Thoughts on Goals.
In my recent weeks of playing (and mastering) the role of slacker extraordinaire, I've done a good amount of thinking on what I hope to get out of this marathon.
I think, that having completed my first marathon in 6h30m-ish (which, should really be closer to 6:20 considering the amount of potty stops I made), I would really like to shave off a full hour on my time. It is possible? Certainly. We'll just see how well I stick to that plan. I know that Chicago has a strict time limit on the course, so I guess in theory my real goal should be simply to finish it before the course closes...but ya know what...I really just want to be in the 5:30 range. Which means I have to have around a 12:35/mi consistently. That would make me soooo stinkin' happy. And since all my fellow RBFers are out for a crazy time, there's no excuse for them not to cheer me on across the finish line (okay okay...I keed on that last part...I'll catch up with you kids later).
I wouldn't mind a 5:45 marathon either (13:10/mi)...but I really just want the 5:30. Okay...that's a lie. I really want a 2:30 marathon and piece of the prize purse...but I'm just trying to be realistic here. Cause we all know that your resident slow poke cannot average sub-6:00/mi. I'm estatic when I have a single sub-10:00/mi. Hah!!
So yes...goal numero uno: 5:30-5:45ish 'thon.
Secondly, I'm hoping to shed a few pounds during this training. I'm not going to keep the mentality that I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want, simply because I'm training for a marathon. It doesn't work like that (and yes, I learned the hard way). I'm not at a point to share with the general public just how much I'm looking to drop, but Nicole and Sue are in the loop. They're going to be my motivational coaches--Thanks gals.
So goal deux--I'd love to be at my pre-wedding weight by my birthday in late September (yah...got my 20-miler right before my birthday...how psyched am I?).
In other news...
I haven't run in about a week and a half. And next weekend is the 10-miler. Hahahaa...and I...well...Mike and I are completely screwed! (said in my most energetic, optimistic voice)
True confession: the last time I did a double digit run was in the marathon. I'm going to do what my dear RBFer, Audrey, does...just wing it. That girl amazes me.
Okay. So clearly that is not the most brilliant race strategy I've ever had. Yah. I know. But the plan is to go out there and simply have fun. Toss on my iPod...sing aloud as I hop, skip, shuffle my way through the course....and I am fully prepared to come in dead last. And I'm okay with that. Cause well...someone has to be last. Why not let it be me?
We're off to Kansas again this weekend for my college roommate's wedding. Maybe I'll pick up a few miles in Wichita...then again, maybe not. :)
I think, that having completed my first marathon in 6h30m-ish (which, should really be closer to 6:20 considering the amount of potty stops I made), I would really like to shave off a full hour on my time. It is possible? Certainly. We'll just see how well I stick to that plan. I know that Chicago has a strict time limit on the course, so I guess in theory my real goal should be simply to finish it before the course closes...but ya know what...I really just want to be in the 5:30 range. Which means I have to have around a 12:35/mi consistently. That would make me soooo stinkin' happy. And since all my fellow RBFers are out for a crazy time, there's no excuse for them not to cheer me on across the finish line (okay okay...I keed on that last part...I'll catch up with you kids later).
I wouldn't mind a 5:45 marathon either (13:10/mi)...but I really just want the 5:30. Okay...that's a lie. I really want a 2:30 marathon and piece of the prize purse...but I'm just trying to be realistic here. Cause we all know that your resident slow poke cannot average sub-6:00/mi. I'm estatic when I have a single sub-10:00/mi. Hah!!
So yes...goal numero uno: 5:30-5:45ish 'thon.
Secondly, I'm hoping to shed a few pounds during this training. I'm not going to keep the mentality that I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want, simply because I'm training for a marathon. It doesn't work like that (and yes, I learned the hard way). I'm not at a point to share with the general public just how much I'm looking to drop, but Nicole and Sue are in the loop. They're going to be my motivational coaches--Thanks gals.
So goal deux--I'd love to be at my pre-wedding weight by my birthday in late September (yah...got my 20-miler right before my birthday...how psyched am I?).
In other news...
I haven't run in about a week and a half. And next weekend is the 10-miler. Hahahaa...and I...well...Mike and I are completely screwed! (said in my most energetic, optimistic voice)
True confession: the last time I did a double digit run was in the marathon. I'm going to do what my dear RBFer, Audrey, does...just wing it. That girl amazes me.
Okay. So clearly that is not the most brilliant race strategy I've ever had. Yah. I know. But the plan is to go out there and simply have fun. Toss on my iPod...sing aloud as I hop, skip, shuffle my way through the course....and I am fully prepared to come in dead last. And I'm okay with that. Cause well...someone has to be last. Why not let it be me?
We're off to Kansas again this weekend for my college roommate's wedding. Maybe I'll pick up a few miles in Wichita...then again, maybe not. :)
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 8:23 AM
12 Camper Comments:
Awesome goals! You can do 5:30 no prob I am sure!
Good luck with the 10 miler.
Alright...I am freakin' out now!
My last marathon was (shhh) 5:50. I made the cut off 6 hour mark. But what if I can't make this "strict" cut-off from Chicago? I have visions of me last...with people yelling mean things and the honking their horns for me to get off the road! Will it be that bad??? I would love to pull this marathon off in 5 flat, but realistically I am probably looking at 5:30. Is that sad or what? But at least we're doing it and not being couch potatoes! RIGHT?!?!
You absolutely, positively can run 5:30. Absolutely. I can't wait for you to do it. Personally, I plan to cut at least 25 minutes off of my previous time. I'll PR if you PR!!!!! (And your race is first!) Let's PR BABY!!
You can do it no problem. My first marathon in 2001 for 6:20 or so. chicago in 2004 was 5:18 ( I did an ultramarathon in 2003 and tore my mensicus and took a year off). so, I think you can make it in 5:30 no problem. The great thing about Chicago is it's flat - the bad thing it's all on the roads - I had really sore knees after being done (alaska was much more cushy).
I love your happy attitude - sometimes we lose sight of the fact that we do these crazy things for fun!
You totally have the 5:30 in you. With some good training and some good motivation, you'll be set.
If you stick to a plan you should have no problem with 5:30. If nothing else, putting the goal out here to all the internet folks should propel you to your goal. The race report will be so much more fun if you can end it with your PR time.
If you're worried about your 10 miler just do 5 2 milers in a row. 2 miles is easy and you are never too tired for 2 miles. Good luck.
Go for it! I am sure you can do it, just stick as strickty as you can to your training program. Also I have a birthday is late september as well and my b-day houses a 17 mile run....good thing I like this running thing :-)
Goals are good. Slacking is more fun.
You can so do 5:30, I know you can! How do I know this? Ms. Cleo told me so.
you got 5:30 fo'sho!
but uh... whats this about i can't just eat anything i want while marathon training?
WHUT?
i'm a couple weeks out, and NOW you tell me? bollocks!
You can do it!! When you start training just stick to it and go full out!! Leave it all on the field!!
Rock it, lady.
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