Eat Pray Run DC

Running hard, eating well and living a grace-filled life in Washington D.C.

Searching for something?

  • Start Here!
    • Featured In…
    • 30 before 30 List!
    • My Favorite Things
    • Wedding
  • Eat!
  • Run
  • Blogging 101
    • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact Me!
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Richmond Marathon Race Goals

November 13, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC59 Comments

Y’all we are almost at race day and I’m so excited! I’ve had an unusual week and right now am writing this from the airport in Denver. I’ve been here just for two days and it’s been cold and snowing. When I say cold, I’m talking one degree. Yeah. So there was no running outside during this trip. I’m running on the AlterG again tomorrow and then will shake the legs out Friday. And then, it’s race day! 

richmond marathon race goals

I have spent a lot of time thinking about the marathon but not a ton of time thinking about my marathon goals. I’ve finally figured out what I think is reasonable to shoot for — so here are my Richmond Marathon race goals: 

  • A Goal – this is if everything is perfect and all goes as planned. Given that the weather is right now forecasted to be a bit chilly, this is the goal for if everything else comes together on race day. 4:30-4:45. This time is totally doable given my long runs during this training cycle. It won’t be easy but if I push it, I can do this. 
  • B Goal – this is next best thing if I can’t run in 4:45 or less. 4:46-4:59.
  • C Goal – this is if I have a bad day and not many things go right. A PR. (faster than 5:27). 

I’m really optimistic and know that I’ve put in the work and the training to run well. It probably won’t be perfect but I’m already proud of the work I’ve put in and excited to head back to Richmond, where my marathon journey first started a year ago. I’m excited to have people I know running (K, my friend Meghan, Christine, etc.) and I’m excited that I already know this course. I remember it pretty well and am ready to Run Richmond! If you’d like to track me, my bib# is 5202 and you can find the runner tracking info here. 

Who else will be running Richmond?? 


Comments

  1. Karen Loves to Run (@karenlovestorun) says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:45 am

    I love that you have multiple goals! Best of luck this weekend and as you said, be proud of the work you have done! πŸ™‚
    Karen @karenlovestorun

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:51 am

      Thanks Karen — I’m really excited!

      Reply
  2. emma @ be mom strong says

    November 13, 2014 at 7:11 am

    Dress warm and go get them. I’ll be thinking of you when I’m done and you have 13.1 more to go πŸ˜‰
    Good Luck!!
    emma @ be mom strong recently posted…RVA Half Marathon and Baby Sleep MethodsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:51 am

      Lol, I’ll be thinking of you too at that halfway point πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    November 13, 2014 at 7:29 am

    Woo hoo Marathon weekend!! Can’t wait to track/cheer for you. Good luck to both you and K!
    Jennifer recently posted…Tasty Thursday – Pumpkin Greek Yogurt MuffinsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:52 am

      thanks!!! I’m pretty excited!

      Reply
  4. Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine says

    November 13, 2014 at 7:53 am

    I love that you have a few different goals, that’s really smart! I’m sure you will do great and I can’t wait to hear about it! I am thinking that Richmond would be a good marathon to do one of these days.
    Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine recently posted…Yoga, Fall, And Sticky Fingers (TOL 25)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:53 am

      Richmond is great. I loved it last year and am excited to go back this year πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:00 am

    Love your attitude! I like how you have 3 realistic and doable goals. Good luck this weekend
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Veteran’s Day 11K-Trail Running is not for meMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:53 am

      Thanks Deborah — I’m really excited!

      Reply
  6. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:08 am

    Good luck this weekend at Richmond. I hope the weather isn’t too bad on race day! ( I think you’ll crush your goals)

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:54 am

      Thanks Meranda! If it can just stay dry, that’ll be great πŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Heidi says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:31 am

    That Denver chill is just getting you ready for Richmond! Kick A$$ and take names this weekend. Maybe I’ll run into you.
    Heidi recently posted…Made in USA ScarvesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:36 am

      Thanks!! Look out for me πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Jess says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Brr! Glad it won’t be that cold for Richmond. That’s REALLY cold, and I’m from the Great Lakes area.

