Focusing on the Next Milestone

First, thank you to all of you who made the wonderful comments on my Boston report. Not only have I received a outpouring of congrats from my fellow running bloggers, it was an usually high-profile week at work as well.

Several months ago, I posted a Boston countdown on a whiteboard in front of my cube. As a result, basically everyone in my office knew about my entry into Boston. I received a number of congratulations this week from people all throughout my company. I am also learned that I am going to be profiled in two separate company newsletters for my Boston experience. Then, I was surprised with a special celebratory cake on Thursday at our on-site happy hours (yes, we have on-site happy hours, it's the alcoholic bev business!). It had my name and time on the cake. I received a round of applause. Yes..., it was borderline overkill!

It taught me something. People realize that me getting to Boston truly was an accomplishment. The attention was overblown for me. I did it for myself, not for the attention. I hope I've inspired some people to chase a lofty goal.

Now, for the past few days, I'm have already been turning my mind to the summer running season and the next major milestone: the Chicago Marathon. Unbelievably, the marathon has now sold out already. Thankfully, I was proactive. What's also exciting is that I have SEVEN (maybe 8) races scheduled before the next marathon. Check out the list to the right. I hope to smash a few PR's on my way to crushing my PR again in Chicago.

I am thinking about really going all out for the Chicago Marathon in two ways.

First, everyone can see my goal time to the right there for a 3:05. Wow, that's fast... just saying it scares me (7:03 per mile!?). HOWEVER... Part of me feels like I may be even to raise the bar even higher and chase a sub-3. A 2:59:59 would be amazing (6:52?!?). How much mileage do I need to get there? Can I get there on a peak of 60-65 mpw?

Second, I will be running the Chicago Marathon for a charity this year. It's time for me to give back. I don't know which charity as yet, but I am actively reviewing the options. Details forthcoming.

I have not run a step since Boston on Monday. I feel pretty good and have been enjoying my rest period. I had scheduled to rest until Wednesday. I didn't want to start up too since, since I got hurt last November after Chicago. I may go out for an easy 2-miler tomorrow.