Let’s talk about race day goals. The other day I was talking to my coach and he asked me what my goalS are for the race. Ummmm… SUB THREE… I answered. Hello… I have one goal for race day;) He then reminded me that it is always a good idea to have a few goals (while holding onto your biggest goal with everything you have too) with the marathon. A million things can happen race day and having a few goals can help you keep things together if things start going south.
So, my goals for the race in very particular order:
1. Sub-3. Anything starting with a 2. (Around a 6:50 average pace)
2. Under 3:04—> my current PR but that was 5 years ago. (Around a 7:00 average pace)
3. Under 3:12:28—> my PR since having Brooke. (Around a 7:18 average pace)
As you can see… going from a 3:12 to a sub 3 is a big jump but I’ve done the work for it so I’ve got it right;) Just make sure to cross all of your fingers and toes and chant ‘GO GO GO Janae’ a few dozen times on Sunday morning. I’d appreciate it.
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This was a huge deal last night. Brooke is at the PERFECT age for Christmas now. She is so excited for all of the things and she thinks Santa is the bomb.com… all of the previous years she was quite skeptical of him.
Santa made me come sit on his lap too. Any guesses what I asked for?
We had a Wednesday night girls’ night with my girls.
And my last heavenly salad before the race. Carbs and protein will be my staples from here on out (this is just what works for me and my stomach).
We did make a quick pit stop for a few of the chocolate covered Swedish Fish too!
PS have you ever played with this stuff? It is addicting.
Fun fact: Whenever I do my hair, Brooke comes in and joins me with her toy hair straightener. I’ve got a pretty great side-kick.
Rewinding a bit, I put quite the fashionable outfit together…
To go get a massage from Josse. My legs felt really tight, now they aren’t. I’m all set to go now! THANKS JOSSE!
And a super interesting article to check out:
WHAT ARE YOUR RUNNING GOALS RIGHT NOW!?!?!
107 comments
Flower
Right now I’m just practicing running in heat and humidity. Once we get fall or winter here in Florida, I’ll let ya know ;)
Margaret @ youngandrungry
I talked about different levels of goals this morning too! You got this!! Any of your three goals would be absolutely amazing and I will definitely be thinking about you while I run my marathon this weekend too!
I am shooting for 3:09, 3:15, or 3:20, but anything under 3:30 will be a big PR for me! Best of luck, but we got this!
Katie P.
My current running goal is a marathon in February.
I love that article about treating sleep like an important part of your training plan. I feel so much better on nights when I go to sleep early, but it’s so easy to stay up too late just doing nothing instead of making sleep a priority.
Gretchen | Gretchruns
I’ll definitely be chanting GO JANAE GO all morning on Sunday! Sending all my good vibes out west for you. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see what you’re capable of!
I signed up for my third full marathon, and my goal is to actually train for it. My first two were disasters because I did them while I was in college, so I never really ran. My longest runs were 13 miles..bad idea. I’m excited to see what I can do with some actual training!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Brooke is adorable, love a happy Santa picture! Also, kinetic sand kind of kills me a little every day because it doesn’t truly stick together the way it should. Plus my kids added water to it once and that was basically like beach sand all over my house…
My running goals now are to get back to it really slowly after being sick, and then start figuring out a Boston training plan!
And you really have done the work, you’ve got this marathon!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I want a sub 4 hour marathon. My PR is 3:32 but since having hip flexor issues I’ve been struggling to get under 4. I’ll take just a pain free race though! You have great goals for your race and you’ve done the work so I have all the faith that you will get it!! I’ve got the St. Jude marathon on Saturday! Keep your fingers crossed for me too! ;)
Stephanie
Good luck Sarah! :)
Kimberly
Good Luck Saturday!
Kristina Running
GO GO GO Janae!
Brrrr is that snow/ice on the ground in your picture? I just got cold looking at it. I can’t believe you’re in shorts! As soon as it dips below 75 here I’m in pants with a light jacket, haha! I hope you have perfect weather for your race!
Natalie
My running goal is a new PR in the half, and I want to stay healthy getting there!!
Hollie
I think you’ve gone the training for a sub 3 Janae. Your workouts have been strong, your taper good and you’re healthy. I think you’ll be able to crush your A goal.
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
Will definitely be cheering for you Sunday morning!!!! Current goal: continue recovering from my stress fracture and hopefully run by the end of the year.
Heather @Shoes Run 50
I’m in the middle of my off season, so right now my only goal is to run lots of easy miles and try to stick to my cross training program (emphasis on try, because running beats strength training any day of the week).
