Columbus Goals

I've been doing a lot of thinking the past few weeks about what a realistic goal for Columbus is. There are all kinds of nifty predictor calculators I have been driving myself nuts with and of course all my wonderful friends who would love to see me do something spectacular. But after looking at what I have done in the past and based on how racing has gone this year I am comfortable with setting my goal around 3:05. I can't lie I wish I could make the goal start with a 2 or the pace start with a 6 but I just don't think I am there. It is probably no coincidence that this goal is also what my coach told me would be realistic (though he would likely prefer I keep the goal to myself, that just isn't my style, if I come up short, I come up short, it is certainly not the end of the world, much better to know I have family and friends rooting for me to make the goal, I'll take any and all fast vibes anyone wants to send my way!). So I feel comfortable that it is achievable and not out of my league.

That said everyone has bad days and I know Sunday will not be easy. 3:05 is the "A" goal, but if I show up feeling flat or a northeaster blows through I will be happy with any kind of PR (Under 3:16:30) and very happy with anything under 3:10.

I still don't think I have completely gotten over Richmond last year so I would like to put that behind me by finally running the sub 3:10 I was looking for there.

Experience and my stats are on my side. I dissected the predictions a few ways based on past "personal predictor rates" and it seems 3:05 is the most likely result. A good sign!

This will be my 18th marathon and I am looking forward to finding out what surprise this marathon will hold since they have all had different obstacles. I am feeling optimistic. My legs are feeling "perky" which usually doesn't happen for me until a few weeks post marathon where I go and run something short fast so it is exciting to possibly line up a proper taper and race completely tapered and full of energy.

Now can someone please press fast forward to Friday so I can go pick up my packet and start getting really nervous?

12 comments:

duchossois said...

1st: Listen to Coach G.
2nd: Listen to Coach G.
3rd: Yep. Listen to Coach G.

Your friends, me included, want to be encouraging, positive, and supportive so you'll go into the race confident and psyched. But we shouldn't influence your targets. That is between you and Glenn. Trust your training and have a great day in Columbus.

Kate said...

Wow! Exciting.

I really hope a 3:05 is on the cards for you. Just WOW!

Anonymous said...

From somewhere over an hour behind you, I will be rooting for you E! I know you will have a great day and I hope it goes as you hope!

The Salty One said...

I think sub-3:10 is as close to a sure thing as you can get as long as the perfect forecast holds. Just don't go out too fast and you will do very very well! I can't wait to track you. Wish I could be there to cheer you on, but I will be cheering for you from my kitchen :) Can't wait!

Anonymous said...

are you sure your A goal isn't 3:03?

Thomas said...

Good Luck. Just keep the taper madness in check and the shiny new PR is yours.

Toasty said...

Run well, stay strong, don't focus too much on the goal, just keep close on the splits.

Mark said...

Best of luck! Hope you meet your goal!!

Love2Run said...

A shiny new PR sounds wonderful! Run a smart race and it's yours.

Anonymous said...

Good luck and your time should reflect all the hard work you put in this year!

DrT said...

Good luck e-speed!!!

Black Knight said...

I am with Iliketoast, don't focus too much on the goal and keep close on the splits. About those, I got crazy with the km per km but I found useful the 5km splits.
Good luck and corri come il vento (run like the wind)