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Shamrock Half Marathon Race Goals + Giveaway!

March 16, 2016 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC68 Comments

I am so excited that race week is here. I feel really ready and excited to get down to the beach and ready to run. I have been thinking a lot about my goals for this race. I don’t think it’s news that I want to run a sub two hour half marathon at Shamrock but I have some other goals as well. Read on for my Shamrock Half Marathon Race Goals and please let me know if you will be down there! 

ShamrockHalf Marathon Race Goals

  • A Goal: This is the perfect day. The stars have aligned and I run the race of my life. 1:58 – this equates to just about a 9 minute mile pace even. Given my training (and especially how my tempo runs have gone),  I believe this is possible. It won’t be easy, but I truly believe I can do this. 
  • B Goal: This is an average day. Nothing is perfect but nothing is awful. 1:59:59 – SUB 2. I have been working for this all winter long and I am really excited to hit this goal. 
  • C Goal: This is a bad day. Things have gone wrong and it just is not my day. PR. That would be faster than 2:04:52 – and honestly, I’m in much better shape than I was when I set that PR last November. 

Okay, so I’m going to be honest with y’all. If I cross the finish line and the clock has a “2” in front of it, I will be very disappointed. Obviously, I will be happy if I leave it all on the course, but real talk – I will be disappointed if I don’t hit sub-2. I’m very optimistic and excited for Shamrock and have worked so hard. I can’t wait to share how it goes with you all! 

Now, on to some fun stuff. I was recently contacted by JHill Design to see if I wanted to do a giveaway of their amazing marathon maps. I’d been eyeing their maps for awhile so was pretty excited to have the opportunity to not only snag one for myself but to be able to run a giveaway so one of you all can win one! 

marathon map

Isn’t that cool? I’m kind of obsession. If you are a marathoner, you should check out the giveaway and enter to win your own personalized 8×10 marathon map! Good luck and I can’t wait to see the winner’s map. The contest will run through next Wednesday (I’ll announce the winner in next week’s Friday Five post that will go live Thursday the 24th at 10pm). You can also use this code JHILLxEPRDC to save 15% off the entire JHill Website through March 30th!! Enjoy, friends! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Any Shamrock specific tips?? Who will I see out there?


Comments

  1. brian says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:30 am

    Love you goals…

    Good luck and run strong…

    briansrunningadventures.com

    Brian

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 10:42 am

      thank you! can’t wait to report back next week!

      Reply
  2. Jennifer @ Run Jenny Run says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:32 am

    You can do it! I will be rooting for you. I love the JHill Design maps. She had a table at the Chicago Marathon expo and I snagged one (although not customized).

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:45 am

      They are SO cool! I want one for every marathon now 🙂

      Reply
  3. Colleen LG says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:36 am

    You’ve so got this! Have fun out there!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:45 am

      Thanks Colleen – I really appreciate the support!

      Reply
  4. angela says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:42 am

    Have a wonderful race!!

    Reply
  5. Amy Lauren says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:43 am

    I’m not sure what race map I’d get… I doubt any race I’ve run has a map since Charleston Marathon and Cooper River Bridge Run have been my largest races. Maybe I’d get one for Boston to give to a friend who is running it this year?

    Good luck with Shamrock- it seems like you’ve had an excellent training cycle. Anything can happen on race day but you’ve definitely improved as a runner in the training cycle and hopefully your time will reflect that.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:46 am

      That’d be really nice to give it to your friend running Boston. How cool. And thanks for the support – anything can happen but I’m definitely better trained than I’ve ever been before.

      Reply
  6. Laur says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:43 am

    Good luck this weekend! I can’t wait to hear about it!!!

    And I LOVE that sign! I sort of want one for each marathon I’ve done! I’d probably start with Wineglass or Buffalo though (my fav and my first)!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:49 am

      Wineglass is so great, right?? Loved that race. If I wasn’t doing Chicago this fall, I’d be going back to NY for Wineglass!

