Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Daily Affirmation

The moment of truth awaits. Saturday is the Akron Marathon. Only light mileage this week. Each run is a visualization exercise. An affirmation of what I believe I'm capable.

This year has been my best marathon training cycle ever. I have run more mileage and more healthily than ever before. I feel ready to catch my goals.
  • THE goal: sub-4:00:00
  • My what-is-he-smoking goal: BQ
  • Magic feet goal: 3:50:00
  • WTF day goal: PR
These past 18 weeks have been all about achieving THE goal. I focused on high volume speed intervals, race pace runs and increased my overall mileage by almost 20 percent compared to last year. My performance at the Buckeye Half Marathon showed me I can break four hours if I stick to my race strategy: first 10 miles at 9:21-9:26 per mile (1:33:30-1:34:20 overall), second 10 miles at 9-9:10 per mile (3:03:30-3:06:00 overall), and final 10-K all out.

I figure, if you run marathons you always have to hope that somehow you'll just stumble into a BQ. My qualifying time is 3:10:00, a 7:13 mile pace. I'd have to shave 20 seconds off my 5-K PR pace to manage that.

When I first decided to run marathons, 3:50:00 was the time I plucked out of thin air as my goal time. Three solid failures led me to put that goal on the backburner. Now, I'm starting to believe I can get there soon. Maybe Saturday? I won't botch my plan to find out.

It may seem presumptuous to believe that at worst I will PR. But that's how I confident I feel.

Race day weather forecast: High of 70 degrees with a 40 percent chance of thunder storms and a moderate UV index. Sun rise at 7:18 a.m.

16 comments:

BrianFlash said...

Don't get too ambitious. I let the body overrule the brain and had an epic collapse during the last five miles of my marathon.

Just crank out those 9 minute miles and come breezing into the finish at 3:58!

You can go for a better time during the next one - but until that point you get to tell everyone that you are a sub 4 hour marathoner.

Good luck!

Junk Miler said...

We've got the same marathon goals...

Have fun, on good luck with the ambition control thing. I've given up trying to control mine. Sub 2hr marathon carrying a piano by 2012!

X-Country2 said...

You sound like you're super ready. Go get 'em!

Razz said...

I'm expecting a WTF, but I'll buy you a drink for a BQ!

Sun Runner said...

Because you're good enough, you're fast enough, and gosh darn it, people like you! Or at least they pretend to...

Sub 4:00, you've got it. Go for it. I expect a triumphant report next week. :)

Jen Feeny said...

I believe in the force that is the Viper! Fire up! Go get that PR!!!

The Sean said...

steady as she goes!

B.o.B. said...

So excited for you man! Best of luck and just do your best.

S said...

I like the magic feet goal...(but that's just because I really like "magic feet"). Go for that goal :-)

Good luck, you definitely sound ready to hit your goal!

Aileen said...

It sounds like you've got a handle on what you're trying to accomplish. And I like the thought that "at worst", you'll PR. That's a pretty stellar statement. Hey look, consonance!

So yeah, rest up and show Akron who's the boss. Not Tony Danza, by the way.

Al's CL Reviews said...

Good luck! You'll do great!

joyRuN said...

Good luck!

Unknown said...

Good Luck and kick a$$ !!!

Spike said...

you are going to do great! just remember, stomp on that 4 hour mark after you beat it.

Unknown said...

Rock n Roll! Best of luck to you!

Nitmos said...

For once, I do not wish to see a big red FAIL next to your race time. We'll save that for the intervals.

Even when things get tough - and you know they will at some point - never give up. You've done the training. Confidence!