D-Day pt 1

This Sunday, I will be running (or more accurately, jogging) 10 miles in the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. At this point, I’m an equal amount nervous and excited. I’ve run ten miles plenty of times before and have actually run two half marathons, but I don’t think the nerves ever completely go away. I’m optimistic weather wise and really looking forward to a beautiful run. As far as goals, I have two:

1. I’m running with a pace group. The group is for those running 10:30-11:30/minute miles. I’d like to stay near the front of the pace group and finish with a sub 11 minute / mile average. If that means my average is 10:58, I’ll take it. According to my racekeeper app, my average time in my half marathon last year was 11:32. Yikes. My average mile time in my subsequent 10k was a much more respectable 10:57. (note: yes, I realize I’m slow. Please refrain from commenting on such :)) I’m hoping to be around that same time this weekend.
2. I would like to finish the race feeling good. That is rather ambiguous but if you are a runner, then you know what I mean. I’d like for it to be a “good” run. This is not necessarily dependent on number one, but rather how I feel while running and how I feel afterwards. For example, last year’s half marathon was not a good run. I was sick of running, my stomach felt off and for the first time ever, I had to stop and walk a small portion of the race. I didn’t feel good about the race and didn’t feel inclined to do another half marathon (ahem. somehow I’m signed up for another one in three weeks). I’d like to avoid that feeling this weekend.

So there you have it, those are my goals for Sunday. What about you? Are you running? What are your goals?