Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Wondering about goals

I was looking back over some previous posts and over my running log on coolrunning.com and I came across this quote from April 25th.

If I had to publish any goal, it would be that I hope to be able to run for 30 minutes continuously by 10 weeks.

I have run for 30 minutes this week on both Monday and today, exactly 10 weeks from the original post. I don't want to make a big deal out of this but I just wanted to mark this as a completed short-term goal and thank God for keeping me healthy and showing me patience.

I've stayed pretty low-key about this but I went ahead and joined KatyFit a few weeks ago. I'm very excited that we are starting this Saturday. I believe the first meeting is a 1 mile time trial. I really have no idea how fast I will be able to run this mile in. I'm not planning on wearing my HR monitor. I do kind of remember how to do a mile all out and pace myself so that's what I'm going to do. I predict I can do a mile in 14:15. The point is really moot as I am sure I will be placed in the slowest group. Still, I'm very very very very excited.

The jury's still out as to whether or not I am going to actually run the marathon. I guess at this point, I should call on the acvice of the most respected and respectable coach Steeeve. Steeeeve, if you're out there, go ahead and burst my bubble. Don't worry. I can take it. Let me say a few things first.

I am still at a point where I don't have a clue if I can even train at that level, much less actually complete the marathon. I'm not one to hold myself to some unrealistic goal. My main goal right now is to run for life. I don't want to kill myself just for January and then never run again. I'm totally up for January '08 if that's what my body tells me to do. In my opinion, I am a very conservative runner and I try to use my head at least as much if not more than my heart. What I would like to do is to start marathon training. I will know very soon (like within the first 6-8 weeks) if I even have a chance at all of doing this. I may know the first week. :) At that point, I will have no problem backing off tot the half if I have to or even putting a half marathon off until march or april. I guess what I'm saying is I'm playing it by ear right now. I'm not on some ego trip where I'll be pushing beyond what my body (ankle) can take.

Ok, now, Steeeve. Let me have it. I can take it. Anyone else that wants to chime in, feel free. But I really think I have a shot. :)

9 comments:

SRR said...

Oh but honey, you CAN do anything when you put your mind to it. I swear running a marathon is 90% mental. :-)

Unknown said...

Thanks RR!!!

Anonymous said...

Vic rocks!

Best of luck on your big adventure and congratulations on setting the bar high. Let me note that the 1 miler Saturday isn't really a time trial per se. It's a "pace finder" to put you in the proper group. No problem if you want to do it as a time trial but that's up to you.

I note also that the Houston cut off is 13:45 pace. So, as you go through the fall if you find your endurance is coming along faster than your pace you might choose to reset to another marathon e.g., Austin. Katy Fit will have a large contingent at Austin. Lastly, Katy Fit is fortunate to have the best venues of the Metro Fit organizations. You'll enjoy Cullen Park - asphalt, shady, water and rest rooms, marked in 1/4 miles, but plan on arriving a bit early for parking. Later the program moves to Terry Hershey Park, another excellent venue.

You will, of course, want to integrate the Strider Warmup Series - Bear Creek 10k/20k, Tour de Memorial, Christmast Lights Run, Longest Long Run and Resolution Run - into your training schedule.

Go get 'em, chief!

Steeeve

elf said...

It always feels good to accomplish a goal that you set for yourself--congratulations! Good luck with KatyFit!

Erin

Jill said...

CONGRATS on meeting your goal!!

I have no advice for the marathon except for do what is best for you. You can always train for the full and see how that feels. If not so good go for the half.

TX Runner Mom said...

Way to go on meeting your goal! You've come a long way! I agree with Jill...maybe start with the marathon training and see how you feel. You never know, that ankle might surprise you. But, you definitely don't want to do anything to make it worse, so play it by ear.

Have a great time with Katy Fit!!!

Bon said...

Congrats Vic! You not only met your goal, but didn't I see a few posts ago that you ran for an hour on your 3-miler? That's a huge accomplishment!

As for the marathon...You can do it if you put your mind to it (RR is right, it's 90% mental!), but I'll give you the same advice you gave me. Take it slow and easy, especially since you're coming back from an injury.

Junie B said...

congrats!! and good luck on that 1 mile time trial.

i would think you wouldnt want to bust out a time you cant live with over that 1 mile period right?

I mean I know for a fact that I can at least do a mile in 9:40 but i couldnt do that for 2 miles in a row i dont think!!

good luck no matter what!!!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Vic! That's very cool. Our club has their first meeting this Saturday also, and the 1-miler is just to get an idea of your pace to know which group to go in for those who aren't familiar with their average pace.

I'm no help on the whole marathon discussion; I really run for the health benefits - I'm not very competitive when it comes to running, not even against my own times.

I'm a big believer in running half marathons because the chance of injury is typically less, but I definitely admire you for making that a goal.