It’s Cherry Blossom Ten Miler week and I realized that I need to set some goals for this race! I haven’t spent that much time thinking about what I wanted the outcome to be, which seems kind of weird, but it’s true. However, I do like having goals, so I’m going to go ahead and set a few…
My current ten miler PR is 1:42 and change. That came during last year’s Cherry Blossom race. I am in better shape now that I was a year ago and think I should definitely be able to PR but I don’t want to go crazy because I have a lot of races this month. I’m running a 5k every Friday, I’m running a marathon relay next weekend and I’m running an indoor triathlon the following weekend. So while, I want to run my best, I don’t want to kill myself, :). Here’s what I’m thinking – of course subject to change!
- A goal (the stars align and everything is awesome): 1:35. This would be a huge PR and equals out to a 9:30 pace for the race. This will be a good test of my pacing skills (or lack thereof) – I have to remember it’s not a 10k but it’s also not a half marathon. I ran a 9:36 average pace for my goal half marathon last fall. I’m not sure I’m in that kind of racing shape – even though my overall fitness is better I haven’t been doing speed work so this would be a really, really good day.
- B goal:1:38. This would also be a huge PR and equals to roughly a 9:50 pace. Given my recent 10k, I think this is possible.
- C goal: a new PR (even it that’s 1:41). I should be able to set a new PR on Sunday, unless something is really out of whack. The weather is supposed to be beautiful and this is a course I’m very familiar with.
Be sure to check back next week for my race recap and to find out how I did!
Are you racing Cherry Blossom? If so, PLEASE say hi if you see me. I’ll be wearing my Oiselle singlet on top (not sure on bottoms just yet).
It is a good thing that you have not thought of a goal until now, as it means you have been focusing on the important points, how your body feels rather than what it is prescribed to feel like. Best of luck this weekend, if you keep going with your current attitude, you are gonna run great!
Runners Connect recently posted…Is Your Stride Frequency Limited By Your Height?
Thanks! I’m really excited about the race 🙂
I would really aim for that 1:38 goal. Those first few miles of Cherry Blossom can get pretty packed and you don’t want to spend too much extra effort dodging people and running extra mileage.
But kick butt either way!
HEidi recently posted…The Space Between
Yeah it’s a very crowded course but the great thing is I’ve run it a number of times so I know what to expect 🙂
Great that you give yourself 3 goals. The weather looks wonderful for the weekend. CB is always one of my fave races sorry to miss it this year. I didn’t get in for the first time in years. I really wanted to do that indoor tri also but we are away. Good luck !
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Spring Cleaning With PhenOh 7.4
Aw bummer about the tri. So I swam this morning for the first time in forever and wow – so hard!!!
I’m running Cherry Blossom, too! I haven’t really thought of my goals yet either, but your post has inspired me to get some goals in mind. If I see you on the course, I’ll most definitely say hi! Have an awesome race!!
I hope you have a great race, Tiffany!!
Oh, my gosh, Courtney! I felt excited and nervous just reading this; I totally forgot that it’s THIS WEEK – GAH! You’re going to do great; I think you can DEFINITELY hit your ‘B’ goal and maybe more… 😉 I can’t wait to hear all about this! You’re totally right on about not wanting to kill yourself; I feel the same way, with all the races I’m doing over the next few months. Take care of yourself, have a ball, and you’re going to ROCK!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Garlic Shrimp with White Beans &Tomatoes
Thanks Tara!! It is the season of races! I love it because it means I get to read all the race recaps 🙂
Good luck on Sunday, Courtney! I have no doubt that you’ll PR! Hopefully I’ll see you at the race!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2015 Florida Vacation Recap – Part 1
I’ll be looking out for you!
Good luck and I hope it’s fun!
Lesley recently posted…Planning for Napa
Thanks! This one is always a good one!
I hope you have a great race! 10 miler is hard to pace because like you said it’s longer than a 5K but just shy of a half marathon. I’ll be working the ZOOMA booth on Saturday at the expo and will be down in DC most of the day!
Lauren recently posted…Run for Another {Janji water for Haiti}
Awesome. If I go to the expo Saturday I’ll find you! 🙂
You can do this!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Solitude
Thanks Wendy!
Great goals! Good luck at the race!
Amy @ Mama Running for God recently posted…Wordless Wednesday
Thank you!
Should be a fun race this weekend – can’t believe there will be blooms on the trees! Hains Point is going to look spectacular (maybe people will like it more after this haha). I love it when you head into a race knowing you should PR – makes it a lot more fun 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…2015 Crystal City Friday 5K Recap – Race 1/3
Julie and I are scoping out the blossoms tomorrow morning – can’t wait for this weekends fun!
Not only does the weather sound like it’s going to be great for the race, but this year the race is going to coincide with the cherry blossoms – which is something the cherry blossoms don’t always cooperate with! Bill and I are hoping to get downtown at some point this weekend for a run, but will have to plan it around Friday’s rain in the forecast and the weekend’s crowds.
I’m sending best wishes your way that you make your A goal, and that you have loads of fun in the process!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Learning To Love Solitude
thanks debbie – i appreciate it. i’m hoping for the best on sunday!
I’m starting to adopt ABC goals into my race plans. I have a 15K this weekend and my pace goals are very similar to yours! Good luck! I hope the blossoms look lovely and the weather is nice. 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Race Recap: Westerville Bunny Hop 5k
Oh I hope you have a wonderful race! Good luck!
Good luck ! Fingers crossed that all the stars are aligned. Throwing positive vibes your way !
Karen – Fit in France recently posted…Prepping for my first half marathon : clothes
Thanks so much Karen!
I love that you have multiple goals, setting yourself up for success! I know you’ll have a great race. I hope to be there next year!
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Weekend Update + 5 Ways to be More Confident
You should DEF be there next year 🙂
Fantastic goals, very reasonable! The weather looks good as well. I have a feeling you will find really well! Go for it!
Christine recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: My Dream Big Shop
Thanks Christine!!
Yes!! Good luck girl!!!
Lindsay T recently posted…Wednesday Workout: Spring Training
Good luck Sunday! I can’t believe Cherry Blossom is here already!
Colleen LG recently posted…Honeymoon Recap – Corsica
I’m running the Cherry Blossom race as well! If I say hi, it will have to be before the race starts, because you are going to DUST me! My goal is to not get DQ’d for taking too long 😐
Lex @ Flecksoflex recently posted…Workout Wednesday: The Yoga Collective Review & GIVEAWAY
you got this!! and there’s an out and back portion that we’ll probably run past each other during – have a great race! 🙂
Sounds like some good goals! Have fun Courtney!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday’s This & That
See you out there, and have a great race!