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October 05, 2005
Goal Time
The good thing about having a goal time is that if you achieve or beat it, you can feel good about yourself and plan for crushing your next goal time. The bad thing about goal time is that it can be adversely influenced by so many factors - weather, stomach problems, illness, random mishaps...So, my minor dilemma is that I don't know what my goal time should be for Chicago. Though my legs feel fresh going into this final taper week, I can't say my health has returned to 100 percent since I started having the elevated heart rate, breathing, fatigue, maybe-it's-anemia issues that caused me to scale back training right at its peak. R. took my pulse while I was sleeping recently and it was over 100. Seems high for being supine but I wouldn't have known why. I haven't had a blood test yet. Should've done it sooner rather than later but oh well. Anyway, I want to have something to aim for, but...I also don't want to be disappointed in myself. In all this obsessing over running and fear of failure this week, I asked myself "Why did I start running in the first place?"
To get in cardiovascular shape for boxing (back in college)
To enjoy the outdoors
To relieve stress
To have memorable experiences with others, and eventually
To be faster.
I came to the realization that my desire and attempt to train harder have been a source of incredible stress and anxiety this year. Increased responsibilities at both jobs, finishing up grad school, making time for family and friends occasionally, issues with my health and training - while I'm accustomed to juggling a hectic schedule, I don't like that my stress relief activity has morphed into my biggest stressor.
Is it okay not to have a goal time? Would I be happier with the result? Or can I set a goal time mid-race? I know that I should not live by goal time alone, especially not at the expense of my happiness. Yeesh, I'm babbling. And I still haven't figured out this goal time thing. Maybe if I go to bed and dream fast thoughts...
Posted by Leilani at October 5, 2005 10:50 PM
Comments
I like your list. A lot. It's a nice reminder of why we do all these things-and how to be careful not to let it be too stressful (I do the same thing!). I don't know the answer to your question. I am fairly certain it is one of those things that can go either way and everything will still be all good at the end of the day. Enjoy your race. Enjoy your trip. And I hope you start to feel completely better soon.
Posted by: Audrey at October 6, 2005 03:57 AM
I actually think a lot of people would run better marathons if they didn't have goal times.
Good luck!
Posted by: Alison at October 6, 2005 07:37 AM
Hello Leilani,
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For more information on coconut water see wikipedia’s entry:
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Posted by: Aalap at October 6, 2005 09:30 AM
I was thinking about you as I have been starting to get my things together to travel to a race as well. My original intention was to just wish you good luck since it had been a while since you wrote last, but since you have updated us now...
Looking back on my marathon "career" if you could call it that, I must agree with Alison, that most people would probably run better marathons if they did not have goal times. Going in with a goal to finish, and finish strong, is probably the best goal any of us could ever have.
I like your list of reasons that you started running in the first place. You were a boxer? You continue to amaze me! Have fun with your running club and just have fun out there!
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at October 6, 2005 01:28 PM