Thursday, April 7, 2011

Unplugged Half Marathon Goals

I have a half marathon on Saturday. It is advertised as a very low key half. There is no bling, you pay more for the shirt, few support services.  A recent email that we received from the race director also stated:

As of Sunday April 3rd, there is significant snow on the ground in the 2nd mile. We anticipate an out-and-back the first 2 miles on Colchester Point Rd in order to keep your footing safe. Final decision will be communicated to you on race day.


 Truthfully I think it is going to be fine.  We have had lots and lots of rain since this came plus some warmer temps.  


I need to start thinking about my goals.  This will be my 15th half, 2nd of this year. I have another one scheduled for May 1 and it looks like I will be able to register for the VCM two person relay later tomorrow! More to come!  


My previous times range from:


2:00:55 at the Big Lake Half in 2008




2:12:10 All Women and One Lucky Guy in 2010.


Can you imagine MOVING a race away from
this setting?








All the stars were aligned for me at the Big Lake Half. It was a very hilly course. I had a great time at it though and talked Emily into going to it with me the next year. It had a different sponsor? Race director? Something......and it was nothing special. I have not been back although I might at some point.  


Last year I had not been running when I ran the All Women and One Lucky Guy because it was not long after I had had surgery.  I did check with the doctor and started running as soon as I could but I did not have a lot of stamina.  It was a GREAT race which has now been moved to Mass. much to my dismay. I didn't do it last year because of my stupid heel but I was going this year.  Also in regards to the surgery I changed the date of my surgery (again with my doctor's permission) because I was about to go visit Emily for my first visit to see her in DC. I did not want my visit there to be one where I couldn't run, couldn't lift anything, really couldn't walk far. Just didn't seem like a recipe for fun.  Has anyone else rearranged surgery around running?  


So now I guess I better get to my goals.


AA. My AA goal will continue to be to run pain free and have a good time at this race.  I also want T to have a good time and want to run more longer races with me. (Even though she will beat me and move me down on the AG placement.)
A.   I want to run faster than 2:04. 
B. I have been training for a 9:30 pace which is about 2:04:54.
C. I want to run faster than my first half of this year which was 2:07:32.



21 comments:

Michael said...

I bet you've got a 2:03 in you for sure! I'm so jealous of your times. I am just hoping to break 2:45 at my next half marathon. If I ever come close to 2 hours, I think I might just die on the spot!

lish said...

Good luck!!!! Can't wait to read all about it!

Anne said...

You've got this ajh!! Good luck and have a blast with T!

Kandi said...

Good luck! and WOW that one picture is breathtaking! It would be so awesome to run a race in that setting.

Chris K said...

2:03 is in the bag. I'm going to Vegas and gonna bet my life savings on it.

HappyTrails said...

2:03 - Just picture snakes chasing you the last 2 miles - that will get it done!!! :-)

Richelle said...

I definitely think you'll get your A goal! Good luck!

I was in Vermont in 2006. My parents and I stayed in Burlington, and we toured the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. We also found a great little restaurant called The Alchemist in Waterbury. I loved their beer, and their burger was the best I've ever had. So much fun!

Amy said...

Those look like some good goals! Hope it goes well tomorrow and that you and T have a great time - I'll be looking forward to reading about it!

Fran said...

You are going to do this! Good luck and have fun on Saturday!

Liz said...

Good luck! I hope to be back to half marathon distance soon - but not as fast as you yet!

Anonymous said...

Hope you have an AA & A race! woot! and NO I cannot imagine moving a race from that setting!

HAVE A SUPER DUPER GREAT RACE!!!!

Christi said...

Have a great race! I am sure you will be fabulous!

Jenn said...

Hope you rock it out tomorrow! Rooting for you:)

Marlene said...

Best of luck with your goals, especially the "AA". Have fun!!

Lindsay said...

good luck and have fun!

Giorgio said...

Have a great time!
I look forward to reading your report!

Char said...

Good luck but most of all have lots of fun.

Average Woman Runner said...

Good luck - I hope you make your AA goal and take more photos of the beautiful scenery!

LookingUpAgain said...

Good luck! You will have a great time :)

Black Knight said...

If you have been training for a 9:30 pace you will finish faster, I bet in 02:01:30, trust me!
Enjoy the race and take some pictures for us.
Have a good week end.

RunToTheFinish said...

I think being pain free and having fun are often far underrated!! :) good luck this morning!!