Psyching up for Boston - My dream goal will be accomplished

Finally, my two weeks of business traveling is over. I was in our Connecticut office for three days again this week, which includes the proverbial team dinners both nights. These are long days and seriously impacts the running schedule.

Not to mention that I work in the alcoholic beverage industry, so there are always plenty of opportunities to hit the bar. I was able to get in a couple of shorter runs during the week.

All of this is OK, however, since the taper for Boston is in full effect. A few people have asked me if I have a goal time in Boston. All along I have said that I am just happy to be there. But it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have a plan. So here it is…

My recent half was a 1:32, which is a 3:15 on the McMillan predictor chart. Not going for that. Don’t have enough weekly mileage, long runs or any speed work in the bank.

My recent 8k was a 31:53, which is a 3:08 on the predictor chart. Again, NOT going for that for the aforementioned reasons.

I’d be absolutely thrilled with a sub-3:20, which would be my second best marathon time. My PR prior to Chicago '06 was a 3:23:55, which is really what I want to beat. SO, I will run 7:40’s and see how it goes, and see if I can push it 7:30’s for the final 10k to break 3:20.

BUT this is Boston, and I have no idea what to expect. Mark my words, I am thrilled just be to there and that I am injury-free again. That is the real victory for me. I cannot wait to run through Wellesly College with all the local crazies in my face cheering me on!!

Today’s 12-miler went off without a hitch. I ran up at the Prairie Path with CARA group. I’ll do a recovery 4-miler tomorrow to get me to 33 for the week. Worst part of today was that I lost the key to my car on the path and was stranded up in Wheaton. Wife is out of town, so no help there. Thankfully, an overly kind running partner drove me 40 miles roundtrip to get my spare key and bring me back to me car. I definitely need to pay that kindness forward.

Disappointing news: The Soldier Field 10-miler on May 26 is now sold out. I screwed up. I was about to sign up a couple of weeks ago, and hesitated. I went as far as filling out the e-form and not hitting enter. I was like, wait, am I sure I want to do this since I’ll be just getting ready to re-start Chicago training? So after I settled in on doing it, it was too late. Oh well. Guess I’ll be drinking beer all Memorial Day Weekend now.

Last bit of good news...

1. I got a totally unexpected mid-year raise yesterday!! Yippee!!!

2. My Michigan State Spartans are competing for the NCAA Hockey Championship tonight. Go Green - Go White!