Getting specific
This weekend I’m running in the Percival’s Island 5 Miler in Lynchburg for the fourth time since 2006. This year the weather looks great with the forecast to be in the low 60s the night before with relatively low humidity.
Last year turned into a big humid mess; the weather the first half of this week has been the worst of the year with heat indexes in the low 100s.
Why all this weather talk? Well, like last week’s 5k PR, a change in the weather is all I need to change my mind frame. I’m also realizing that each time I run in the heat that battling the elements is just as much a mental fight as it is physical. I’m ready to move forward with setting a very specific goal for this race.
Based on recent runs on hills, the way I felt on this course last year, and some technological help, I’m setting a goal of 36:54. That’s 5 seconds faster — 1 second per mile — than what I did four years ago. I think it’s a realistic goal to set my mind to so I don’t just go out and “see what happens.” I’ve done that enough over the years, but I think it’s time that I have a very specific goal for a race like this.
Image: Chaiwat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
RSS
Facebook
Twitter | Web site by Matt Busse
Good luck, I'm sure you will hit your goal!
I am usually so good at goal setting but lately I have been in a funk with the mindset of 'just finishing' and justifying it as being 'just' for fun. But i KNOW I really don't operate at my best with these loose, sloppy goals. Your post has inspired me. I have my first night time 1/2 marathon (and really my first 1/2 since I've actually only run a full marathon this past June) THIS Saturday and I have no idea what kind of finish time I should expect. I have noticed that this type of behavior has resulted in slower times and a few lazy, junk mile runs.
Thanks for posting this…it's time I start setting more specific goals again.
GET ER DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean Good luck!
Will be waiting for a kick-ass race report!
@Lynn - I'm glad I could help! This is the first time I've set this specific of a goal, so I'm looking forward to how it translates tomorrow both physically and mentally. Have fun with your race!!
Good luck tomorrow!! I can't wait to hear about it!!