My back is feeling much better today, hopefully this will not be a factor with Sunday’s marathon. Overall I feel well rested and ready to give the race my best. It is supposed to be warm and sunny on Sunday, but a strong wind from the southwest will be a factor (I’ll be running against the wind the first half of the race). The marathon route is flat, 100% asphalt/concrete surface, partially over open fields and is considered to be a fast track if the wind holds off.
As always I have three specific goals in mind based on my training and the kind of day I’m having on race day:
Bad day goal: Finish under 4:45:00
Good day goal: Finish under 4:30:00 (my current PR is 4:30:07)
Race of my life goal: Finish under 4:15:00
These times are very conservative, but with a general lack of speed-work in my training over the winter probably pretty realistic. In any case I am going out conservatively and try to maintain a fairly consistent pace. In the past I have always gone out faster and bonked the last 10K, this time I want to try to run smarter.
Good luck! I hope the weather cooperates. : )
Good luck, Jack! You owe that marathon one, after last year. Don't worry about the lack of speed work - it's a marathon, not a sprint!
Good luck!!!
Have the best run Jack! Run smart, no bonk, and a good time (in all senses of the phrase) too.
Hi Jack! I'm back just in time for a marathon...although, with you, I guess that can be said, every, what, 3 weeks? ;)
Take care of your back, and good luck on Sunday!!
Best of luck on Sunday. Glad the back is doing better.
Good luck, Jack! I love the way you categorize your time goals. Here's hoping that the weather is fine and you can run under 4:15! You can do eet!