Goals and whatnot

Quick rundown of my race goals: 1) Enjoy the race and finish happy 2) Beat my PR, 4:05:39 3) Sub-4 hour finish 4) 3:50. This is about an 8:45/mile pace, one I know I can hold on a good day – which is what I'm going to have tomorrow.

Weather looks good, partly sunny with a high of 65. Fingers are crossed that the wind will be calm. I'm starting to get some pre-race jitters, but they're mild. There has been so much going on the past few weeks, and I have so much coming up, that this race has sort of become just another item on my to-do list. Which is kind of nice, actually – there's been no time to freak out about it.

Last year I had a list of things that I was going to think about if I found myself struggling in the last few miles. I ended up not needing it, thanks to the giant hill that took up miles 21 and 22. You might think it's cruel to have the only big hill on the course near the very end but it worked out really well for me. I was so focused on getting to the top of the hill that I didn't think about what mile I was on, and then the last three miles were an easy downhill. So even though I was hurting, there was no way I was going to stop – not on a downhill! I hope to have another good finish tomorrow, but it never hurts to be prepared. 1) Head up, shoulders back – run proud 2) Breathe. In-in, out-out. 3) Look around you, enjoy the scenery 4) And for extra motivation if things get really bleak out there: "You're not going to amount to JACK SQUAT! You're gonna end up eating a steady diet of government cheese, and living in a VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!"

Have a great weekend! I know I will.