    Good luck this weekend! I’m looking forward to hearing all about the race πŸ™‚ You’ve put in a lot of great training, so I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully!
    Jess recently posted…11 Things About Me You Might Not Know (Liebster Award)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:35 am

      Thanks Jess! Yeah, I was not sad to leave those temps πŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. Stacey @ Cape Cod Runner says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:44 am

    Have a blast!!!! I’ll be thinking of you Wazelley friends down there! And I love that you’re on track to PR no matter what πŸ™‚ Run strong!
    Stacey @ Cape Cod Runner recently posted…Heart Rate TrainingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:36 am

      Thanks Stacey πŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Jess@Flying Feet in Faith says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:49 am

    Sounds like great g

    Reply
  11. Jess@Flying Feet in Faith says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Sounds like great goals! I’ll be cheering you on! I’m not a fan of cold either… Brrrr

    Reply
  12. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:50 am

    I’ve been following your training and I think you have sub 4:30 in you!! Can’t wait to see how you do!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Maybe her pants were on fire?My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:55 am

      Thanks Wendy! Fingers crossed!!

      Reply
  13. Jess@Flying Feet in Faith says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:53 am

    Sounds like great goals! You’ve put in some steady training. I’ll be cheering you on!! πŸ™‚
    Jess@Flying Feet in Faith recently posted…Thoughts For Thursday: Turkey TrotMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jess@Flying Feet in Faith says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:55 am

      Sorry for the multiple comments…my phone went screwy lol
      Jess@Flying Feet in Faith recently posted…Thoughts For Thursday: Turkey TrotMy Profile

      Reply
      • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

        November 13, 2014 at 11:36 am

        Lol – i just feel extra special!

        Reply
  14. delana says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Good luck from NYC! Wishing you no wind, good temps and fast feet!
    delana recently posted…The Power of Habit…and, So…What’s next?My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:37 am

      Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  15. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:15 am

    Just signed up to track you! Can’t wait to cheer you on this weekend! You’re going to rock this race!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…WIN Detergent Giveaway WinnerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:38 am

      Aw, thanks – that means a lot!!

      Reply
  16. Lesley says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:28 am

    My parents are in Boulder so they’ve been telling me how cold it is. It also keeps Dallas cold, and 31 in Dallas feels so much colder than anywhere else I’ve lived. Boston 31 is doable, Colorado 31 is doable, but Dallas 31 is awful.
    Lesley recently posted…Running and DopingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:39 am

      It was pretty chilly. The dry air was a plus but still!

      Reply
  17. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    November 13, 2014 at 10:07 am

    One degree???? that’s just unacceptable! πŸ™‚ I am SO super excited for you!! I remember “meeting” you virtually during your first go round with Richmond. You’re inspiring and happy to call my friend (IRL!!) So many good lucks and I’ll be tracking you!!!!!!!! You got this!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Letting Go — Thinking Out Loud v2My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:40 am

      Thanks friend!!! It means a lot to have friends cheering me on πŸ™‚

      Reply
  18. briana says

    November 13, 2014 at 10:26 am

    I’m a little concerned about the cold start but other than that I’m shooting hard for sub-5! Good luck to you!
    briana recently posted…Richmond ReadyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:41 am

      We can do this!! Have a great race – maybe we’ll see each other out there!

      Reply
  19. Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons says

    November 13, 2014 at 10:31 am

    You go girl! Have a great race!
    Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted…After the Marathon: One Week LaterMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:42 am

      Thanks Gabby!!! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  20. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    November 13, 2014 at 10:54 am

    Woo hoo! I’m so excited for you, Courtney; you’re going to do GREAT! Hope K is feeling good about the race; so cool that he’ll be doing his first one at the same time. I’ll be thinking about you!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Book Review: I Will Marry George Clooney By Christmas by Tracy BloomMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:42 am

      Thanks Tara – I’m so excited!!

