List Day

It appears this will be a post comprised almost entirely of lists. So, without further ado:

Well, only four more days until B-Day. Flying out nice and early tomorrow, with what seems like a million things to do (dog depositing, one last run, packing, etc.) in between now and then. But they’ll get done, likely due to the extra bit of pep in my step.

And speaking of my additional vim and vigor, I feel it’s important (in any race) to stay positive before, during, AND after said race. And the best way I’ve found to do so, being the spirited sort I am, is to set various goals for a race, so that I have both something to shoot for (appeasing my competitive side), while at the same time insuring that I can be happy/proud of my result. My goals for the Boston Marathon (in order of increasing difficulty):

1.) HAVE FUN. It took a lot of guts—miles, time, energy, money, etc.—to get here, so just toeing the line should be smile-inducing in itself
2.) Finish strong—the wall’s going to be there eventually, so find a way to get over, around or through it as quickly as possible
3.) I’m seeded #1890, which means I’m supposedly slower than 1,889 people. Try and finish in the top 1,500
4.) Keep your sub-3:00:00 streak intact—a tall, hilly order, but your legs haven’t endured all of those hump-bridge sprints for nothing
5.) Set a new marathon PR (Personal Record)—that means under 2:53:40. Not realistic, but neither was my running marathons a little over a year ago

Despite the weather (supposedly rainy every day, with race day temps of 55/40), I plan to make the most of my trip to Boston and do the following whilst there (you didn’t think I was only going up to Mass. To run, did you?!):

1.) Tour of the Sam Adams Brewery (4/17)
2.) 7:10 PM EST Red Sox vs. Rays game (4/17)
3.) Visitation of Mike’s Bakery
4.) General strolling about the city (Boston Common, etc.), with a likely focus on eateries

Today’s my last day of running (having only put in 11.84 miles since Monday), prior to Monday’s 26.2—just a few easy miles, to limber up the legs (and mind). Then it’s rest, rest, rest (of the legs, not the mind).

And to finish up this list-related email, here’s a schedule of the miles I’ll be putting in leading up to my next race (and first 50-miler), The Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie (click to enlarge):



On that note, I'll leave you with an ever-so-appropriate song, which just so happens to be a new addition to my training soundtrack: