I’ll be running my eighth marathon in 3 days, and I kind of have some goals. Waaaay back when I finished Big Sur (aka the hardest marathon I’ve ever done) I decided my goal for my next marathon was to beat that time by 20 minutes, which would be a 3:29. As I trained over the last 12 weeks, I kept stalking the McMillan pace calculator.
After my half PR, it said I could do a 3:27:51. After my unofficial 10K PR, it said I could do 3:26:26. But then there was this:
Crap. If the wind is blowing from SSW, and the course runs from Northeast to Southwest (I think…I’m not too great with the meteorology stuff), that means it’s going to be a pretty nasty headwind. Just like Big Sur.
So I’m going to stand by my goal of 3:29 as my number one goal but I’ll be pretty happy with a PR (under 3:32), or, if the wind really sucks like it looks like it’s going to… I just want to beat my Big Sur time. Because although it hasn’t been perfect, it’s still been a pretty good training cycle, with some awesome track workouts (and one HORRIBLE one. But I’m choosing to ignore that one).
Most importantly, a bunch of my friends will be there, both running and cheering, and I can’t wait to see them all. I have been so lucky to find this amazing group, so even if the race goes to crap, at least I won’t be alone out there!
Good luck with the headwind and rain at CIM! It seems like you’ve been keeping a good eye on the ol’ pace calculator and I am sure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for you. Have fun with all the other runners!
Good luck!!! Really excited for you.
Wind is my arch nemesis – so I feel you! I hope the weather turns or at the very least the wind is less than expected. Good luck and have fun!!
Good luck Cate! Course topography should still work in your favor even if the weather is less than perfect, and you look primed for a great race!
Good luck this weekend!