      Reply
  7. Mary says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:46 am

    I think you’ll surprise yourself come race day! I wouldn’t be surprised to see sub 1:55, definitely let yourself go those last 3 miles. You can do this!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 10:50 am

      Thank you – I so appreciate the vote of confidence!

      Reply
  8. Jen@bubblyrunner.com says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:54 am

    I love your goals, and I totally feel you on all of them. I’ve been fine-tuning my goals (I actually found out my BFF and her husband may not even be in Dallas this weekend due to an unexpected circumstance so I’m bummed) and I know at the end of the day I should be happy beating my previous time of 2:08. However, I didn’t work my butt off this training cycle and do all those 400m repeats and tempo runs for nothing. We can totally do this! I’ll be thinking about you on race day and sending you positive vibes 🙂
    Jen@bubblyrunner.com recently posted…Preparing For A Destination RaceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:20 am

      Yes we can! We’ve got this girl!!!!! Go us!

      Reply
  9. Christina says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Richmond- I just love that marathon.

    Excited to run with your this weekend!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:19 am

      Me too, friend! Can’t wait 🙂

      Reply
  10. Bethany says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:03 am

    I’ve run the Marine Corps Marathon twice. It was my first marathon, and remains one of my favorites, so I would love a map of the course.

    Reply
  11. Courtney says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:03 am

    Good luck! I’ve been following your training as I originally set out to break 2 hours at Shamrock, but instead I decided to make it my first full marathon! Weather looks great, it’s an awesome race you’re going to rock it!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:14 am

      Woohoo!!! Have a great time – good luck 🙂

      Reply
  12. Christine @ Two Runners Travel says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Great goals! One thought..have you considered running with a pace team? I ran with the 1:52 pacers in 2014 and it was SO helpful to have them guide the pace for the first few miles. Just a thought. I hope to be down there.

    And if I won, I would get this for my dear friend who just finished her first marathon in Tokyo!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:17 am

      It’s tricky because 1:52 is too fast for me to start and 2:00 is too slow. I’ll be starting in between those groups though.

      Reply
      • Christine @ Two Runners Travel says

        March 16, 2016 at 5:19 pm

        Blast, I figured there was a 1:58 group since they do mileage paces rather than race times! Ah well, your plan makes sense

        Reply
  13. Ana says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:11 am

    Best of luck to you! You have put in the training, I’m sure you will do fantastic! Cant’ wait to see the recap and hear of the accomplishments!

    Reply
  14. Rachel says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:43 am

    OMG I would so love to win and finally commemorate my first marathon!!!

    Reply
  15. Leeanne says

    March 16, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    I’ll be there cheering you on!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Can.not.wait.

      Reply
  16. Heidi says

    March 16, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    Kick Butt!!!! It’s such a beautiful course. Man I wish I wasn’t pregnant while running it last year because the post race party is awesome.

    Reply
  17. katya says

    March 16, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    i’ve seen those maps before — very cool! i’d put the 2015 marine corps on there. good luck this weekend!

    Reply
  18. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    March 16, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    Courtney, I try not to make any definitive claims (ie: you are DEFINITELY going to hit your goal!) because, as you’ve already mentioned, it just depends on the day; bodies are so weird, and so is the weather, and I would never want to acknowledge a specific time without acknowledging your effort. Having said that…you have WORKED YOUR ASS OFF and I know you are ready to do this; I’ll be sending ALLLLLL of the best wishes I can send your way on Sunday morning. I know you CAN do it, so just get out there and run one mile at a time. No matter what, I will not be disappointed; your training has been solid so enjoy the challenge, my friend!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 3:11 pm

      thanks Tara – I so appreciate the support. One mile at a time – that’s definitely my plan!!

      Reply
  19. Jess @ Tinder District says

    March 16, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    I would definitely do the Nike Women’s Half!

