Goals

TrainingPeaks has been more than just a training plan.  Every day there is some tip or direction for my training.   It has been money well spent.  Now that I'm heading into the final month of training, the tips are changing.  It's about Marathon Day and beyond.  Here are a couple that I've been thinking about:

As you're heading into the final month of training, it's a good time to review your goals. Set as many goals or as few as you like, but make sure they're yours. Some objectives grow in importance during the course of training; others diminish or disappear altogether. It's important to reconnect with the reasons that are driving you on this final push to the finish line.

My plan is called "Break 4:00 Marathon."  My first half marathon was under 2 hours, so I thought this would be a good plan to work with.  It's been hard.  9:09 pace is a killer sometimes!  But I feel like I've gained so much from this plan.  Will I break 4 hours?  At this point, I really don't know... and I'm not sure I care!  I'll just be happy to cross the finish line!

This is a good time to start making plans for what you'll do after you cross the finish line. Set a goal beyond your big event to keep your fitness on track and stay motivated. Signing up for a race that's longer or shorter than you're used to will force you to face different mental challenges. Pick a distance you've never run and get an automatic PR.

Next up for me?  Reconnect with my mountain bike!  I've been missing it and am looking forward to a summer of riding.  Les and I have tossed around the idea of taking our bikes to Catalina Island for a few days.  That's where I first started riding two years ago and I'd love to give those hills another shot!