Goal for 2014
So...2013 wasn't the highlight year of my running career stats wise. Lots of injury, very few races, and the races I did run were not PRs except for my rocking 10K PR in July. But, there is no need to dwell on 2013. It happened for a reason, for many reasons actually. The first, to teach me the value of rest while training. The second, to show me that mental toughness is just as important as physical and speed. And the third, to remind me that motivation and improvement will always be there because it needs to be spread out.
So, my synopsis of 2013 is complete. I won't dwell because 2014 is full of potential. More potential than I have had since Marathon #2. I am training with the Hanson's Marathon Method which is challenging not in the amount of miles, but the sheer fact that it requires EASY, SLOW miles. That is very tough for me to do and I am already noticing I am getting better at pacing, little bits at a time after week 1 of training. Week one mileage will be 34-36 miles, depending on if I do 6 or 8 tomorrow afternoon. That has never been my week one mileage and I feel AWESOME because every run has been done with purpose and intent. WIth the goal of SUB FOUR in mind. My new motto thanks to Hanson's is this: "I know I can run 8 minute and 7 minute range - but I don't HAVE to do it everyday and it will be that much sweeter on race days."
So what are the goals? Let's start with my main races that I am planning this year:
Feb 12(or around there): Y-10 miler if I can get someone to switch with me at work.
Feb 23: Lake Effect Half Marathon - Year #3 and cannot wait!!
April 19: Kentucky Derby Full Marathon
First Weekend of May: Grand Island Half Marathon
Memorial Day Weekend: Buffalo Full Marathon
July: Fourth of July 10K AND BoilerMaker
September: Erie half (need to check dates)
First weekend October: Wineglass Marathon
Thanksgiving: Turkey Trot
And some 5Ks mixed in there :-)
So what are my ultimate time goals?
Sub 4 marathon - even if it is 3:59:59 I will have a 3 in the front of my marathon time in 2014
Sub 1:50 half - same idea as the marathon
Sub 50 minute 10K, Sub 37 minute 8K, Sub 23:30 5K, 6:30 minute mile
I am also going to do p90X3! Starting it this week and I will be sharing my progress from that here as well. I am definitely excited for a great strength program that can kick start my body fat back down AND a marathon plan that just may be what I finally need to break my time plateau and bust out the fast races!
What are YOUR Goals for 2014?