So here it is, one week before I will run the Boston Marathon.
I am scared.
I am nervous.
I am excited.
I am more scared than usual, which translates into more nerves, but also even more excited than usual because such a premier marathon.
I have several goals for this race. Unfortunately, I’ve had to revise my goals for this marathon since I’ve been injured for the past 6 months. First it was my glute, then my upper hamstring, and for a while I had some IT band and knee pain. Most of the injuries have diminished, but I still have some upper hamstring twinges and some mid-glute pain while running. I am just hoping these minor things don’t flare up during the 26.2 mile race.
My goals for the 2013 Boston Marathon:
Goal #1: Finish!
Seriously, for a long while I didn’t know if I would be able to run the marathon at all. I’m confident I will be able to run the majority of it, but my first and foremost goal is to finish.
Goal #2: Finish in 4 hours or less.
I don’t think I will need more than 4 hours to finish, but then again there are 26 miles where a lot could go wrong. My average pace would have to be 9:09 minutes/mile to finish is 4 hours.
Goal #3: Finish in 3:45 or less
I honestly would be quite pleased with a finish in 3:45 or less taking into consideration my training (or lack there of). My slowest marathon was run in 3:44, so it would be nice to keep that as my slowest time. I really think I can do this. My average pace would have to be 8:35 minutes/mile or faster. I was able to maintain a pace of 8:30 during my 20-miler a couple weeks ago, so I would hope that I could do the same on dry pavement and warmer weather!
Goal #4: Finish around 3:30.
I would be ecstatic if I finished right around 3:30. I really don’t think it will happen, but I will do my best to try and achieve this goal. Average pace – 8:00 minutes/mile.
I’ve dreamed about running the Boston Marathon for many years, and I am incredibly excited to actually be running. I rarely finish a race with anything left in the tank, so if I give everything I’ve got in this race, I will know I did my best—whatever the time may be.
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Questions
Anyone else out there running Boston? If so, what are your goals?
I’ll be cheering you on from Kansas 😀
Thanks!
Not just anybody gets to run the Boston Marathon! Be sure to enjoy the ride too 🙂 Good luck!
For sure!
I’ll be rooting for you! I live just outside of Boston- it’s such a fun, spirited day for the whole state. Good luck!
So I hear!! I’m excited!!
Good luck!! So exciting!
Thank you!
Good luck to you! You are in such an elite group just being able to qualify for Boston. Looking forward to hearing how it went.
I sometimes forget that others much longer than I have to qualify!
You are so head strong that I see you attaining your goals at 8:00 pace or less.
enjoy boston! one of my running buddies here in indiana will also be running so i’ll be cheering for you both from work 🙂
Yeah!
I will be running it! I’m in the same boat as you – I started having IT band/knee issues around the end of January and haven’t been able to train as I would have liked for Boston. I’m also hoping to finish, but I’d like to get around a 3:30.
Also – I’m from Minnesota (but live in Colorado now!). I loved reading about your qualifying race!
I am super jealous you live in Colorado now. Do you love it? Injuries are no fun. I hope they don’t bother you during the race.
Good luck, Michelle! I’ll be cheering you on from here in Anchorage. And just think how great it will be to run on bare pavement. In warm weather! Go, go, go!!
Thanks so much!
I’ll be running Boston for the first time this year, too. I’m trying not to get too worked up about it, and my goals are very similar to yours. In fact, pretty much the same. I hope that we can both enjoy it!
Good luck to you! I am trying not to get too worked up about my goals and just focus on the experience–but it is so hard when you are super competitive.
Best of luck at Boston!!! Can’t wait for details…