      Reply
  21. Chaitali says

    November 13, 2014 at 11:54 am

    I hope you have a great race and at least it will be warmer than Denver! Given this is my first long race my main goal is just to finish but my secondary goal is to finish the half in 3 hours or less. I think it should be do-able given my training run times.
    Chaitali recently posted…What to wear for a cold race?My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 2:49 pm

      i hope you have an amazing time – richmond is great. you’ll love it πŸ™‚

      Reply
  22. JEnny@Turtlestride says

    November 13, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    You were in my neck of the woods! You’re body will be oh so thankful to be away from this Freeze! Good luck this weekend; you’ll do great πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      thank you – i’m really excited!!

      Reply
  23. Staci @ Hoosier Running Mom says

    November 13, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    I hope your race goes awesome! Being able to see the benefits of all the hard work we put into training is such a huge reward in running!!! I love how you are heading back after a year ready to go! Your goals sound very attainable for you, so get rested tonight!!! Its the one that really counts!
    Staci @ Hoosier Running Mom recently posted…To race or not to race? What a loaded question!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 3:01 pm

      thank you so much — and yes, i will be sleeping in a bit tomorrow morning πŸ™‚

      Reply
  24. Karen G. says

    November 13, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Woo-Hoo! I’ll be there! I’m super excited! Your goals are very similar to mine! I’m going in hoping to be somewhere between 4:30 and 5, (best case scenario is closer to 4:30). πŸ˜‰ Although, the cold is a bit of a bummer, but at least it’ll be drier than last year!
    Good Luck this weekend!!
    Karen G. recently posted…Week 15 of Richmond Marathon TrainingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 2:59 pm

      hope to see you there karen! πŸ™‚ good luck!

      Reply
  25. MCM Mama says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    You’ve got this! I have total faith in you finishing and finishing strong. You’ve put in the work, now go have fun!
    MCM Mama recently posted…I heart Skirt Sports!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      thanks so much, friend! here’s hoping!!

      Reply
  26. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    So excited for you! Good luck!!!

    Oh, and 1 degree??? Crazy!
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…New Running GoalsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:18 pm

      thanks for the kind words! and yeah, that weather was cray cray!

      Reply
  27. Coco says

    November 13, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    Well, at least the Richmond weather will seem warm after being in Denver! I’m so excited for you!
    Coco recently posted…Hiking In The McDowell Sonoran PreserveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:19 pm

      hahaha, that’s one way of looking at it πŸ™‚

      Reply
  28. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    November 13, 2014 at 11:47 pm

    Great goals! Hope you have a great race Courtney!! πŸ™‚
    Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Two Year Wedding Anniversary!My Profile

    Reply
  29. Amanda says

    November 14, 2014 at 9:44 am

    Good luck! You have been killing your training, so I’m excited to see how it goes for you! If you hit your A goal, you will have an insane PR!
    Amanda recently posted…How I Got Over My Running SlumpMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Have a great time in Richmond!! You are going to rock it. Your training has been so strong! Can’t wait to hear about it!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Thinking out loudMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 14, 2014 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks Sue! Fingers crossed!!

      Reply
  31. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    November 15, 2014 at 11:05 am

    Good luck Courtney!!! You’re going to kill it, can’t wait to hear all about it!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Friday Five: How to Stay Healthy During the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Friday Five: Five Cold Weather Running Tips - Eat Pray Run DC says:
    November 14, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    […] I mentioned yesterday, you can track me this Saturday (bib number 5202) and I hope you do. On a complete other note, the […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, there! I’m Courtney

Welcome to Eat Pray Run DC - I'm passionate about food, running, Jesus, my dog and bacon. Not necessarily in that order. Read More…

Join the Eat Pray Run DC Community & Get Your FREE Copy of Blogging 101!

Follow

Tags

berlin marathon blogger tips blogger tip tuesday blogging blog stats chicago marathon christmas Church cooking dc dinner eat exercise faith fitness food friday five friends gift guide giveaway goals half marathon healthy healthy-living holiday holidays marathon marathon training oiselle pure barre race races recipe recipes relationships richmond marathon run running sweat pink training travel wedding wedding planning wedding wednesday workouts

Categories

Copyright © 2021 · Modern Blogger Pro Theme By, Pretty Darn Cute Design