Well, here we are — in less than seven days, I will run my very first marathon. I have declared it marathon week on the blog and if you don’t come here for running posts you may want to sit this week out — it’s allllll about the marathon!
Today I’m gonna chat a bit about my goals for this Saturday’s run. Everyone says that you shouldn’t have time goals for your first marathon. I kinda don’t buy that — because even if you say you have no time goals, you probably secretly do!
I have an A goal, a B goal and a C goal. My A goal is to finish the race in 4:45 or less. I think I am physically capable of this, of course I’m aware that everything could go off the rails at any point. Hence my B goal. B goal is a 5:00 marathon. This is definitely a goal that is within my wheelhouse and honestly, I’d feel pretty good if I came in under 5. And if things really don’t go the way I’m hoping, I’ll still have my C goal. C goal = finish happy and standing. Hopefully I’ll achieve A + B + C, but honestly, I’ll take just C. I’m just so excited to get this show on the road!
What were your goals for your first marathon? Did you set time goals?
I didn’t really set a time goal for my first marathon before the race, but there were many goals during the race. It was a fun little mental game to keep me going, I guess. Good luck to you this weekend!!
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted…Marathon Monday #15
Oh I really like the idea of having lots of small goals throughout the race — I am willing to bet I’ll make up smaller goals as I’m running 🙂
Go Courtney! So excited for you! I’m running my first marathon next year, and I have no idea whether I’ll have a time goal or not since I don’t really know what to expect. Good luck and have an amazing time!
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted…A Look Back at My 9+1 Races
Thanks Gabby! I’m excited for you and NYC next year now that you have a guaranteed entry! How fantastic 🙂
You’re going to do great! Keep your head high and hopefully you’ll see yourself accomplishing all three goals!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Race Goals for Tomorrow’s Veteran’s Day 5K
Kathryn, you’ve been so supportive — thank you so much for the kind words! 🙂
I think you are so right about the time goal thing – everyone has one on some level whether they admit it or not 🙂
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…It’s National Running Safety Month
Yeah, I mean after spending so much time analyzing your training runs, it’s just hard not to, right? 🙂
I’m gonna be squealing allllll week for you!!! So excited! 🙂 and you’re right, all the advice I’ve been given is to not have a time goal, but let’s face it we all do 😉
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…OBX Race Recap #1: Buccaneer 5K
Hahaha, I’m totally just imagining you squealing and it’s making me giggle!! We always have a goal, right??? I mean, especially us Type A runners 🙂
exactly 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…OBX Race Recap #1: Buccaneer 5K
I haven’t run a full marathon … yet 😉 but I will be running my first half in 2014 and have set A, B, C and D goals for myself. Of course they are all subject to change.
Best of luck with your marathon!
Anita recently posted…Medals, Mizuno’s and Mmm Mmm Food – MIMM
Haven’t run a full but for my half I did have a secret goal. I didn’t quite make it, but I was so happy with just finishing it didn’t matter!
Betsy recently posted…365/310: 30 Days of Thanks Day 7
Wishing you all the best! I know you’re going to do great. I did set a time goal (4:30) for my first. I agree with you that EVERYONE has a secret goal even if they’re all “don’t get goals.” Goals aren’t a bad thing!
Amanda recently posted…My Victory Lap
Yep – I 100% agree, Amanda. I just feel like it is almost impossible to train for so long and not have quantifiable goals 🙂 Thanks for all the support.