Let’s cut to the chase. I’m running the ASICS LA Marathon on Sunday and I want sub 3:30. I wanted it a month ago and it just didn’t happen. This is a second chance. This is a second opportunity. This is a shot at redemption.
Compared to the course I raced in Phoenix, this will definitely be more of a challenge. That being said, compared to my upcoming marathon schedule, this may be my best shot. My next two races have an even harder elevation.
Can I do it? Yes.
Am I nervous? Yes.
Am I sacred of not being able to hit my goal for second time? Absolutely.
I’m going to be honest with you. I might feel a little crushed if I miss this. That’s just being real. I know that I throw my goals out there and that when I hit publish on a post or send out a tweet, it’s with full knowledge that if I fall short, it’s public. I’m not going into this weekend with full confidence, but that is not uncommon. I never really have too much “type A” running through my veins before these races. I’m not that kinda runner. I tend to stay within myself, get quiet, and prepare for one hell of a battle. I’ve been that way before most of my PR’s, so it’s not a new feeling and no indicator of failure (or success).
I just set up my playlist with 53 songs that lasts 3 hours and 29 minutes (see what I did there?). Check it out here.
Meet the team
I’ll also be running as part of the ASICS Blogger Challenge team with: @RunningRachel, @TriJayhawkRyan, @jamiewalker19, @ShutUpRun, @marathoner, @RunEatRepeat, @fANNEtasticfood, @RacePaceJess, @stuftmama and @nycrunningmama. How amazing is that list? You can read some of the teams blog posts here.
FYI: keep an eye on our social feeds Friday night (VIP party) and Saturday morning (shake out run w/ team and ASICS elites: cough Ryan Hall, cough Deena Kastor, ahem).
As I said earlier in the week “Running is worth the possibility of never perfecting it.” But I’m always going to put myself in position to be successful.
Training. Check.
Ready to run. Check.
Finish time… I’ll let you know on Sunday.
If I had to guess? 3:27:45
All right, let’s hear it. Motivation, criticism, all of it.
GOOD LUCK!!!! Stay strong and run fast!
Good luck! I will be cheering for you! You’ve got this!!
You got this! Keep your eye on the prize, and you’ll get to the finish line in 3:29!
Good luck this weekend! You can run that sub 3:30 race!
I feel like you can do it. Just believe!
rock and roll, man. no luck needed.
You have this!!! Run your race and we’ll be here to celebrate when you crush it!!!
GO HOMIE GO!
I’m guessing 3:27:44. See you soon.
Great approach and mindset! Above all enjoy the run, the day and all the events you get to be a part of. Have faith in yourself. Love your playlist running time (see what I did right there?!) repeat to yourself often “I’m faster than I think I am…I am not going to hold back.”
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: you are my hero not because of your speed but because of your spirit. You got this, B. Channel your inner CIM PR and run by feel. BELIEVE. Show those lingering doubts the front door. LA is a place where people’s dreams happen…and I know yours can too.
3:27:33
And I’ll be behind you the entire way.(Literally. By a few hours. Ha.)
Best of luck! I’m declaring March the month of PRs so you’ve got this!
Loving the playlist.
I love that your playlist is 3:29! You’ve got this and no matter what, you know that you’ve put your best effort!
I love that you have Hall & Oats in your playlist! Go get it!
You got this!! I am so excited to run another race “with” you! :)
That is a seriously amazing list of runners doing this with you and we’ll all be cheering you on.
Run hella fast and kill it.
You. Are. Awesome. <— ain't no clock that can measure that
I’m jealous of your running team and the elites shakeout group! But I could never run with your crowd (literally, because I’m not that fast.)
But I do feel you on the nervousness about hitting your goal time. Do what you can, trust your training, and don’t bonk ;)
How much do I LOVE the fact you have Foreigner mixed in there. Rock on with yo big bad self my friend…you’ve GOT THIS.
Can’t wait to meet you!! I’ll be bringing up the rear aiming for 3:55 :)
Good luck!!! It’s hard to put yourself and your goals out there but you will do great!!! Have fun and have a great run!!
A playlist with Eminem, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, 2 Chainz, Jay-Z AND Call Me Maybe…you NAILED IT.
You got this one! I know your playlist is done but sometimes I like to do a “kick it into gear song” that plays multiple times throughout the playlist because when I hear it it reminds me to kick it into gear.
I love your honesty and your continued optimism despite it. You’ll do fantastic, no matter what!
Love your playlist — mine is similar (Of course F***in Problems is on mine, too).
Good luck — I’m sure you can go sub 3:30!
You’re going to crush it. I can totally feel it! Good luck!
Foreigner. Sweet.
You are awesome! You got this. I hope to maybe run into you and your running crew at the expo–all my favorite bloggers. :) This will be my first full marathon.
I really admire you for putting your goals out there again and again. It’s easy to NOT be so courageous when you have a public blog.
Last week, I learned a big lesson about the importance of the mind. I was aiming for a half-marathon PR and whilst I was in good shape, I wasn’t at peak condition (for me, obviously) and nearly dropped out. And somehow, I talked myself into PRing and hitting my goal time. It taught me that our minds are stronger than our bodies. We can do amazing things if we get our heads in the right place. So that would be my advice to you – work on your mental toughness.I realised I couldn’t guarantee myself a PR but I wanted to be able to come to my blog on the Monday and say that I ran the best I possibly could, to take pride in a job well done. And it turned out that my best was actually what I needed!!! Good luck – rooting for you!
You got this! Have a great race!
We are all cheering you on.
You can do it!!
Good luck. I want to do NY Marathon in the fall. I’m aiming for a 3:30!