E-Speed said...I think upping the ante gets dangerous. I spent all last year upping my ante last minute because of other peoples goals for me and I ended up disappointed after every race despite crushing what my original goal should have been.
According to McMillan's running calculator (thanks, Karen!), I should run about a 3:45 in LA. And really, that's where I kind of felt I was. But then other people start talking about Boston, and 3:45 feels so close to 3:40, so then I started to think I should try for 3:40.
But you know what? I shouldn't. 5 minutes is actually a lot of time. I should really aim for my original goal of breaking 4:00 and see what happens. Maybe I'll run closer to a 3:50, and maybe it'll even be closer to 3:45 or (on a perfect day) 3:40...but that would be the exception, not the rule...and it definitely shouldn't be an expectation, from me or from anyone else.
It's flattering to hear people say they think you can do something. And in actuality, you probably can do it...but perhaps not right now. Go with your gut. Letting expectations of other people become your own ideals is like driving drunk...you think you can, but really, you're completely out of control. It gets in the way of what you've accomplished, and moreover, it trumps your known capability, it surpasses your common sense and enables you to ignore what your body is trying so hard to tell you.
Inside, you know what you can do at any given time. You might reach that goal on a certain day, and you might not, but you know what to expect. Listening to other people's goals for you can be inspiring, it can help you push yourself to the next level, but you have to make sure you still listen to yourself.
Me? I know I'm not ready for a 3:40. If for some reason everything is perfect and the stars align, it could happen. But just as I knew I wasn't ready for a 4:00 marathon in Philli, I know I'm not really at Boston level yet.
And yes, 'yet' is the key word. I will get there. And when I'm ready?
I won't have to convince myself or let anyone else convince me. I'll know.
5 comments:
Well said, Su!
You can't go wrong when you're racing for YOU, you know?
I am so pumped to watch you!
E-speed is wise :-)
Good attitude! You've come so far in the last year. You'll make new PRs and then smash them later. It is all about you. Good luck!
Thanks for spell checking that for me ;)
I think a very good race plan for you would be to go out at 3:47-3:50 pace. Hopefully it will feel like a breeze. Then see how you feel at the half and beyond. If you have the right conditions and you feel good you negative split the mother and see where it gets you.
I just know from experience that going out too fast can bite you in the end. My easiest marathon was my first and that was because I ran pretty much even splits.
How many more halfs do you have planned before the marathon?
I'd be interested to see what your half time is about 4-5 weeks out.
You have improved so much over the past few weeks. It really is quite impressive. I have no doubt you will be Boston bound soon.
I think that's a great plan. Setting goals that are ambitious is great. Setting goals that are overly ambitious is dangerous. Listen to your body. 5 minutes in a marathon is HUGE! Boston will be there next year. And if you qualify, bonus! If not, it would still be a HUGE PR.
Good luck!
Jodi
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