The first of my two marathons is coming up this weekend and I’m excited. I chose Wineglass because it looks like a beautiful course and it’s in an area I have never experienced before. I’ve never been to the Finger Lakes region of New York and thought the race would be a good reason to go. Okay, I’ll be honest – the word “wine” in the title attracted me a bit. I mean, hey, I figured a marathon with “wine” in the title couldn’t be that bad, right? After reading about a million (give or take) race recaps, I signed up. At the time, I wasn’t sure I’d run Marine Corps so I also thought the net decline in elevation might make for a potential PR course. After much hemming and hawing, I’ve finally come up for some goals for the race.
Setting marathon goals is a tricky thing. I always want to make sure that I don’t lose sight of what is important (the fact that I’m able to run a marathon) when chasing goals. And given that I decided that Wineglass would be a training run and my fall goal race is Marine Corps, I wanted to set goals that reflected that. So here are my Wineglass Marathon Goals:
- A Goal: This is the perfect day. The stars have aligned and I run the race of my life. The weather is perfect, and everything is just on point. 4:40-4:45 (this is a 10:40ish pace and while I know I can run this pace, this would be a significant PR and I’m trying to run comfortably but not go crazy).
- B Goal: This is an average day. Nothing is perfect but nothing is awful. 4:45-4:59. I really want a sub five marathon this year and I’d love for it to happen at Wineglass so I can not have that in my head when I toe the line for Marine Corps.
- C Goal: This is a bad day. Things have gone wrong and it just is not my day. PR. My PR is 5:06 and honestly, I’m really ready for a marathon PR that is more in line with my actual fitness.
Of course, part of the lure of the marathon is that you never know what the day will give you and a lot of things can happen over 26.2 miles. I’ve had a strong training cycle and I’m really hopeful for a great day. The weather might be awesome or it might be rainy all day – I’m not worried about that because I can’t control the weather. I’m just working on managing my nerves over the next few days and positive visualization. At this point, the hay is in the barn as they say and all I can do is run my best race on Sunday. Ack – I got nervous just writing this post! Race nerves truly never go away.
You can check in on social media – I’ll post how it goes Sunday afternoon. I hope to be finishing about 1pm on Sunday. Wish me luck!
Anyone else running Wineglass? If you see me out there, say hi!
Enjoy Wineglass. That looks like a beautiful course. I know what you mean about marathon PRs – my marathon PR is no where near what my training suggested. So many things have to align to have a strong day over 26.2 miles. Sounds like you have a good set of goals. Good luck!
Kelli recently posted…Woman Crush Wednesday – Pam Wahl
Thanks! It is super frustrating to not have a good race but I’m really excited about this one 🙂
Good luck! I think keeping your goal race in mind will be so important. Just try to run a solid race given whatever is thrown at you on race day. Is there runner tracking so we can follow along?
JESS @ jessrunsatl recently posted…New Tune Tuesday: Find Your Rhythm
Thanks Jess – I appreciate it. I think there is runner tracking but I have to go sign up for it. I’ll go do that!
Enjoy the drive up towards Corning – it is beautiful. Have a wonderful race and I look forward to hearing about it! You had a great training cycle – so excited to see how it goes 🙂 PS – Luckily it is only hair/makeup time for my sisters wedding by the time you finish. I can totally see how you did 🙂
Jennifer @ Run Jenny Run recently posted…Chicago Marathon Countdown – Packing List
Hahahaha, I hope you are having WAY too much fun to remember about the race. 🙂 Have the BEST time and congrats to your sister!
Good luck this weekend, Courtney! I have the feeling that a marathon PR is in your near future. 🙂
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Out of Commission
Thanks Kathryn! Gosh, I sure hope so! 🙂
Good luck, Courtney! Love your blog 🙂
thank you!
I’m going to give you the biggest hug pre-MCM. You are going to have so much FUN!!! Stay in the joy, my friend!
and the biggest hug at the water stop??! because i’ll obvi want one then as well. MCM is gonna be a party 🙂
I don’t live too far from the Wineglass, and as my first year running half marathons, I’m pretty disappointed that I’m going to miss this one. I have a wedding to go which will be fun too, but I really wanted to run this. I’m super excited to read your recap! Good luck on race day!!
I hope to have my recap up sometime next week 🙂 Super excited to visit your neck of the woods!
Best of luck on Sunday! I am supposed to run Marine Corps and Philadelphia this fall and you have been sort of my inspiration/guide on how to handle those weeks in between races. I hope the planets are aligned for you!
