My training for the Calgary Marathon officially gets underway in January. I wanted to take the rest of December to chill (literally because of the frigid temperatures) and regroup. I’ll be seriously chasing a BIG goal in 2014. (Actually I have two big goals in 2014 but I am going to share this one first)
I am not one to normally post my PRs because I believe running is not all about being the fastest one out there. I would hate to discourage someone from running because they feel they would be “too slow” or would “hold others back.” Besides I am not a “fast” runner and sometimes people can make me feel horrible about my times.
So dare I say it out loud? I am aiming for a 3:45 marathon, a BQ time for my age group. My current PR is 4 hours and 2 minutes. That means I have to magically knock 17 minutes off my time.
Here’s a little recap of my marathon history:
Marathon #1 (New York 2011): My goal here was to finish up right as any first marathoner should. I LOVED this experience. My only regret is that I didn’t run with a camera. Amazing time!
Marathon #2 (Calgary 2012): This was my first marathon on Canadian soil. I aimed to finish stronger and faster than New York. I was injured and I did shave a few minutes off but I wasn’t entirely happy.
Marathon #3 (Okanagan 2012): Once again I was a few minutes faster but I don’t think my head was in the game. I was still slightly injured and I could barely walk the next day.
Marathon #4 (Tucson 2013): When I signed up for Tucson I had lofty goals to maybe break 4 hours and to maybe run 3:45. Life happened and snow happened. I was very close to breaking 4 hours but I didn’t really mind not meeting this goal. I know now I can do it. I had energy and the will of my legs at the end of the marathon. Looking back I realized I “hit the wall” and my mental strength had run out.
This will be my first time in my recreational marathon career that I will SERIOUSLY shoot for a goal time. I’m petrified! Deep down I know I can do this. I always feel there’s always something left in the tank after I cross the finish line. That’s a good sign, right?
Right now I’m considering a training plan. The most challenging part will be FOLLOWING the plan. I have loosely used other plans in the past. I am a firm believer of LESS is MORE. (This comes from my year in crossfit.) I also believe that every run should have PURPOSE.
Have you made the transition from “just finishing” to a “time goal”? What’s your secret? I would love to hear your suggestions, advice and tips on training (especially mental training!).
Merci!
I'm still fairly new to this whole running thing and I am definitely not fast … just persistent. I usually have an A goal, B goal and C goal but most of the time my goal is to finish and feel good about it. Boston is so far from my goals at this time but my husband is hoping to qualify in May during his marathon for Ottawa Race Weekend.
I have been using John Stanton's Running Room's Book on Running for my training for ATB and my first half in May. I like it because he breaks down the mileage in miles and kilometers (easier for this Canuck to understand), you are not running 6 days a week and if you have a goal time in mind there are training plans based on your goal finish time.
Thanks Anita! I know lots of people who use John's plan. Yes I hear ya with the miles vs. kilometres. I kinda tune out when people start talking in miles.
I say, go for it. Train hard, set your sights on your goal and attack it! Can't wait to follow your progress 🙂
Thanks much 🙂
It is going to be hard to bring your time down by that much but is completely possible with proper training. I wish you lots of luck and look forward to following your progress.
Thanks David!
Ooh, how exciting! I've only run one full, but definitely plan to run (at least) another to go from finishing to hitting a time goal. Right now I'd like to get under a sub2 half, and shaving off 14 minutes is gonna be tough.
No sweat! You can do it. I met a guy in Tucson who shaved 45 minutes off his marathon time and he told me he did not do "anything special." I think a lot of it is mind over matter 🙂
I knew it!! Haha, I say go for it! If you put your mind to it and put the training in, I have no doubt that you will get your BQ. I'll be in your dust cheering for you 🙂
Ha ha the secret is out! Thanks! I hope I can get to Calgary for some runs this year. I love running in the city!
Big Hairy Audacious Goals are the only way to go! I read a great post from Harold Shaw (http://runnah.com/) about how sometimes you have to stop saying "I'm going to try" and just say "I'm going to do!". As an adult-onset runner I have long hated having specific time goals because that means the pressure is on and I don't fully know how to operate in that "I WILL" mode. It seems like it is just an uncomfortable mindset change but one that is totally worth figuring out how to make.
Anyway, I'm familiar with CrossFit endurance and less is more attitude (been coaching for about a year) and if you ever need another pair of eyes to look over your training plan to brainstorm or troubleshoot, I'd be happy to help. You're a much faster runner than I, but sometimes it takes an outsider's view to spot holes in the paths to our goals.
I shall take you up on the offer! (Love your blog btw). I am going to check that post from Harold Shaw. Thanks for stopping by & sharing your wisdom 🙂
I love your marathon goals. I just ran my first in October and the goal was just to finish. I'm contemplating do another in May and hoping for a faster time, although I agree with your attitude. Running isn't necessarily about speed.
Great post!
Sami
Do it! I think you already made your mind up! Thanks for stoppng by Sami!
Hi Crystal,
I've done 3 and have cramped up in all of them. Too much mileage in training has brought on injury so I'm going to try the Hanson Method.
Peter
Hi Peter. I think my problem is I don't do tons of mileage 🙂 I've been injured for two as well. Sucks big time. I will check out the Hanson Method (never heard of it).
You have the same 2014 goal as me: 3:45!! (my current PR is 4:00.12). I'm going to generally stick to the plan I used last time, but up my mid-week mileage, pay more attention to me heart rate zones, and concentrate more on my speed and strength workouts
Let's do it together!!! I have never used my heart rate monitor. I just add that to my to do in 2014 list. What plan are you using? What race are you training for? lol I'll just hop over to your blog!
First up is the BMO Vancouver Marathon in May. I'll be training with the Running Room clinic group, so I'll be following their schedule.
Wow that's a lofty goal…that you're going to crush! I go back and forth between finish and PR with a few other race goals thrown in for fun. I'm looking forward to following your training!
You can definitely get that 3:45, as long as you take the time and do the training. You've got plenty of people who can keep you accountable! 🙂
I've never run a marathon, but I totally relate to the "being slow". I run with males 99% of the time, and they're all faster than me so I always feel bad for holding them back when we run together. I do like hearing about other people's goals and PR's though!