    Reply
  20. Shauna says

    March 16, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Best of luck to you! Just recently started following you on IG. Such an inspiration! I am racing on Saturday in a half as well, with an aggressive goal as well. Hoping to hit 2:02…i think I’m crazy to try and go for under 2. More power to you for your goals. Don’t be so disappointed though if you don’t hit goal A….do your best, but like you said above, 1 mile at a time. Good luck! Can’t wait to see how you do. I have a blog too, and you’ve inspired me to go jot down my goals, as I’ve been thinking very long and hard about those goals this week.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 17, 2016 at 11:44 am

      Best of luck! You can do it – leave it all out there on the course. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Alaina @ The Simple Peach says

    March 16, 2016 at 4:20 pm

    You’ve got this girl! You have been working SO hard for this and you deserve your moment. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Race Day Forecast: High Chance of PR!!!!
    Alaina @ The Simple Peach recently posted…Life Time Fitness Blogger Event & ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Lesley says

    March 16, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    My fingers are crossed for you! Here’s to perfect conditions and a wonderful race 🙂

    Reply
  23. Lauren @ Lauren Runs says

    March 16, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I think I’d probably put on my Ironman Wisconsin race (if she allows it) for this. It’s the race I’m most proud of at the moment!

    Reply
  24. Sally says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    Good luck Courtney!! You’ve done great with your training. I think you’ve got this sub-2:00 in the bag!!

    I’d put my only marathon on a map, the Cincinnati Flying Pig 2015. Loved the experience of my first full marathon and I can’t wait to do it again!

    Reply
  25. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    You’ve worked so hard during this training cycle, Courtney. I have no doubt that you’ll have a great race this weekend! I can’t wait to virtually cheer you on!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Happy Runiversary to Me!My Profile

    Reply
  26. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    March 16, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    Hope you have a fabulous time this weekend! Go get em!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…FOMO -it’s real very realMy Profile

    Reply
  27. Sam @ See Sam Run says

    March 16, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    Great goals! Good luck this weekend!

    Reply
  28. Kristy says

    March 16, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    Welcome to the sub 2 party! Our goals are so similar for shamrock. I’ve been pacing the 9mm group for the j&a racing training team all winter. There is going to be a party of people going for sub 2. Join in on th fun! Please! Strength in numbers!!!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 16, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      Yes! I would love that so much. I’m in corral 4 – would love to join with your group!

      Reply
  29. Kimberly G says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    I would save this for the NYC Marathon in November. Since this will be my first marathon, it would be extra special mohave this design to celebrate that achievement!

    Reply
  30. Juliana @ 4 Well Rules says

    March 17, 2016 at 12:46 am

    I love that you are putting it all out there and I hope you rock it this weekend! You have put in the work!

    Reply
  31. Hollie says

    March 17, 2016 at 6:03 am

    It’s supposed to rain so I would take that into thought too. The course is flat but the wind can be deceiving and tough. Don’t let it discourage you. I’ve run years it’s nonexistant and years the last few miles feel like you are going backwards.

    There is one gradual uphill in the beginning, which doesn’t have a lot of crowd support but after that you are fine. Personally I like that part because it’s where I focus on my goals.

    (Also Kristy a couple commentors above, is one of my good friends and I believe still an ambassador for the race. You would enjoy running with the group up there!)

    I hope we can meet up!
    Hollie recently posted…Four Years of Shamrockin’My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 17, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Thanks Hollie – I’ll be hanging around post race – so I’m sure we’ll be able to meet up 🙂 And yes, I’m ready for rain if it comes! And I had a lot of windy tempo runs because I ran them by the water, so hopefully that will help if we have strong headwinds. 🙂

      Reply
  32. Jennifer says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:18 am

    Best of luck this weekend! I have been so impressed and amazed by your training; I know that goal is within your reach!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 17, 2016 at 11:41 am

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Reply
  33. Hannah says

    March 17, 2016 at 10:55 am

    Good luck, Courtney! I’ve been watching your training journey for a while. You seem extremely prepared. I’m “stuck” on a 2:10 half time; a long way to go to sub 2 but runners like you inspire me to go for it. We can do hard things!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      March 17, 2016 at 11:40 am

      Thank you – and 2:10 is not that far off — you can do it! And yes, we CAN do hard things!