Wishing you the best of luck on Sunday and keeping my fingers crossed that you get your A goal.
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I’ll been cheering you on on Sunday morning! Your training has gone so well that your top goal is well within your reach. I’m so excited to see how you do!
My running goals right now are a sub-1:40 half, which I start training for in a couple weeks.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
It’s always good to have a few different goals! You have worked so hard and I know you are ready to get that sub-3! My current goal is to back off of running a bit and do some other workouts now that my marathon is over.
Karrie
Keeping all fingers and toes crossed for you and wishing you the best of luck on your marathon!
Right now my current running goals are to keep my average pace around 9:15 minutes per mile. That may seem slow but I was around a 10 minute per mile pace just 3 weeks ago and now I am averaging 9:18 even on longer runs of 4+ miles which is a lot for me right now. I would also like to stay committed to my training so that I am able to run the 10 mile race at the end of January with a sub 10 minute per mile pace. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me on that! After that I will continue training for the half marathon in March!!!!
Kimberly
Keep up the great pace!
Mel
My running goal right now is to stay healthy and be ready to start half-marathon training in January ! Sunday is my son’s birthday so it has to be a really good day ;-) You really deserve your sub-3… that was probably the longest marathon training in the entire world and you fought through it like a champion :-P Whatever happens, you should be really proud of yourself!
meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles
We have that kind of play sand too! Brooke looks so cute with Santa :)
Melissa @girlchasingpavement
I think having multiple goals is smart. Any improvement is a step in the right direction, and you should be proud of that. Also, at the end of the day, it is just running and there is so much for to life. My goal in 2016 is to BQ!!!!
Karien @ Running the Race
Those are all awesome goals – YOU CAN DO IT!! :)
Laura
Multiple race goals are always good, helps you stay motivated throughout even if things are not going to plan A….there is plan B and C. Good Luck this weekend, you’ve done the training and know what you want so go out there and get it.
Current running goals are just basic get back into training mode again. Took a very lax approach to training this fall after my goal marathon, which was a much needed break from strict regimen. Then I took a full week off last week after my goal half and now can start fresh again!
Catherine
My running goal is a half marathon the last weekend of May in Ottawa, Canada:) my goal is around 1:55. I came across you blog a couple weeks ago and come here everyday since then, you’re an inspiration! Go go go ! You’ll do great on Sunday !
Mel
Same city, same half-marathon, same time goal! hehehe I ran 1:57 for the 3rd time last May, I really want this 1:55! I’m always worried it’s going to be super hot by the end of May though… It’s tough to train at -30C and run the race at +30C ;-) We’ll see!
Emily
My running goal is just to be allowed to run again :( I had surgery a month ago (elbow surgery, unrelated to running), but I’m so clumsy and prone to falling on my face that my surgeon and physical therapist don’t want me running in case I fall on my arm. So right now I’m just staring wistfully at my running gear while sitting on a stationary bike.
But after that, and hoping that I get picked in the lottery, I want to run the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler in DC next April. It’s my favorite time of year, and the race goes through my favorite parts of the city. My sister will be visiting from California and hopefully it’ll be our first race together!
Elizabeth
I hope you get picked for the lottery!!! I ran it last year…best race ever!!!! Good Luck!!!!!
Stacey
You’ve worked so hard for your goals — I know you can do it! My running goals for the winter are simply to stay healthy and fit. We’re going through fertility treatments so that’s been my focus… haven’t been putting many races on the calendar. It’s hard to adjust to that, but with winter here, it’s much easier.
I saw that kinetic sand in a toy store the other day — it’s amazing!
Cori @ She's Going the Distance
goals: Sub 1:30 half, BQ, do an obstacle course race! Bring on 2016! and good luck this Sunday Janae! Whatever time you end up with, be proud!!
Catie B
With the holiday season my schedule is jammed packed! My goal for this week and next week is to try and get some sleep! I’m exhausted!!!
Miranda
To get through my first marathon in April :S
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
My running goals are having no goals until the spring. :) just enjoying lots of easy 3 milers and charity/fundraising 5ks. Sometimes it’s nice to put the emphasis on other stuff I truly pray you get that sub 3. You have literally been training all year :)
Brynn
Two miles a day every day until the new year. I’m trying to get back into running.
