I've rarely in my short marathon career put such an emphasis on a specific time goal. I'm usually happy w a finish, happier if I break 4 hours. In NY 4 years ago I ran with 3:50 or bust on the back of my shirt. I ran a 3:49:40. 7 marathons later that's still my PR. I've thought I was going to break it a few times. Before the wall hit in Mobile I really thought I had that number beat. And up until mile 23 in Chicago I had it in my sights. Both times I stopped and walked and saw that goal slip away.
I wasn't devastate either time. Tomorrow I will be.
I've followed this FURST program diligently. I've run 4 20 milers when I usually do 2 (and sometimes only finish 1). I didn't cheat during the hot days of August and then play catch up in September (as I did before chicago). I stayed consistent and worked hard even though I never could hit my time goals for speed work. And I've kept my weight at around 185. To steal a line from some political ad I heard once: "If not now, when?".
So I head to Philly in a little bit. Meeting up with Eric and his brother in freehold and driving down together. We'll pick up our race gear and then meet Jay and Tamara for pasta. Amazing how running brings people together. Friends from Chicago. Eric whose become my marathon mentor. The runs Dave and I have done this year. And Marcello and I. And Ron Michaels and I. The labor day race with Derek to honor Bridgette. The list, thankfully, goes on and on. All for good causes: health and cammraderie and usually a charity as well.
And tomorrow I'll wake up early and go through my routine. I'll eat and shit and shower and then drag my 45 year old body to the start line and see if I can't find an 8:40 pace and run it for just under 4 hours. If I can, it'll be a great day and maybe I'll continue to connect hard work with results. If I can't, then maybe it's time to admit that I have to temper my expectations "at this age." Maybe it's time to start marking on a curve. Maybe I cant beat a 41 year old Me anymore.
Either way, and I swear this will be true, it won't be from lack of effort.
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