Oh fun! Hopefully we’ll be able to meet up at MCM – so many folks running it this year 🙂 And yes, I will share exactly what I do in between races. The big thing is I have a massage scheduled at my PT’s office for Tuesday 🙂
I love the idea of having A, B, and C goals. I’ve never done that before, but I think I’ll do that for Chicago.
BTW, you had me at Wineglass…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Talk about the passion
I think it’s a good way to be realistic and not go crazy with just one goal. I am so EXCITED for Chicago! I wish I could come out and cheer y’all on!
Good luck! You are going to do awesome!!
thank you so much! also i’m super intrigued by the hanson method. i will need to pick your brain post mcm 🙂
Great goals. I wish I could run one of those they sound like a lot of fun.
Ivanna recently posted…Muscle Building Arm Routine: Wellness by Ivanna
i’m hoping it’s going to be a great day! and a fun weekend.
You’ve had a strong training cycle and put in the hard work, Courtney! I wish you all the best this weekend and I look forward to hearing how it goes!
Angie @ Pace with Grace recently posted…October Goals
That area of NYS is absolutely beautiful and you won’t regret visiting. I’m actually going up to Syracuse this weekend so we will be relatively close!
Hollie recently posted…Maple Shade Soccer Club 5kish (20:51)
Oh fun! I’ve never been to that part of NY, so I’m really excited about seeing how beautiful it is. I may even try and take a pic or two along the course 🙂
Good luck!! You’ve worked so hard and I’m excited for you! You’ve inspired me to write a race plan for my two half marathons I’ve got coming up (Bull City Race Fest and RICHMOND!!) :).
Oh awesome – I ran the Bull City Race Fest a few years ago. Fun but hilly!! And I’ll be running the Richmond half this year – hope to see you there!!
I was at Fast Track on Monday and over heard a girl talking to one of the therapists saying that WIneglass was Courtney’s B race and I feel like she had to be talking about you! Have a GREAT race this weekend!!! Let me know if you’re up for a shakeout run next week!
That’s so funny — yeah definitely talking about me (a number of the folks in my run group go to Fast Track)! And YES! I would love to meet up and run – shoot me an email – it’s about time we run together!
Good goals Courtney. I have a race this weekend too but haven’t really focused on my goals. Hope you have a great race day!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Weekend Celebrations and a BIG THANK YOU!!
oh good luck!!! i hope you have an awesome race 🙂 what are you running?
I’m not a runner, but I’m sure I could be motivated by food or drink! HA HA I did a 5k years ago that gave us wine & chocolate at the end…best race ever! 😉
Maureen recently posted…Working On My Fitness
hahaha, that sounds pretty awesome!
I love that you give yourself 3 goals that way you aren’t left feeling upset for something you trained so hard for. I hope the weather forecast there is a little better than here. Good luck and have fun!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Passionate About Heart & Sole
I’m going to come up with goals a, b and c for my marathon in January. I’m still a ways away so I won’t make them until December I’d guess but I think it will give me something to focus on! 🙂 Thanks for this!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…7 Ways to Know If You Have Found Your Passion?
I think it’s a good system to avoid disappointment and not just have one huge focus!
Best of luck to you Courtney! I am really rooting for you for a PR! I TOTALLY understand the fact that you want to have a race that aligns with your fitness potential. That is what I am aiming for too! I am crushing some training runs lately but I know race day can bring all sorts of the unexpected!
Thank you SO much – I know you get it and so your words matter and are super encouraging!! 🙂
I think these are great goals. You are so right, you can never really predict what will happen on race day no matter how great your training went! I’m trying so hard to no put a lot of pressure on myself for MCM, but it’s hard. I’ve trained my ass off and literally poured my heart into it. Hard to say you won’t be heartbroken, you know?! You will do great…just run with your heart and your legs will follow! XOXO
Yes, I completely get it. It’s so scary to chase a goal and to really want it. I believe in both of us!!!
Good luck this weekend! Stay focused, enjoy the beautiful course and it will be over before you know it. Best wishes! Nic-
Thank you so much 🙂
GAH! So excited for you, Courtney!! I know how race days go…what I want is not always in the cards but, as you’ve said, you’ve worked REALLY hard and had a GREAT training cycle and I know you are capable of ALL of these goals if the day goes well. I can’t wait to hear all about it – ROCKSTAR!!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Easiest Chicken Ever
Tara this made me smile. Thank you so much, friend!!! I’m dreaming big! 🙂
Hay is in the barn! Race day is the celebration of all your hard work, so enjoy. My dad will be there running the half, wish I was there to cheer you both on!
Thank you!! Hope your dad has a fantastic race 🙂
You have such a great attitude! I truly believe it’s all about the mental attitude. Yes, we can run the miles, but it’s believing in yourself and the training that can make a good race great.
