So what's my goal for Surf City? Can I get close to four hours? Will I come in at 4:30 or below?
I've thought about this a long time, actually, and here's what I came up with a long time ago.
I. Don't. Care.
I don't care about time. I don't care how long it takes me to cross the finish line. I don't care how close I come to four hours.
Honestly, I think I'm going to finish between 4:30 and 5:00. That's what I've been training for and that's what I think I'll do.
My real goal is just one, and that's to finish. Marathon No. 2 and No. 3 and No. whatever may have some time elements attached, but for me to worry about time for this race will be ludicrous. Running (or slogging) across the finish line will be victory enough.
11 comments:
You're right. Just completing your first marathon is a great accomplishment. You will want to savor the experience.
I totally agree with you and with JMom. It appears as if you have your head on straight, focusing on the right things.
I think that's a great attitude. When you think about how far you've come, the fact that you are running a marathon is what you should be proud of! The time won't matter.
I say take your time. Relish every minute. I didn't really have a set goal (between 4:30 and 5:00, just like you), I had no idea how I'd feel after mile 20, and I wanted to stop and take pictures and enjoy it.
And now I have time to beat for next time.
Great plan of action! Seriously!!! When training for Chicago everyone was constantly asking me what my goal was and I finally did a post and was like... None of your business!!! LOL! Obviously you will have a goal you'd like to achieve but this is your FIRST MARATHON and you should not stress about a time, you should run it for you, relish every moment of it and be proud of yourself for FINISHING! Who cares how long it takes you? You are going to run a marathon and you should not let one single solitary thing take away from that tremendous achievment! Go have fun! Go run a marathon!!!
P.S. By the way... it's a guaranteed PR anyway so why not bask in it. You can shoot for speed/time next go round... :)
Time should be the least of your concern, for your 1st marathon.
I agree with the above commenter, no matter what, it's a PR :)
Awesome job on the 22 miler buddy!
And I have to admit, when I have let myself let go of any time goals, I usually run my best and fastest. It's amazing what you can do when you zone out and just enjoy it! You're gonna rock it no matter what!
That's a great attitude. Honestly, I would love to set a time goal for whenever I run my half but realistically I know that just finishing is goal enough. It's going to be a great experience whatever your time.
My philosophy on races (I've done one so I'm not sure how much it counts) is something I got from your blog.
Dead Last Finish > Did Not Finish >> Did Not Start
As long as you finish your first marathon, you'll have something to be proud of.
Great goal!
My first marathon was 4:54. My stated goal was that I just wanted to finish, although I secretly hoped for closer to 4:30. I wish I never would have let that time slip into my consciousness. I think I was a little bit disappointed in my time, instead of patting myself on the back for finishing a marathon! My second marathon was 4:16!!
I am trying to figure out goals for Surf City, but I really just want to have fun! Let's hope this crappy weather clears out of here and we have a spectacular day!
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