Jayce
Thank you for sharing this about your goals – perfect timing for me! I have a half on Sunday and was hoping to PR (sub 1:55), but a stomach bug swept our family last week and I missed my last long run as I was puking, plus both my boys have other illnesses this week which majorly limits my workout options (no childcare with our germs!). I’m trying to accept my new reality haha. I had a good run today and think I will just be happy to race at all on Sunday! This is my first big race since my youngest was born one year ago Saturday (also have a three year old). Bottom line goal is to finish! Would be happy with a sub-2 and obviously would love to PR. My racing weather should be Florida perfect for this time of year – 60s and overcast. Learning to listen to my body and to remember in this season that I run for my jog and mental health – the goals are important but are secondary. Will be rooting for you Sunday as well!
Kimberly
Good Luck Sunday!
Angie @ Pace With Grace
I think you’re going to rock your race! Having a few goals is always a great idea too because you never really know how its going to be until you get out there. Have faith and believe in yourself and you will do it :-)
Cynthia
I know you will at least meet one of your goals, if not all of them!! I’m really excited to see how well you run!! We all know you can finish under 3 :)
My current goals are to train properly for and finish my first marathon in April! Then, finish under 1:45 for my next half marathon in January!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I cannot even begin to imagine what a chocolate covered Swedish fish tastes like? By the way, can you contract Josee out via the internet? I think we all could use her services!
Jenny
At this point my goal is to go running. First trimester is hard. My goal was to run at least until I am 6months. But I’m not doing a very good job at it.
Jenny
If you can hang in there, it actually gets easier in the second trimester! Usually.
Jenny
That’s my hope! I’m just getting into the second trimester so I’m hoping for a little more energy to get a run in.
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
I have a 5k this weekend. My goal is to beat my PR @ 22:34, I’m hoping to break into the 21’s. Praying for you this weekend!!
Shalyn
woot woot!
Beth M.
You have totally got this : ) I will send positive vibes on Sunday!
Sam
My running goals are to stay relatively injury free and keep having fun racing no-pressure races. I want to try and get sort of close to an old 10k PR but also don’t want to undo any progress by wrecking my legs going too fast. I’m excited for your marathon and am looking forward to reading your sub 3 hr race recap!
Mary
My current running goal is to get back into shape! I was told by my old doctors to stop running in order to get pregnant so I lost all of my fitness (plot twist: this turns out to have nothing to do with why my husband and I are struggling to get pregnant). I’m treating it like a return from an injury so I’m starting slow and working to get back my speed. It’s disheartening to be 2 minutes/mile slower than I used to be, but I know if I put in the miles I’ll get there.
Cate
I asked Santa for a sub 3 for you! :)
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
You’ve put in the work Janae. It’s all about that mental strength come Sunday now. Good luck!
Jenny
I’ll send lots of marathon mojo on Sunday! You truly rock!!!! :)
Tracy
My first half marathon was supposed to be this Saturday. I did all the training and all the long runs and made so much progress… and now I have tendinitis. Can’t even walk. So no half marathon for me and it’ll be a long time before I can run again. I am beyond disappointed. BUT there are more important things in life! Good luck with your race this weekend!
Shalyn
This is what happened my first 1/2 – I think I overtrained in a short amount of time? Go to physio and get new shoes and you will be back!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
Two goals I’m hoping for next year – to BQ *better* this time so I don’t get cut for Boston 2017, and get another sub 25:00 5K. Marathon training starts again in a few weeks!
Best of luck on your marathon!! You can do it!
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
i will be cheering you on during my much shorter run on sunday :) all your salads look so delicious!!!!! Good luck on your goal times you have been training like a mad woman I know you will reach your goals!
Robyn @ Robyn's Livin' Life
I don’t have any big running goals now- mainly to stay in half marathon shape so I can rock some different races this winter. Maybe PR a 5k for fun? I haven’t run a 5k for years!
Amber Chi
The month of Nov was crazy with races and I got my PR in the half, 10k AND 5k! So, right now I am chillin and enjoying a lil break before I start training for Boston (AAAAH!) My goals for Boston are to ENJOY the race b/c it’s BOSTON! But beyond that.. Goal #1 is a 3:30, Goal #2 is to run a sub 3:35, so I can qualify for NY, and Goal #3 is a PR (3:38 or under).
Have an awesome race in AZ!! I can’t wait to see your post about your sub-3!!
Arthi
My running goal is to start running again!!! I’ve been sidelined for the last 2 weeks with a stupid sprained/jammed toe. I’m going to give myself 2 more days in the pool and try to start running again this weekend!
Almost race day!! Good luck!!
Christine
So excited for your race this weekend!!! I will be cheering for you from Kansas! :)
Jessica
My running goals are to put in some consistent and healthy training blocks for my races in 2016.
Brianna @ I run He tris
My current running goal is to run under a 1:45 half at my race in early March. I have another half one month from today to test where I am and I hope to be around 1:51 which is my current PR. You are going to rock it on Sunday, I believe in you!!