      Reply
  34. Margaret says

    March 17, 2016 at 11:53 am

    Oh wow – those are so cool! I’d probably pick a custom one, and see if they could make one for my first marathon, the Walt Disney World Marathon. I threw my name into the lottery for Chicago this year, so that would be PERFECT if I get in!

    It’s been so much fun to follow along your training cycle. And, to be completely honest, there are times I didn’t feel like running until I saw your post. GOOD LUCK – I know you’ll Sham-ROCK it!

    Have you ever thought about becoming a running coach? You would be amazing!

    Reply
  35. Pam says

    March 17, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    Hope you reach that goal Courtney. I would love to win the JHill design card. I have one from Boston and NYC and plan to order one for all the marathon majors as I complete them. They are a cool momento

    Reply
  36. Christy says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    Good luck on your sub 2! I like the saying, “a good goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot!”

    Reply
  37. Christy says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    Now I have to answer the giveaway question. lol I would probably pick Revel Canyon City, or perhaps Revel Vegas if I set a PR here in May. I want a sub 4:00 so badly. Or maybe the Great Wall marathon, even though I ran that with the family so my time was very less than stellar. 😛
    Christy recently posted…Neighborhood’s House of HorrorsMy Profile

    Reply
  38. Jennifer @ Dashing in Style says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    If you believe you can do it, you will! I believe you’re going to have a great race. Have fun and good luck!

    Reply
  39. Elaine @myrunexperiment says

    March 18, 2016 at 12:26 am

    Hard training pays off and you fully committed to yours. I wish for the stars to align for you so you can run your best race as you deserve it. Look forward to reading the race recap.
    Elaine @myrunexperiment recently posted…San Diego Half Marathon RACE RECAP and a 4-min PR!My Profile

    Reply
  40. Tia says

    March 18, 2016 at 9:36 am

    Good luck on your race! You’ll hit that A goal, you’ve been working hard and running in snow!!! You got it! Can’t wait to read your race recap!

    Reply
  41. Sherry says

    March 18, 2016 at 10:46 am

    Good luck on your race! You will do it! If I won the cool map design I would probably put the Portland Marathon.

    Reply
  42. Joanna Craig says

    March 21, 2016 at 11:44 am

    I’ll be running my first marathon at the Boston Marathon in just FOUR WEEKS! I would DEFINITELY have to put that race on my map!

    Reply
  43. Steff at Run Steff Run says

    March 21, 2016 at 11:49 am

    I’m so proud of you Courtney!!

    If I won your giveaway I would get the philly map for my first half!

    Reply
  44. Melissa says

    March 21, 2016 at 11:57 am

    Loved the PR bell pic!!!!

    Reply
  45. Liz says

    March 21, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    Congratulations on your PR! I have been filling you for some time on Instagram and you are such an inspiration! If I won I would frame my first full marathon I ran this month at RnRDC

    Reply
  46. Sara says

    March 21, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    Good luck. It’s always nice to have a few goals for each race. I think you will get that sub 2-you’ve been training really hard!

    Awesome giveaway, I’ve had my eye on one of these maps since I ran Boston in 2014-so that is what I would use for mine!

    Reply
  47. Chelsea Prior says

    March 22, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Pittsburgh for sure. It’s where it all started!! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

    Reply
  48. vicki says

    March 22, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    I would put Houston on the map… my first!

    Reply
  49. Gabrielle Kotkov says

    March 22, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    I would do a map of the NYC marathon, my first!

    Reply
  50. Gabrielle Kotkov says

    March 22, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    Congrats on your PR! I would do a map of NYC, my first.

    Reply

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