It's that time again.......

Time to set up my marathon goals for the ING Hartford Marathon I'll be running this coming Saturday morning.

My training has gone pretty well, although I felt it got seriously interrupted once the school year began.  It seems like I didn't get enough long runs in, although I ran 2 half-marathons, and had a very successful 20-miler a few weeks ago, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much.  My confidence is pretty strong, and I think going into my 3rd marathon (and 2nd this year) slightly undertrained isn't such a bad thing.  When I factor in how fortunate I feel to have made it through the process healthy and uninjured, I think I've done most of the things I wanted to do to make this marathon a successful one.

So here I sit, with the Texans taking care of business against the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets in the background, realizing that in a little more than 4 days from now, I'll be running another marathon.  Oh yeah, here I go again.....trusting in my training and daring to be great!  I'm taking motivation from as many sources as possible, but especially from my friend Michelle, who just ran her first marathon (Chicago!) yesterday.  The strength and perseverance she displayed yesterday is something I'm going to remember on Saturday! 

So, you ask, dear readers....what are my goals for Saturday?  Ok, I'll tell ya.......in terms of grades.

F:  Either a DNS or a DNF........that's NOT happening!

D: Finish in 5+ hours, hurt and disappointed........that's not happening, either!

C: Finish in 5 hours......considering that my marathon "PR" (in my first marathon back in 2009) is a 4:58, I figure I can "easily" manage a 5-hour marathon.

B: Finish between 4:50 - 4:58.......a PR, but a slim PR.  That would be a good day, but not what I could call a great day.  Still, I'd definitely be happy with it.

A:  Finish between 4:30 - 4:50......a BIG PR.   That would be a great day, and I think I have that kind of day in me.

The beauty of the marathon.....just like any race.....is that you can only plan so much, and then you just have to take what the day gives you.  My two previous marathons featured VERY difficult weather, but we all know that's just a circumstance.  The weather looks very favorable for Hartford (temps in the low-mid 50's....PERFECT!!), so I'm trying to not get my hopes up. 

Now, I've just got to make it though the week.  Might get a short run in tomorrow and another one on Wednesday, and then that's it.......just going to rest up, head down to Hartford on Friday morning, hit the expo, have an early dinner, and then back to the hotel......

I thank all of you for your supportive comments throughout the training process, but above all I have to thank my beautiful wife, Barbara.  Without her love, support, and encouragement, I'm not sure I'd have been able to do any of this, so I'm dedicating my marathon to her!

Guess I'd better do well, then!   LOL