Thursday, February 19, 2015

Phoenix Marathon Goals

AHHHHHHH! WHERE DID THE TIME GO?! Can you believe we are a little over a week away from the Phoenix Marathon?! AHHHHHHH! No.... really.... AHHHHHHH!

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Well, it is coming whether I am ready or not, I guess I better just pull up my big girl pants and get on with it! I have put in the training, logged the miles, and now it is GO TIME!

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Originally I was thinking about keeping my goals to myself, that way if I don't hit them I have only disappointed myself, but the more I thought about it, the more I want YOU rooting me on too!


Goal A: 3:4X

I would LOVE to be in the 3:40s (preferably under 3:45, but in the 3:40 range would be a HUGE deal for me). Thinking I could hit this is somewhat crazy to me - but like my coach Krissy said, it is like running a 1:50 half marathon (which I can TOTALLY do) twice (which I have never tried to do). To hit this goal I would need to run a pace of between 8:23/ mile and 8:46/ mile.

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Goal B: Sub-4

This was originally my MAIN focus (and still a very strong second goal!). (It was actually my Goal A for my first full marathon last year.) For some reason the 4 hour break just holds something magical. I think if I was a 3:XX:XX marathoner I could hang up my marathon shoes for a while feeling satisfied (that is after my next one in May, hehe). To hit this goal I would need to run a pace of approximately 9:09/ mile or faster.

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Goal C: Sub-4:13:44

This is currently my full marathon PR. I would LOVE to know that my training has paid off and I have gotten faster and being able to set a personal record would be a tangible way to prove that (but as we all know, it is MUCH DEPENDENT on what race day brings!). To hit this goal I would need to run a pace of approximately 9:40/ mile or faster.

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Goal D: Finish with a SMILE

Like I mentioned in Goal C, sometimes we just can't predict what race day will bring. Maybe we will get bad weather (too hot, too cold, too humid), maybe I will get sick, maybe I will trip and fall, maybe I will stop to help someone else who trips and falls, maybe... maybe... maybe... Finishing a marathon is a feat in and of itself - and something to be proud of (but I would probably give me a couple hours to cool down and have a mini pity party before reminding me of that fact). Honestly though, the hard work is done - I put in the training, the race is just the CELEBRATION! I am blessed to be able to get out there and run, so no matter what my finish time, I will praise the Lord that I had the opportunity to be on the course! To hit this goal I would need to put one foot in front of the other and keep things in perspective (I mean, I am PAYING to do this!).

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So, with that being said, Ryan and I will head out next Friday morning for Phoenix. We will be driving (we weren't sure what his work schedule was going to be or if he would be able to come, so we figured since it is only about 6 hours we would rather be safe than sorry and just drive than have to deal with refundable flights, etc) and staying until Sunday.

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The race itself is Saturday, but the weekend will include MUCH MORE than just the marathon (SPOILER ALERT - I may be running a virtual race on Sunday morning too!). It is going to be the PARTY OF THE YEAR! We will probably break the InterWebs, so be warned! [If you want to follow along with some of the shenanigans, make sure you are following me on Instagram and Twitter {@CarleeMcDot}. And you can also follow hashtag #ItsGoingDownAtPHX!]


Do you normally set goals for your races? If so, do you share them with others? 

7 comments:

Kc said...

It can be scary to put your goals out there but I'm VERY proud of you!!

I really wanted to PR for Phoenix (1:54:14) but 4 weeks away from my training plan has really gotten into my head. I'm hoping for sub 2 now!

I'm getting so excited and look forward to meeting you lady!! :)

Unknown said...

SO EXCITED TO MEET AND OR RUN WITH YOU!
My a goal is 3:30, but I think that is a pipe dream. I think that Erica and I are going to try for that, but you might just have yourself a running buddy!

Lauren @ The Foodie Runner said...

Wish I was able to make it out to Arizona to cheer you all on in the full, but have the BEST weekend and you are totally going to kill your goal(s)! I just know it!

SD Mom said...

YES! Your goal D is my Goal A, B, C & D!

Bill said...

This is one of the best "goal" posts that I have read. Best of luck to you in achieving your goals. Krissy rocks!

Sally @ Sweat Out the Small Stuff said...

Good luck!!! I think it's safe to say you will definitely finish with a smile on your face. I don't think you could possibly not smile. It's just as much a part of you as your fingers and toes :) have a great time.

Unknown said...

Good for you for putting your goals out there, I know how terrifying that is. But I think you're doing it smart with a plan a and then many back up plans since sometimes things don't go as you hoped. But I will be rooting for you for sure! I'm doing the half, so I can be at the finish line cheering you on :)