Friday, September 29, 2006

Portland marathon on Sunday

You could say I signed up for the Portland Marathon on a whim. I thought it would be fun. I'm not specifically trained for a marathon, and a road marathon at that. But I've completed two 50k's in the past two months. So I know I can do it. Really, that's a great feeling knowing that I'm trained to a level where I can decide last minute to do a marathon. I think that will probably be a goal for my future training. To always be at least marathon (or 50k) distance trained.

The real question is whether I'm marathon PR ready. I run hills frequently but I haven't done any dedicated speed work in quite awhile. I'm slow, so my PR is very average. However I'm pretty sure I haven't reached my potential yet. I know there are more marathons in my future. So I don't want to get too wound up about this one. My first marathon I finished in over 5 hours and breaking 5 hours seemed like the holy grail to me at the time. My new goal is sub 4:30 and based on my PR (2:02) for the half marathon, that shouldn't be too difficult for me. However, I do think I have a fear of speed, of pushing myself to the next level. Most of my PR's have meant feeling like I'm going to puke my guts out at the end.

I've toyed with the idea of running without a watch or regard to pace and just running how I feel. But I think I need to be more focused than that. (My one marathon DNF was due to lack of focus.) I've printed out a pace wrist band (which I'll instead pin upside down to my bib.) And I'm going to try to hang with a pace group. I've never done that before.

Here are my goals:

1) Beat my Portland Marathon PR (2003) of 4:45
2) Beat my marathon PR (2005) of 4:37
3) Come in under 4:30

And of course, the bottom line is I want to have fun doing it!

P.S. After re-reading this post, I feel the need to point out that my heart still lies with the trails! I can see running the occasional road marathon, but maybe I'll swear off them if I break 4:30. : )

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Out of my three best marathons was one that I was very well trained for, one that I followed a strict plan and stuck with a pace group and the other one I had no expectations. I am not sure there is one magic formula for running a good race, but your recent 50k's will benefit you greatly.

Above all lets have a good time out there and enjoy the experience and all the people out on the road.

Backofpack said...

Sarah,
I've been dreaming of always being half-marathon ready. I figure it's an easy climb to marathon that way. However...maybe after Portland, I'll try to stay marathon-ready...I'm not making any decisions till it's done!

See you tomorrow!

Ryan said...

Sarah,
I like how you set pre-race goals for every race; you're a wise runner! Is setting a new pr worth puking…maybe for some people, but I think it’s more important to enjoy yourself…and hey if things are going well then push for the pr!! Best of luck, I hope you exceed your goals...Rock Portland!

Anonymous said...

good luck, have fun!

Olga said...

Not to over-excite you, I am pretty sure it's do-able. The last one, I mean. According to your long runs pace amd 50k's. And - you ARE going to have FUN!

Jessica DeLine said...

Hope you are out there right now having fun!! :)

Anonymous said...

Sarah, I was thinking of you today as I was out doing my 10K long run. Hope you had a great day!