Why is it that a race can seem so far off when you register and then bam before you know it’s a little more than a day away and you find yourself wishing you had more time?
When I first started training for Philly, I had in the back of my mind a goal of running 2:30 or better – recognizing that a 5 min PR would be quite an accomplishment. But this training’s been really up and down — I have either felt very strong or concerned that my left ITB/knee would completely derail my even getting to the starting line. Now with Sunday just around the corner I can’t say I’ve completely let go of a time goal, but I’ve got other goals as well:
- Start Slow and Build — I need to learn from my first 2 halfs and not go out too fast. This is really hard for me cause I get so caught up in the moment!
- Attack the Hills– I’ve been working on attacking hills in my training runs vs. just surviving them.
- Run a Strong Final 5k — I’d like to have enough left in the tank when I get to the 10 mile marker to really be able to push hard over the last few miles.
- Win the Mental Battle — This is a 3-parter: 1) not let every twinge from my left leg cause a panic; 2) use the mantras and other mind tricks I came up with over my last few long runs to help when it gets hard out there; and 3) don’t second-guessing myself and trust my training.
- Time goals — This is a 3-parter as well, in order: 1) Beat my time in Providence, 2) PR and 3) hit 2:30
And, it should go without saying that the overall goal is to go out there and have a good time! OK Philly here I come!
Have fun and don’t forget to smile 🙂
Have a wonderful race!
Sounds like a great set of goals 🙂 Do you have a race plan? I find that to be really helpful to keep me from going out too fast. Mine really worked in Long Beach. I miss Philly! I lived there for 8 years.
Our goals are really similar! I’m not anticipating a PR, so my goals are to really enjoy and appreciate the race. I am so excited for this weekend!!
Have a blast in Philly! You’ll be great! I’ll be there in spirit…
Best of luck this weekend Michelle! Looks like a solid set of goals. I’ll be sending some positive good-knee vibes your way. Hope everything comes together for you on race day. You’re going to do great.
Wishing you all the good luck for this race. Trust yourself and have faith in yourself.
And don’t forget to smile for the camera.
Cannot wait to hear 🙂
hope you had a great race!
I hope you had a great race! Thanks for the good thoughts for my father in law.