GOALS
Now that race day is just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about my goals for the Long Beach Marathon. Runner’s World had a great article this month about setting race goals and I really like the idea of setting a “non-time” goal. So, here’s mine: I want to will give it everything I’ve got. I plan on crossing the finish line feeling like I couldn’t possibly have run faster or more. No, this doesn’t mean I’m going to push past dangerous pain warnings, nor does it necessarily mean I’ll finish fast. But I’m going to do my best.
Of course I have time goals, too, but I know as well as anybody that sometimes a time goal is at the mercy of factors that aren’t strictly within my control: the weather, race nerves, stomach issues, wardrobe malfunctions, etc. My biggest time goal is that I’m aiming for a PR. This isn’t news, I aim for a PR at pretty much every race I enter. If I’m having an excellent day, I’d like to chop a big chunk of time off my current PR, but I’ll just have to see how that plays out.
ROUTINES
I have a few race routines that I follow, but nothing that’s always set in stone. Well, except my coffee – gotta have my cup of coffee!! I usually lay out my clothes the night before, but I don’t pin my bib on until the morning of the race. On chilly race mornings, I wear The Hubs’ old ARMY sweatshirt, even though it’s not very warm anymore. I almost always wear my hair in pigtails, even though I never wear it that way on regular runs. I usually take a picture in the house before leaving, at the Starting line (one with kids, one without), as many as possible at the Finish, and the “Pic of Glory” afterward. I like to program my iPod for the exact amount of time I think I’ll be running. In fact, I tend to overthink this routine a little. Okay, a LOT. In fact, this routine is much more like a…
SUPERSTITIONS
(Nice segue way, huh?) Okay, I admit it, I’m superstitious about the amount of music I put on my iPod. And, honestly, I can’t decide how much music to put on Sunday’s marathon mix because of this crazy superstition. I’m pretty sure I will err on the side of “I’m having the race of my life.”
I swear, I’m not superstitious in real life about, well, anything. But there’s something about racing that brings out the crazy in me. Case in point, I’m nutty about bib numbers. Again, in real life, I don’t think of myself as having a lucky number, but I’m always happier if my bib has threes or sevens, preferably both. So imagine how happy I am that my LBM bib number is 378. Seriously, I did a little happy dance today when I got the email, as though that bib number was the last little reassurance I needed.
What race day routines or superstitions do you have??
I didn’t know you where doing Long Beach, that’s right down the street from me. Awesome. Superstitions – I always change my tubes on my bike before a race. That may be better filed under “paranoia” though.
Aw, good luck, girl! Look out for me cheering on the side at Mile 13 in my Sole Runners shirt!
I don’t think I really have routines or superstitions, but I did time out my IPOD playlist for the last 5K I ran!
When you get your playlist finalized, will you publish your list or at least the highlights?
I”m so excited & nervous for you but mostly excited. Can’t wait for the recap!
I have to have my coffee- agree with you on that one. I err on the opposite side for music – I try to put too much!
My race superstitions is that I have to get a haircut 2 days before a race, even if I race back to back weekends, I still get another haircut.
Best of luck! I’ll be thinking of you!
I always must wear something orange…even a ponytail holder counts.
I take the first song that comes on (shuffle) to be an omen for the tone of the race.
No music in Chicago…maybe that was the problem??
Good luck to you! I hope it goes wonderfully.
I am superstitious too and trying not to be. I’m doing the same marathon this year as last, and last year it went perfectly. So of course I am finding myself wanting to recreate the same atmosphere!
Good luck!
My race day thing is to show up early. No idea, but if I show within an hour of the start, I stress myself out. Strange, yes.
Have Fun and Good Luck!!
and i soo need my race morning coffee too.
Looking forward to hearing about it;-)
Ever since my friend told me I needed to put on my right snowboard boot first or else I’d have a bad day, I’ve been putting on my right shoe, bike shoe, sandle, sock, etc. first.
Nice call on a “give it all you got” goal. Leave it all out there on the course and you’ll totally get your PR!
Good luck. Hope you have a reat race.
I’m serious when it comes to race routine. Everything is ready the night before and I’m always 200% sure all logistics are fine. Good luck!
I don’t know if I’ve done enough races to have a routine, but I am getting to the point where I have to have two pieces of whole wheat toast with pb and honey a couple hours before the race! You just might be crazy, but congrats on the bib. I might feel the same way about 11! Good luck!
Welcome to the madness – enjoy the race weekend!
I loved that article too.
Rock the race!!
Other than coffee and a pb&j I don’t really have any routines and I don’t have any superstitions.
Good luck on your race!