I am so excited for you! You are going to be awesome on Sunday and we’ll be cheering for you! I have heard nothing but great things about Wineglass and think about the beautiful fall foliage you’ll get to enjoy along the way 🙂
Love that you have A, B and C goals.
Have a great race!!
Natalie thank you for your encouragement – it really means a lot!!
You are smart to do those three goal! Here’s hoping for the best for you! Next summer I’d love to do a wineglass half near me!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…The Best Walking Workouts
thanks kate! i’m excited 🙂
I’ve heard so many great things about this race. You’ve got this Courtney! Enjoy the run.
jill conyers recently posted…Nourishing Nut & Seed Bars
i am so excited to see all the beautiful surroundings up in NY. hoping for great weather 🙂 or at least no hurricane!
Very excited to see how your race goes, rooting for a BIG PR!!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Running Club Roundup Series Kickoff
Best of luck with this wine race! I’ll definitely be looking on social media to see how it goes, but it sounds like you have a great attitude about all the circumstances and scenarios.
Becki S recently posted…Pull Up Progression
thank you becki! i truly appreciate your kind words 🙂
I love how you laid out your goals! I am sure you will
Do
Great and can’t wait to hear your results!
Toni recently posted…It’s Official! I Am An ASICS Ambassador! #TeamASICS
Thanks Toni 🙂 I’m excited!
Good luck! GET IT GIRL!!!!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Currently at the Start of October #thinkingoutloud
Thanks boo 🙂 xx
I really wanted to do this but was same weekend as Ragnar. Hope you have the most amazing time and you’re training has been strong, you’ll kill those goals!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Thinking Out Loud v17: Currently
thanks & have fun this weekend!
Good luck and have fun ! Fingers crossed that you have great weather. There is a marathon in the Bordeaux region here in France, with wine tasting along the way. I am sure it is a course where very few people PR…. lol
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Paris Marathon minus 6 months
Haha, this one does not have wine tastings along the way but is located in a gorgeous area where there are numerous wineries! 🙂
Good luck this weekend!
You’ve put the training in and like I always say come race day most if it comes down to what you believe you will do, since the mind is a powerful tool! So if you want plan A its yours believe it and go for it!!!!
kristy @runawaybridalplanner recently posted…How Comments Can Help Grow Your Blog
Kristy! Thank you – I will be rereading those words before the race. 🙂
GOOD LUCK!!!! I’ve heard amazing things about Wineglass. My friend and I plan on running it in 2016. You’re smart to have three different sets of goals for the marathon. A lot CAN happen in 26.2 miles so it’s nice to be mentally prepared. 🙂 You will rock it! Have a blast, lady!
Rachel recently posted…Keepin’ It Real — The Importance of Persective
Thank you so much, Rachel!
You can pull out a PR! We all know it. Good luck Courtney!!!!
Alaina @ The Simple Peach recently posted…Happy Fall Ya’ll!
Thank YOU!!! 🙂 You rock!
Good luck! I’ll be running another half marathon on Saturday – Jacksonville Marine Corps. I’m thinking the same thing as you, let’s hope it’s a good day!
Faith @ Run the Day recently posted…Help Wanted: Serious Motivation
good luck – hope it’s a great race!
I am praying for everything to go amazing and you come out with an A+
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…How to Create Eye Catching Graphics
aw, thanks abby!!!
You have been working so hard and running so strong – I know this will be a good one for you!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…NFL Game Day Style for the un-Frumpy Sports Mom
aw, thanks friend! i’m super excited about it!
Great goals! You are gooing to rock this race!! Looking forward to hearing how it goes! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Big News
Good luck and have fun! I really like the Finger Lakes region and will be curious to hear how you like the course. I’ve heard some say it’s beautiful and scenic and others say it’s boring. I have wanted to do the wineglass half but am realizing I do better with rolling hills than a flat course, but maybe I could do it for fun. I’ll check in on Sunday!
Jennifer @ RUnning on Lentils recently posted…Activewear Reviews: Glyder, Onzie, Trina Turk & Lorna Jane
I know this post has been up a day or so, but I wanted to pop on and say good luck at Wineglass and I think you’ll do great. I hope you have good weather as well, as so many places on the East Coast are experiencing rain and flooding. It’s been fun reading about your training, and you’ve got this! Good luck and hoping you meet your A goal.
Amy Lauren recently posted…Carolina Children’s Charity 5K (22:21)
thanks so much — getting mentally ready now 🙂
I am late in commenting on this BUT I saw your results on facebook and you crushed your goal/PR – congrats!! Can’t wait to read the recap!
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