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October 22, 2004
Winter Marathon Goal & Beyond
Finally, a chance to relax and breathe...I got up early this morning for my chiropractic appointment, thinking that I'd have all the time in the world to get things done before work. But that's never the case, now is it? It seems I was driving all over the DC Metro area this morning with my checklist. I did get to run an easy, uneventful 32 minutes on Stringfellow Road before heading out. My quads were kind of tight, probably from pushing the pace the last mile yesterday, but I'll be fine by Sunday. After all, this has been an easy week mileage-wise.
I just hope Dr. McLaughlin has some time next week to talk about my marathon training plan. My tendency would be to push myself to my limits. However, my base mileage took a nose dive when I went to the desert for most of last year (I can't stand hot and humid weather) and when I got injured earlier this year. I'm still in the process of building back up. So I don't think running hard on every run (like I used to) will get me to the start line healthy and strong. In fact, that should be my goal for my winter marathon!
**MY WINTER MARATHON GOAL: Get to the start line healthy, strong, uninjured.**
I need to set a realistic goal for myself because I don't know how much I can and will improve in the next 16 or so weeks. I don't expect to beat my PR (3:18 and my only race money ever). I was in such incredible shape back then (sigh), but I think I can put in a 3:30 or 3:40 effort.
Now that I'm thinking 2005 marathon goals, I want to run a really strong Fall marathon - 3:10 or low 3:teens. That's why I need a coach, so I know how often to run my hard efforts and how hard to run them. It's exciting and stressful to think about but seems so far away at the same time. Oh, to dream...
Posted by Leilani at October 22, 2004 05:21 PM
Comments
I now how you feel about excitement and stress. This fall I was robbed of my fall marathon, but was granted many other blessing instead (but that is a different blog) Anyway, 3 days ago I had bilateral knee surgery and am still in waiting to see how well I will be able to run. My Goal is to be able to run a marathon next fall as well. It too seems far away, but that has its blessing of plenty of time to do all the right stuff needed to be successful on that day. Always keep in mind as well that "Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans"
Posted by: air-run at October 23, 2004 07:26 AM
That's a great goal for a winter marathon--although I think you've got quite a bit more than 3:40 in you! But taking it (relatively) easy now, and looking ahead to 2005, sounds like a good strategy. If you find a coach you like, let me know-I've been thinking about getting one too but am not sure where to start. There are some great coaches in our area but I'd need to take 20 minutes off my marathon time before they'd even return my phone calls!
Jessie
Posted by: Jessie at October 23, 2004 03:09 PM
Good luck tomorrow!
I think the idea of a longer-term marathon training strategy is an *excellent* one.
Posted by: jenandmats at October 23, 2004 04:06 PM