Friday, May 4, 2012

My New Jersey Marathon Goals.

Two sleeps 'til Jersey!

I'm gunning for a good night of sleep tonight, because I highly doubt I'll sleep much on Saturday. Nerves, nerves, nerves.

Speaking of nerves . . .

I have my marathon goals all laid out. There have been days when I've thought, "I've got some nerve thinking I can run 26.2 miles at an aggressive pace." But then, there have been just as many days when I've thought, "I've got this."

I sure hope I do . . . 


Anyway, for those of you who are interested, here are my goals for the New Jersey Marathon:


My "If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough" A goal:

  • 3:44:59 or better
My "Liberate your inner awesome" B goal: 
  • sub-4 hours
My "I have it within me right now" C goal: 
  • A PR (under 4:12:48)

I really believe that I can achieve my A goal. If everything lines-up perfectly and goes according to plan, I should be able to get that 3:45.

Why do I think I can run 3:45? Well, for starters, before I set my goal, I put a bunch of my recent race times into the McMillan calculator and it spit out equivalent marathon times that ranged from 3:36 to 3:48. When I averaged all of the times out, I came up with 3:43, so I set my goal as 3:45.

Then I developed a training plan to get me there. I followed my plan, for the most part, and ran strong, quality workouts over the course of 16 weeks. I ran two 18-milers, two 20-milers and one 22-miler -- so I know I have the endurance to carry me through 26.2. I ran a bunch of 2-mile repeats at just under marathon pace -- so I'm familiar and comfortable with my race pace. I ran a strong 11 mile race in February in 1:29:50 (8:10 pace) and, more recently, a fast 4 mile race in 29:05 (7:17 pace) -- so I know my legs have the speed they need.

I just need to go out there and do it.

Will I be devastated if I don't run 3:45? Nope. I won't. Seriously. Not lying at all.

Although I am sure I will be disappointed, I will not be sad or angry or devastated. I am going in to this race knowing that I have put in the work. I set an ambitious goal that, at the beginning of this training cycle, I felt I could achieve -- IF I worked hard. And I did.

If I miss my A goal, I'll live. I'll be angry if I don't give 100% of what I have to give but, barring that, I'll be happy to achieve my B or C goals.



Source: oiselle.com via Felice on Pinterest



But, of course, I'm going there to get my 3:45. I trained for it. I can run it. As I said earlier, I just need to go out there and do it.

If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough.


A 3:45 marathon scares me. It's big.

I'm ready.

***Thanks for all of your well wishes over the past few weeks, especially this last one. I've really appreciated the encouraging comments!***

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

15 comments:

Darlene said...

I predict 3:43 - just saying! But whatever you do...I know you will have put in 150%...I am so proud to know you!!!!!!

Indi said...

You got this!!! Get lots of rest and enjoy the leadup and have an awesome race!! Good Luck!!

riana. said...

Good Luck! Stay positive! :)

Bill Fine said...

Go get it!!! You are so very well prepared, and you've really given some thought to your goals........now go out there and DO IT!!!

Have a wonderful race......and I can't wait to read your report!

Elizabeth said...

Havea great race and also have fun, you got this.

Kenley said...

This has got to be one of the most motivating pre-race posts I have read. I love how you just lay it all out there. Best wishes and I wish all the best. Give it 100% and you just might come out surprising yourself. Nail it. WhoooooHoooooooo!!!!!!!

Melissa H said...

Good luck on your marathon! Your goals are inspiring! You have a fantastic outlook and I definitely think you'll be able to reach your goal! Best Wishes!

robinbb said...

Going into a race with confidence is what will get you to your goal. Good luck!!!!

Melissa said...

You've totally got this! I can't wait to celebrate with you at the finish line when we crush our goals.

misszippy said...

Good luck to you! You've done really solid training--always remember that in the low spots and believe in what you can do!

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

You're going to get that A goal! Believe it!!!

macnic said...

You are going to rock it!

We are in the exact same place in terms of goals for our races and we both just need to go get!

Good luck and have fun!

Paulette said...

Good luck out there - cheering for you to get your A goal!

Anonymous said...

If you start doubting yourself during the race, then remember all you did to get there. Your brain might tell you you can't do it, but your heart will know better.
Have a beautiful race!

Laura @ Mommy run fast said...

Hope you had an awesome race!

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