Strategy, Goals, Prediction

I just realized I didn't post anything about tomorrow's race. It's really an entirely separate issue in itself. I have been training consistently exactly one month before the 17th, tomorrow. So after a month it will be interesting to see what happens. I'm worried about pacing, clothing, whether I will try hard or not, if my ankle will hurt, if I'll even finish? Frankly I have no idea what I should do. It is really too early in training to be worried about a race I guess. Still, my competitive side takes no breaks. I want to go as good as I can, but in order to do that I have to be smart.

My real goal is the Marathon. The Turkey Trot is just a step on the way to the peak. Just one step. Right now I'm thinking of going out conservatively and trying to stick with a few of the guys in the front. If I can hang on until 2 miles I will be fine. I have always had a "kick". Really to me that is just an ability to ignore the excruciating pain that comes from burning muscles, lack of breath, and your own brain telling you "did you seriously think I'd let you get away with this?". Yes I have that ability. But I haven't been able to utilize it for a while.

Time prediction. Well I want a 6:25 first mile. Easy enough - It's roughly what my first mile of the 10k the past summer was. Second mile I want to hang on to that and lower it slightly 6:20-6:15. Last mile should be at or around 6. That would put me well under 20 minutes. Who knows what I'll be thinking though. I'll just be searching for air and try to keep my legs moving most likely. It's kind of a kick not to know. If my ankles does act up, I'm taking it easy. I won't be "racing" anyone if it does and that probably means a crappy time. I think I'm prepared to do that now. I really want to keep running and an injury now would be about the worst thing for my motivation.

well I think that is a pretty good rundown. Oh I almost forgot the really important stuff. Running clothes, bib, sleep, light breakfast, and Getting There On Time!

...and hydrating!