Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Fall Marathon Plans

It has been quite a while since I have had a time goal on the brain when it comes to my running. In fact, the last race I had a time goal for was the 2017 Chicago Marathon. Since then I've kept up the running and added in some new challenges (i.e. running trails, tackling the Grand Canyon, etc), but haven't felt the need to tackle speed... that is, until NOW!


As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I've been lucky enough to team up with the Lexus LaceUp Running Series for 2018. Along with some other awesome perks, I've been comped entry into all of their races - the only thing I needed to do was to select the distances I wanted to run. Most of the events offer a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon distance, but Ventura also offers a Full Marathon. When I was looking into the course I had that "this looks like a fast course, maybe I should try to PR this race" feeling and thought - IT'S TIME! [PS Use "CARLEE10" to save 10% on any of the LaceUp Races.]

Source

My current PR for the Marathon is 3:25:02 (which I set in Chicago last fall). If you followed my journey to BQ, you probably remember my game plan for the Boston Marathon was for it to be a one and done race. Well, I'm sticking to my guns and currently don't plan to return (don't get me wrong - the city, the race, the spectators are AMAZEBALLS, but I know how hard it is to accomplish {literally a lifetime goal for some} and don't want to take that special moment away from another runner who hasn't had the opportunity to experience it), but that doesn't mean I never want to run fast again. Au contraire!

THIS FEELING RIGHT HERE... I don't know if you can top it! And I don't want to take that space
or opportunity away from someone else who hasn't been able to experience it yet.

When training for Chicago, I worked with a coach and had a lot of one-on-one guidance for my training {paces, distances, etc} and goals, but this go-around I'm tackling the challenge on my own. Don't get me wrong, I'd recommend Run Your Race coaching any day of the week, but I think this training cycle I want to see if I can do it myself. So I went online, found a training plan and put pencil to paper (because you obviously can't use pen... that would just be cray-cray!).

You know it's serious business when I bust out the ruler!

The Ventura Marathon is on October 21st, which means I technically have just over 16 weeks to make this happen. We obviously all know A LOT can happen between now and then, and I'll have to realistically evaluate my fitness level once race day gets closer, but currently I'm going to be ballsy and put out for the InterWebs (and world) to see and say my goal for Ventura will be a sub-3:25. HOLY CRAPOLY... I said it... Now I have to put my money where my mouth is and DO IT!

Source

Between now and then I have four races on the calendar (including a full marathon, an 8-miler and two half marathons), but only one of them do I plan on racing - America's Finest City Half Marathon. The training plan I'm using has a Half Marathon scheduled for the same exact day at the AFC Half so I thought it'd be PERFECT! Now I know this course is not necessarily a PR course (there is a decent climb around Mile 11.5), but I'm stoked to use it as a gauge to see where I'm at 8 weeks into my training. PS If you want to run it with me, use code "CARLEESFINEST" to save $10 on your registration!


There you have it - I've got a plan, I'm registered for the race(s) and I'm ready to run! Now all I gotta do is put in the work!

What is your next 'goal' race?

4 comments:

Erica @ Erica Finds said...

That's exciting! I'm looking forward to seeing how your plan works for you! It's great to chase a PR and I know you'll enjoy the journey.

Melissa (@biochembelle) said...

Our next true "goal" race is Cougar Mountain 50K in Washington state (it definitely scares & excites me!). We have a couple of trail fun runs next month. And we have a full marathon in the lead up to the big race, where I'm hoping we'll PR.

Unknown said...

Looking forward to seeing you crush it! I currently have no crazy goals, right now just enjoying running for fun :)

Bree at Clarity Defined said...

I haven't ruled out the Ventura Half, but I'm still undecided as I'm enjoying my running break and no races on the calendar right now to do other types of workouts.

But, I have a friend running her fast half at AFC (as well as a few other friends running), so I have every intention of being out there to spectate and cheer them on (and maybe do the 5k while I wait for them to get closer to the finish ;)).