Race week is here! The marathon is in 2 days, so I thought I would share what has been going on this week along with some of my race goals.
On Wednesday I went for a 3 mile run, and the intention was to wear the outfit I would wear on race day. I was planning to wear shorts and a tank top since it was supposed to be sunny and in the mid 60s at the start. I was considering adding compression socks and arm sleeves which I could take off.
However, in the past day and half, I have been seeing this:
When I ran the Houston marathon, it was pouring rain, windy, and in the 40s. I know this won’t be as bad as that, and a little rain is fine, but I just don’t want to be soaked for 4 hours. Now I am rethink my race day outfit if it is cooler and rainy.
Tonight I went to the expo. It was a pretty good set up but we went through quickly and didn’t take any pictures. I bought a long sleeve t-shirt for $15 and got a couple free samples.
I have been trying to spend a lot of time foam rolling over the past few days, along with staying hydrated. I still need to add some songs to my race day playlist. Any suggestions? I have also been thinking about my goals for the race…
Baltimore Marathon 2013 Goals
1. My “reach” goal, which I believe is obtainable, but all factors will have to line up perfectly, is to run a 3:4x:xx. My PR is a 4:05 but I think my training has been significantly better this time around. (Also, that was Houston…see above comment about the weather…).
2. Sub 4:00. I know I have this in me, and I think I will try to pace for this time. However, so many things can go wrong over 26.2 miles. I need to remember that.
3. A PR which would be under 4:05:59. I feel like if I am on track to get a PR, I will probably be aiming for the sub 4. But a PR is a PR.
4. Run a strong race and stay positive mentally. I think I have talked more about this race than any other marathon. I have put not only a lot into my training but also my rehab to become a strong runner. I have made sacrifices during this training cycle that I haven’t made for previous marathons. I don’t want to mentally give up on this race, even if it hurts.
5. Have fun. I don’t think I have mentioned this, but I am running the race on my 30th birthday. Its my “hometown” race (even though I am not technically from Baltimore, my running journey began here). I will have my family cheering me on. I remember loving every second of my first marathon, and want to feel that same excitement on Saturday.
Hopefully I will be back in a few days with good things to share!
As someone also living in the MD/DC area, I feel your pain with the rain. Luckily, my race is next week and in PA. I hope the weather improves for you here, especially if you’re on track for a PR!!
Thank you! It wasn’t really raining today but windy at times. Hope you have great weather next week! I really hope that the MD/DC area didn’t decide to skip fall this year.