As per normal, I have a few different goals for this race. I am never one for an "all-or-nothing" mentality, so multiple goals seem to be better for my psyche (Because, who wants to be in the middle of a hard race, realize you've missed your one and only goal, and still have to push through? I'd rather still have something to shoot for!). But, let's keep this in perspective, these are the most aggressive goals I have EVER had!
Goal A - Sub 3:35
3:35 is my Boston Qualifying time, which seems like a great goal to have, right?! Well, if I am completely honest, I probably have an A+ and an A++ goal too. Although a 3:35 finish time might qualify me for the Boston Marathon, it won't guarantee me a spot. The cut off for the 2016 race was about 2 minutes faster than that, which means I technically should shoot for a 3:32 finish time so that I could actually go to Boston (A+ goal). And, if I was being totally transparent, a sub 3:30 marathon finish time is something I thought I would NEVER be able to accomplish, so if I am going big I might as well shoot for the stars, right?!
For a sub 3:30 finish time (dream goal), I will need an average pace of 8:01 per mile or better. For a sub 3:32 finish time (better likelihood of getting into Boston), I will need an average pace of 8:05 per mile or better. And for a sub 3:35 finish time (the bare minimum for a Boston Qualification for a 31 year old female), I will need an average pace of 8:12 per mile or better.
**FYI: Running 26.2 miles at ANY of those paces seems UTTERLY OUTRAGEOUS and so beyond my capabilities, but come Saturday, I am going to give it my all and see what my body can accomplish.**
Goal B - Sub 3:46:50
3:46:50 is my current marathon PR (personal record). I got this back in February at the Phoenix Marathon. The REVEL Canyon City course has a much steeper net loss in elevation, so I am hoping that gravity will do its job and pull me down the mountain a little faster than my previous best.
Source |
For a sub 3:46:50 finish time (new PR), I will need an average pace of 8:39 per mile or better.
PS I have used the marathon conversion tool on FindMyMarathon.com and it looks like with a finish time of 3:46:50 at the Phoenix Marathon it is estimated I could finish REVEL Canyon City at 3:30:39 (the converter takes into account things like average weather from past years, elevation changes, course difficulty, start time, etc). Not to toot my own horn, but I do feel stronger and faster now than I did in February. This is a good sign that I could at least PR at this race, but obviously I have to run the race (Wouldn't it be great if I could just submit the estimator to Boston?! HA!).
Goal C - Finish Injury-Free and with a Smile
This race isn't the end all be all for me (no matter how much I psych myself up for it). I know my hubby, family, friends, (and hopefully YOU), etc will still love and support me no matter how (or if) I finish. What matters most to me is that God is glorified and that I never outrun my love of running.
And don't forget, I have two races the following Sunday (yep, one half marathon in the morning in San Diego and one half marathon in the afternoon in Las Vegas) that I still need to be ready and able to run, so injury-free and happy are two VERY IMPORTANT goals and should not be overlooked or taken for granted.
Four races (1 full and 3 half marathons) in 3 weeks... |
Of course I put in the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears, but as we all know, it depends on what Carlee shows up on race morning (along with all of the other variables that I can't control like the weather). Thankfully I feel a little more prepared knowing that I've run the first 16 miles of the course and have a better idea of what to expect on race morning.
So with that said, send all the fast thoughts and positive mantras my way! Now it's time to finalize my race day outfit, go to the thrift store to pick up a couple extra throw-away layers (oh, because it will probably be in the 30s at the top of the mountain when we start but could be in the 80s when we finish at the bottom), carb-up and get as much rest as I possibly can!
PS If any of you are interested in tracking me along the course - you can use this link.
What's your biggest goal you've ever set for yourself?
6 comments:
Good luck Carlee! I'll be rooting for you the whole way. You've put in the work so I think you can achieve your goals.
I am so so so SOOOOO excited for you! I will be waiting at the finish to celebrate any goal you choose. You've got this and I know it!
I've set a lot of big goals for myself the past few years {sub 4hr marathon, sub 22 minute 5k} but haven't managed to get as close as I wanted because I keep getting hurt. Feeling like next year is finally going to be my year haha I say that every year. I LOVE that you are always coming up with multiple goals because you never know what's going to happen on race day and it's key to be flexible. You're going to crush it no matter what!
GOOD LUCK!
Good luck!! I'm sure you'll do great!!!
My ultimate, dream goal is to qualify for Boston (one day), but I have to do a marathon first ;)
My goal now is to become a stronger runner and improve my half marathon time.
I was able to PR a 10k last week and really surprised myself with a 48:49, so I feel more confident this year going into my half marathons this month.
I feel like once I feel somewhat content with my half marathon times (next big goal is probably 1:45), then I'll tackle the idea of a marathon!
^^^Forgot to add....I'm sending positive racing thoughts to you & telling Mother Nature to be good to Carlee! ;) Good luck! Hope you get your BQ!
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