will move backward. So why not push myself in a positive way to achieve something I never thought I could? If I don’t try, I’ll never know what I can accomplish!!!
Stay tuned. The saga continues. 🙂
You can do it! With careful planning, things will surely go well… and it also helps to have good alternative plans just in case Plan A doesn’t work out as expected 🙂
Boy I learned about plan B with my last marathon. I didn’t write this, but my goals for my next are, Under 4 hours, Under 3:45 and then under 3:30. Still I’m pushing for the 3:30 anyway. Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂
Hey – my first marathon was a 4:20. And I’m gunning for 3:30 in Portland. If I can do it, you can do it! Enjoy your last days off from running!
We can both do it!!! Great luck and grace in your marathon!!!
I’m glad you’ve set your next set of goals- I’ve been thinking abut my 2014 runs today, too. Looking forward to hearing all about your next phase of training!
Thanks. I look forward to yours also!!!
Sounds like a doable and great goal and I have no doubt you will rock it! 🙂