Goals

I had a talk with a runner friend over the weekend and basically realized I was setting myself up to fail!  I knew my goals for the half marahon were fairly lofty, but hadn't stopped to reexamine them.  I basically had picked an arbitrary number and decided I wanted that to be my goal time.  2:15:00.  What?  I've been pushing and pushing myself and feeling worse about my training, and for what?  To reach a stupid time I randomly decided I could meet? 

Not anymore.  I re-did my training plan, and re-thought my goals.  My new goal time is 2:35:00.  I was reminded that most people run their first half-marathon with the goal of finishing, not breaking records.  That's what the second race is for! 

I'm glad I realized this before I ended up at the finish line in 3 hours.  My long runs have been at a pace that I have a hard time keeping and then I feel bad about the run.  My first long run at the revised long run pace is this weekend, at the race site.  Hopefully seeing what the terrain is like (hilly, gravel, no pavement!) along with a more suitable pace will make me feel confident in my training and in myself.

I've also decided not to run the Rock 'n' Roll Half in Denver in Sept.  I thought it would be a lot of fun, but when I think about it, I get stressed out.  Flights aren't cheap, and neither is the race (compared to the Moose Mountain Half:  $40).  I get worried that I'll finish the first race and not want to do one for six MONTHS, let alone six weeks.  I've been told the altitude makes a huge difference, and I won't have a chance to run there prior to the race. 

I think one race is enough for this year, unless I find one closer to home.  I'm also interested in the Disney Princess Half, either in Cali or Florida, but that will depend on the scheduling of a destination wedding we have in January.

I feel really good about both my decision to re-evaluate my goals and to not run the Rock 'n' Roll half.  I think I can finish my first Half Marathon strong, and then plan accordingly.  Maybe I'll be kicking myself for not booking Denver, but I'd rather wish I was there than be at the starting line wishing I was anywhere else.