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Richmond Marathon 2017 Goals

November 9, 2017 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC21 Comments

Well, folks I’m doing it again. I have decided that I am going to run the Richmond marathon for the 3rd time. Richmond was my very first marathon and then I ran it again the following year. I just simply love the race and am happy to be going back.

In thinking about my goals, I have been struggling a bit. This is going to be my 9th marathon and I just ran a marathon six weeks ago. I think I am capable of sub 4 but I also know just how hard it is to do multiple marathons in a short time frame. I am also coming off a weekend of big fun in New York – lots of great food, lots of drinks and not as much rest as I normally get. But also SO FUN and SO INSPIRING. I mean, y’all Shalane did the thing! She won the NYC Marathon – first American woman to win in 40 years. My level of inspiration and pumped up-ness is quite high. 

Goals for the Richmond Marathon

Have I mentioned that Richmond is my favorite marathon? Because it is. However…this week has been stressful. Between work and some personal things, it has been tough. But I’m looking forward to 26.2 miles to destress. Oh who am I kidding? I’m pretty nervous but also excited. So on the to goals. 

  • A Goal: this is the perfect, everything comes together, day. 3:58.
  • B Goal: a normal day. 3:59:59. Yep, still shooting for sub-4. 
  • C Goal: a bad day, where it is just not happening. PR. My current PR was set in Berlin six weeks ago and is 4:14 in pretty terrible weather (99% humidity). I am confident I can I run better than that provided the weather forecast holds. 

Now I will say that if things just don’t work out for me in Richmond, I will not beat myself up. I have been doing mostly easy running since Berlin, with one workout and one longer run (but not further than 10) each week. I have also taken at least one yoga class each week. I feel good but I know I have not gained any fitness over the last six weeks. The turning point I think, will be if I lost much fitness since September. I imagine I have lost a tiny bit, but I have done a decent job with maintenance. I am confident that I am close to running a sub-4 marathon. Whether it happens on Saturday or it happens at a later race, I will be happy with my progress and enjoy another awesome weekend. 

Who else is racing this weekend? 


Comments

  1. Tara says

    November 9, 2017 at 6:32 am

    Well, I know you can do it (also, I can totally hear your voice saying, “she did the thing!”); no matter what time you come flying across, I’m just so thrilled that I’ll be there to see you do it. I also may be crying. LOL! See you soon!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 9, 2017 at 8:30 am

      Thank you friend! I’m pretty stoked for this awesome weekend!!!!!

      Reply
  2. Kristen says

    November 9, 2017 at 6:44 am

    I Love Richmond! Also my first marathon and I went back to run it again last year! Have a great and just enjoy I‎t!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 9, 2017 at 8:31 am

      Thanks! I’m excited for the race!

      Reply
  3. Wendy says

    November 9, 2017 at 7:13 am

    Good luck! I”m anxious to see how you do. I ran an almost PR half 6 weeks after Chicago a few years ago with almost no training–just did some easy running those weeks. That reserved fitness may just surprise you!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 9, 2017 at 8:32 am

      Thanks Wendy! It’s gonna be a great weekend regardless!

      Reply
  4. Zebra Girl says

    November 9, 2017 at 8:14 am

    How cool that you were in New York this weekend. Good luck in Richmond! Weather should be great!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 9, 2017 at 8:32 am

      Yes the weather is looking fantastic 🙂

      Reply
  5. Tracy says

    November 9, 2017 at 8:18 am

    I’ve run the Richmond half a few times and the full is on my short list of future full marathons! Love that race. I wouldn’t worry too much about lost fitness – you’ve been building it up for so long and you’re more than capable of a sub-4 pace, even if you haven’t been in hardcore marathon mode the last few weeks. And I imagine it would be hard NOT to go after those goals right now with that image of Shalane in your head! I hope you get the great weather and the time you were hoping for in Berlin!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      November 9, 2017 at 8:33 am

      Thanks Tracy. I really appreciate your comment. Looks like weather should be perfect so I’m hoping for a fun day!!

      Reply
  6. MCM Mama says

    November 9, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Good luck! I love Richmond and the weather is supposed to be perfect. Have fun (and hopefully hit some amazing goals!)
    MCM Mama recently posted…Don’t let winter freeze your motivationMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Nicole says

    November 9, 2017 at 9:55 am

    good luck!!1

    Reply
  8. Karissa says

    November 9, 2017 at 10:24 am

    I’m a Richmond resident and I’m running my longest race and doing the half this weekend. Good luck to you on Saturday! The weather is pretty cold but it beats a hot and humid day!

    Reply
  9. Amy Lauren Scott says

    November 9, 2017 at 10:27 am

    I have a half marathon on Saturday so yeah, I’m racing again :).

    I’m glad to see you’re back to running and racing and hopefully you have a great day at Richmond! I think it’s awesome you PRed in the conditions in Berlin even if you didn’t meet your A goal. Hopefully since Richmond is closer to home and a course you are familiar with, it will go well.

    Reply
  10. Deborah Brooks says

    November 9, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    Hope you have a fantastic time this weekend!
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…Eat, Play, Run San FranciscoMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Sandra Laflamme says

    November 9, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    You will get that sub 4! I know you can do it! The Richmond Marathon sounds like a great one. I am sure the course is beautiful!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Go the Extra Mile and a Hyland’s GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    November 9, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    You know a sub-4 is coming! I hope it happens for you in Richmond. Best of luck!
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Runner Rebuild – Week 1My Profile

    Reply
  13. Coco says

    November 9, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    You go, girl! You’ve got this!
    My workouts – and my life – have not been as planned lately. I already wasn’t sure of my goals for the WWB Half but then after the RW Half I did a full week of OTF followed by three days of 5 mile runs, followed by no running at all this week. Add that to the frigid forecast and all bets are off!

    Reply
  14. Northanon says

    November 9, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Wow, super cute race day outfit!
    Good luck, good vibes and all the best. Can’t wait to find out how it went.
    Yay Shalane too, that’s some serious grit that lady has.

    Reply
  15. Abby @BackatSquareZero says

    November 10, 2017 at 11:04 am

    Cannot wait to cheer you on – sub 4 here you come.

    Reply
  16. Robyn says

    November 10, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    I will look for you tomorrow! Good luck! I am running with the 4:00 pace group!

    Reply

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