Jane @janerunswild
To BQ at the Phoenix marathon and actually get to register for Boston! I am excited!!
Great post, Brooke is so cute!!
Suzy
I want a sub-3 too!!! I’m not quite there yet though.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me
Sub-3 Sub-3 Sub-3 Sub-3 Sub-3! I believe in you so much!
Right now, my running goal is simply endurance. I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and continue to shoot for further distances! Today was 3.14- the longest I’ve done in 3 years! Hoping to make it to 4 or 5 miles by the end of the year. :)
Kathy
Good luck to you on your A goal! You’ve sure banked the miles for it! My goal for now is keeping the miles steady before I start the spring cycle. Then comes the biggy: NYC time qualifier: 3:13 or 1:32.
nicole @ pink elephant on parade
My goal is to not slip on all the wet leaves on the ground that are basically death traps for running.
Shalyn
Yes!! This does not get said enough – a good friend was out running and slipped on leaves and broker her kneecap in half…6 weeks in hospital. They are deathtraps.
The Hungry Runner Girl
oh my goodness! That sounds awful!!! Thanks for the warning about wet leaves!
Clare Sanders
Hiiiii
I am racing this weekend also to get my first sub2 half marathon!!! I am super excited and can’t wait to hear about you finishing your marathon in under three hours!! I have only been reading your blog since August when my roommate introduced me too it but it has become my favorite tool to distract myself from school ( we are first year medical students).
I wanted to wish you good luck and say I know we can both do it this weekend!!!!
and lucky you – you don’t have a biochemistry test on monday ;)
CLARE
Jessie
Sending you the ultimate speedy mojo for the marathon this weekend!!! Go Janae, go go Janae!
My stomach is with you on cutting back the veggies leading up to a race, but oh buddy does that salad look particularly delicious. I’ve got a tasty salad for lunch today & plan to top it with a TJ’s chili lime burger…maybe it should be lunch time now…
Rebecca
So excited for your marathon this weekend! You’re going to rock it! I’ll be sending you some thoughts/prayers throughout the weekend.
I want to run another marathon in 2016 (I’m eyeing the San Francisco marathon right now) and chase down a sub-2 hour half marathon. The half is my favorite distance, and my current PR is around 2:08. I think with another solid training cycle I might be able to achieve something with a 1 in front of it!
Tedi @ running with infertility
My current running goal is to run more than 14 miles on Saturday. With the snow last week and me not feeling 100% it’s time for me to feel good running again! :) making sure to have a few pit stops if needed along they way!
I will be cheering for you on Sunday morning. :)
Shalyn
I was picked to be a subject for a running study in the new year so it’s pretty exciting! I have to participate in a 16 week clinic with recorded times and HR submissions weekly as well as a 1 mile time review weekly along with having a trainer and physiotherapist at my fingertips SO my goal is to get my best times in 2016. I have a 10K planned in Feb & a 1/2 in May to start with..peppered with 5 k races!
I am an old dog but I think I can learn some new tricks!
Charlene @ The Sum Of Small Steps
Good luck Janae!!! You’re going to have a great race!
My ultimate running goal is to qualify for Boston, but right now I’ll take a sub-4 marathon. : ) I am excited to start training for it soon!
Caroline
I’m gonna start chanting now…and continue right through Sunday…
GO GO GO, JANAE, GO!!!!!
Stephanie
Good luck, Janae! I can’t wait to read your first sub-3 marathon race recap! :) But all three goals are excellent and represent success in a very meaningful way!
My running goals for the coming year are to stay healthy, continue strength training, stay in half-marathon-ready shape (signed up for two in the spring), and maybe dip my toes into the marathon waters in the fall. Big year, and looking forward to it!
Candice
GO GO GO Janae!!
Taylor
I am trying to stay injury-free building up my mileage after my stress fracture! GOOD LUCK in your marathon!!! You have done the work…you are going to rock it! :)
Kimberly
Run Janae Run! All 3 of your goals are so inspiring but I personally believe you are going to go sub-3! It’s in your reach and you have put in your work, now get ready to finish the job on Sunday!!
My running goals are to do a sub-2 half this Saturday in Orlando. I made this my goal 6 months ago and I have been getting teary-eyed whenever I think about it this week. Also, I would love to do my Charleston Marathon in January in anything under 4:30. It will be my second full. Last year I did the Disney Dopey challenge which was 4 races in 4 days and some very tired legs for my first full. It was a wonderful experience. :0
PS…only positive thoughts until Sunday. Shut out the rest!
