I've been going back and forth between whether I want to set any time goals for the Gainesville Marathon on Sunday. On one hand, it seems ridiculous to go into a race without some kind of goal in mind. But on the other hand, I really haven't been training specifically for this race (just piggybacking off the 50k I did a few weeks ago).
I could go with my usual puppies-and-rainbows goal of "to feel strong and race happy," but I've gotten to know my race-self well enough to know that come Sunday morning at 7:00 AM, that ain't gonna be enough...
So in order of priority, here are my goals for Sunday:
A) Finish under 4:30:59
B) Finish under 4:35:59
C) Finish under 4:42:00
I'm sure everyone remembers how I did in Savannah (um, hello, why wouldn't you memorize my finish times?!), but just incase you don't, I finished in about 4:42. I took it really conservatively. After all, the marathon was a huge unknown for me. I ran the first .9 of every mile and then walked the last .1. This helped me keep a steady pace and I had enough gas in the tank to finish strong.
Aiming for 4:30 this time around seemed extreme until I broke the numbers down and really took a look at what that time meant. What's that, you say? You'd like a chart? Well, sure!
Doesn't look too daunting, right? I need to cut about 30 seconds off my pace per mile... I think it's manageable.
Hopefully the weather cooperates too. I've been stalking The Weather Channel and true to their nature, the weekend forecast has changed every single time I see it. We're now back to thunderstorms. Booo.
But alas, this is Florida after all.
We're about to pack up and hit the road. I'm very excited to get to see family and friends this weekend, and maybe ever more excited to run the streets of my "hometown" again - including a run through The Swamp! Go Gators!
Happy weekend everyone!
What are your plans?
Since this is dripping with Florida Gator pride (or the race recap will be) what's your favorite football team? I suppose NFL counts too...
Have a great run this weekend! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI've never been much of a college football fan ( I went to college in the north, it isn't as a big up here aka Syracuse has the WORST football team ever) but I am a long time Giants fan, so this year was a success!
Good luck girl! I think you're going to crush your previous time, just based on how you've been running since Savannah. I see a new PR in your future :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I think you can totally break 4:30! You've been running like crazy :)
ReplyDeletegood luck!!
ReplyDeleteOh gurrrrl... I'm SO sorry to do this, but "ROLL TIDE!!"
ReplyDeleteNow that I've got that out in the open, let me just say... how COOL it is that we were both running on the same streets (in Savannah)... of course, I was in the half mary not the full. I'm just not ready for it. Have a GREAT race this Sunday!! ;)