"Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity." --Michael Johnson
Deciding to do my 7th marathon was almost a no-brainer. It was going to happen. I figured, why not go back to the course that I had previously experienced success. The time of the year seemed to work well for training and generally produced nice, northern Michigan race day weather. Also, after the cross country season ends I really need something to look forward to so I can get through all the non- cross country days. A marathon, yes. I hadn't stretched my goals in the marathon in a while, so I decided it was time to put in on the table. 3:10. It sounded nice. It was a really great round number. Yes, that will be my goal. Yes, you are correct, my previous best time was a 3:18. I thought cutting 8 minutes off was a great goal.
With my team we talk about setting multiple goals. This helps ensure you see some success (build confidence), while working towards some big self-improvements. We call them A, B, and C goals.
Mine looked this this:
C goal (I should obtain fairly 'easily'): This would be matching my previous best time of 3:18. Done before,should be possible again.
B goal (challenging, but doable with the right work): I settled on a 3:15. Challenging, yet realistic.
A goal (big dream goal): 3:10. It would take a lot to get it done in this marathon, but it is definitely possible at some point.
Then I told people about my goal. I posted it above my desk at work. Everyday I saw 3:10. I found a training plan and got to work... or at least tried to. Why? Why put the pressure on myself? I think one, for the words of Michael Johnson, that pressure lies in the shadow of great opportunity. Here was an opportunity to do something really great for myself, and the pressure should not diminish my ability to capitalize on these opportunities. I'm sure Pulitzer Prize winners felt pressure on the way to their greatness. Just saying.
But it was also important for me to share my goal to: help keep me accountable for the work, hopefully set a good example and also receive support. It helps me stay honest with myself. It also feels great to have people in your corner cheering you on.
That being said, training was an absolute bear. I was mentally defeated through most of the workouts, done before they started. I tried, boy did I ever. However, I wouldn't hit times for workouts and be devastated, leaving workouts unfinished. Throughout, I knew I was training hard, but I was not surprised that I didn't meet the 'A' goal. I ran a 3:13:42 that day and I WORKED for that time.
This post was waiting to be put up.... probably thought I needed to add more to it... but in light of the mood today, I felt it was necessary to just post.
No pressure. I'm going after the new 'A' goal... 63 days until Boston.
This post was waiting to be put up.... probably thought I needed to add more to it... but in light of the mood today, I felt it was necessary to just post.
If you would like to learn more about why I'm blogging, please check out: my info on Girls on the Run Michiana.
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