I've been thinking a lot about what's out there in the running world I haven't done yet. I've ran fast times. I've ran multiple half marathons and even a marathon. I've set PRs this years (post high school PRs). I consider high school version 1.0 of my running life. I don't think I'll ever get back to those times. That's ok! I'm running on borrowed time now and want to get as many things checked off my 'running to-do/accomplishment' list as possible.
This August at Crim, I'll be running a 10 mile race, then right after I'll be running the 5k. Why not? The mileage adds up nicely to a half marathon. I've ran 10 mile races before and survived. I've ran half marathon races before and survived. I'm guessing the 5k will be more like a cool-down after the 10 mile...but who knows?
My first marathon was a 'I just want to cross the finish line' race. I wasn't able to properly train for it and did most of the training getting in bike miles. But...I still crossed the finish line! Next year, I'm thinking of running my second marathon. I was looking at shaving off 3 hours from my current PR. That would put me at 3:30. Being able to do that would be AWESOME! It's not often you're able to say 'yeah. I shaved off 3 hours from my marathon PR'. Looking at the 3:30 finish time got me thinking though. I wondered what it would take to qualify for Boston? I've never really thought I'd be remotely close to that time. I know I'm talking about a marathon - 26.2 miles. My comfort zone is with the half marathon. I don't think I'll be running many marathons in the future either. My body has been reacting well to the training I've been running this year. I'm more fit, stronger, and faster than I've been in about 20 years. If all goes well, I'll be running the Grand Rapids Marathon in October 2018. Why not see what my body can do and if I can get a 3 hour PR or even qualify for Boston?
