Before I get into my marathon race goals for this Sunday’s Rock ‘n Roll race, I just want to announce the Wrecking Routine Newsletter! Signing up will get you special posts, exclusive workouts, discounts on training services, and more. I promise not to spam you as the newsletter will most likely come out once or twice a month. Plus, if you sign up, you get 10 full body workouts for free download immediately. You really can’t lose. Just head over to the side bar to sign up!
Shameless plug over.
Let’s chat race goals!
My dad and I. I’m 22 in this picture. So little!
This Sunday will be my third marathon. I ran two when I lived in Phoenix, both were the Phoenix Rock ‘n Roll. They did not go well. While my times were fine (4:20:00 and 4:30:00), in both races I managed to throw up at mile 16, and in the second race I ended up in the medical tent at the finish line for dehydration and salt deficiency. I guess when they see someone puking in a trash can after crossing the line, they get concerned.
At the last two races, my parents and oldest sister, Kate, flew in from New York to cheer me on. They were such a great cheering squad and ran to get me gatorade at my weakest moment.
(Not to worry Mom, Dad, and Kate. Rob is bringing his bike and full provisions.)
Honestly, I am going into this race a bit worried. My two bad marathons scared me off the 26.2 distance for the past 4 years. But, vengeance is mine for Sunday. Here are my race goals:
A. Don’t Throw Up – Seriously. If I only reach one goal in the entire race, I want it to be this one. I will be ecstatic.
B. Have Fun – I chose another Rock ‘n Roll for my vengeance because they put on a really good race. Crowded, yes, but I think I need that to pull me through. I plan to enjoy the bands, chat with other runners, and just enjoy the scenery of running around this cool city I live in. I’m not trying to qualify for Boston or anything, so having fun needs to be a priority.
Rob and my friend, Lynnette ran the half at my second full.
C. Run The Whole Time – With my longest training run being only 20 miles, this is a hefty goal. Walking sometimes gives your body the rejuvenation it needs to keep going, but I would like to see if I could make it the whole way running. It might be a grandma shuffle (a grandma could move faster), but it would not be walking.
D. Run Under, or Match, 4:20:00 – As I’m sure you’ve realized by now, my main goal is to not puke. If that means I have to walk, ok. If I have to crawl, ok. That being said, I think it would be really cool to match or best my best marathon time. If I don’t go for broke in the first 16 miles (lesson learned from the last two races), then I think I can hold a steady enough pace to make this time goal.
E. Don’t Cry – Marathons bring out a lot of emotions in people, whether happy or sad. In my last two, I cried for sadness, frustration, anger, embarrassment, all those negative emotions. If I’m having fun on the course (goal B), then I shouldn’t need tears for these things. However, tears of joy are allowed, but I would rather not cry at all.
There you have it. My 5 goals for Sunday. All that’s left to do now is carb load, and let’s be honest. Isn’t that the best part of marathon running?
RQ: What is your typical A goal for races? If you’re not a racer, would you ever consider attempting 26.2?
I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.
GOOD LUCK! You are going to ROCK it! David and his friend are going to be on their bikes as well following some friends running their first marathons so I will tell him to look out for you! I have been sick all week so I hope to get through 13 miles without puking, too! I really love that goal. Seriously. More people need to focus on how they feel less than time goals.
But with time goals, I can just imagine the irony of running a 4:20 marathon in Colorado. (I personally hate all 420 jokes about CO, but the pilot of my flight back from Newark last week made that joke because our flight was 4:20 and it was a little funny).
Ugh, being sick before a long race is definitely nerve-racking. You’re going to do great though, just because your’e a natural runner. Some 420 jokes are funny, but mostly just obnoxious.
Good luck!!! I can not wait to hear all about your marathon!!!!! ROCK IT! 🙂
Thanks, Heather!
YOU GOT THIS!!!!!
Thanks, Margot!
You KNOW we will be tracking your progress…..the times will mean nothing to us other than knowing you are still doing it!
We also know that your hubby, Rob, will be on board to offer support and gatorade…..
Have fun…..Hope the weather is nice….YOU are AMAZING!!!!!!!! xxM
&D
Thanks, Mom!
Ugh, puking is the worst!! Make sure you’re hydrated and electrolyted (what? it’s a word…) and you should be okay. Looks like you’ll have gorgeous weather, too. Good luck! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Good luck!!
Love your #1 goal – that is my goal in all of life- Don’t Puke!!!
I can’t wait to hear all about your race.
And, I signed up for your newsletter – looking forward to it.
I hope you had a great race today!! It sounds like you faced some difficult challenges in your first two marathons, so I can imagine your feelings going into it. Can’t wait for the recap and crossing my fingers that it was a better experience all around!
I’m just now reading this, so I hope it went well. Cna’t wait for the recap!!
I thought about you yesterday! Hope it went well!