[email protected]
That is really great advice from your coach. But you my friend are SUB 3! I will be cheering you on all the way. Happy running!
Rebecca@Runningfoodbaby
GOOD LUCK!!! You are going to run amazing! yay!
Alex
Good luck on your run! I ate way too much over Thanksgiving to even contemplate running a marathon right now.
Claire
I can’t wait to see the photo of you with that 2: something in the background–you are going to do great!
My current running goal is a sub 1:40 Half, scheduled for next month. My PR is 1:51 so this is going to be huge, if I can pull it off…
Hannah
EEK! I can’t believe your BIG RACE is here! You certainly have done the work, and I am SO grateful to be on the journey with you! You are such an inspiration. I’ll be thinking about you on Sunday morning as I run my first-ever half marathon (as a training race for a first-ever marathon in Feb.) You’ve got this! Oh. And my run goal is to enjoy my training race this weekend and feel strong as I embark on the second half of my marathon training program.
Rebecca
Can we track you on race day or do you cross your heart that you’ll update us on your time asap when you finish?
Shalyn
This is my question! Janae has a lot of cheerleaders rooting for her..even a quick IG?
The Hungry Runner Girl
YES!! I will put the tracking info up on Sunday morning on my blog before the race starts!! Thanks so much girl and I will definitely be doing IG all weekend!
Kristin
My little man is about 2.5 years old and LOVING santa. So much fun!
Sarah
I need advice! Buying new headphones cause my other ones are out of commission. Do you prefer jaybird or yurbud headphones?
The Hungry Runner Girl
I haven’t been using my Jaybirds for awhile now… I prefer yurbuds these days but if you are wanting to go wireless… Jaybirds are perfect for that!
Katie @ katiesfitscript
SUB THREE SUB THREEEEE YOU GOT THIS!!! I was aiming for below 3:10 at Charleston Marathon in January until I got this silly stress fracture! But it happens so no biggie :) I know you have this sub 3 in the bag! You go girl!
Lee
I’ve been following this blog for a while and I’m finally joining the commenters.
How about this for a carb/ protein? Sweet potato with egg broiled in. Warm and meets the requirements.
My heart goes out the the people in San Bernardino, Redlands and Loma Linda.
Devin @FitMomJeans
Dear Janae, always run with your heart and never your legs. You will have a cheering section from Illinois on Sunday! My family lives in those parts of Arizona too! I could use some of that 60 something weather right about now. You’re kind of hardcore so I wouldn’t sweat the time, just let the run fill your heart with that “weird” runners happiness we all get from it. :)
Marsha
Have always gone with the 3 goals for a big race. Otherwise as soon as A goes out the door for some unfortunate reason or another, it just totally goes downhill mentally and physically. Sounds like you have a great plan! As far as my goals, healing up a hamstring so keeping mileage to be prepared for half marathon on the 13th but have really had to put speed work on back burner, it just aggravates that hamstring and sets me back.
Stephanie
Starting to think about my 2016 goals. I have signed up for a few snowshoe races to get me thru the first few months. Then probably halfs, 25 and 50k’s as we hit the Spring/Summer/Fall months here in New England.
I was checking out the Leadville 100 today and think I might enter the lottery for 2017. The course looks amazing. I was a weekend warrior (backpacker) long before I took up running so this looks right up my alley.
Dawn
I am currently winter base building without a watch which has been really fun. I am just running for a certain time and doing lots of tempo, fartlek, and stride runs. I have 2 weeks left of that and then I’ll jump into Half training for those spring Half Marathons. I’m hoping to PR my 1:44 Half from this past fall.
Can’t wait to be your virtual Cheerleader!
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
My current running goal is to work on my speed and strength this winter so I can annihilate my half PR this spring.
I’ll be sending sub 3 thoughts your way all weekend!
lindsay @ lifting in lilly
i will be thinking of you sunday and know you can beat your #1 goal!!!!!! best of luck!!!! and as for the sleep thing, i definitely do treat sleep as seriously as my nutrition plan and training plan and i could certainly not perform the way i do without it. i go to bed at 8:30 and get up at 4am or 5am depending on the day to feel my absolute best! it is totally worth the weird looks and comments from most other adults who think this is completely impossible/ridiculous!
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles
I cannot to wait to “watch” and hear all about your race! You got this girl! Go out and CRUSH IT!!!
Maury Q.
My “baby” will be four in three weeks. I’m still chasing my pre-baby PR. You WILL do it and I’ll cross everything for you! If I had your number I’d text you a Helium Booth good luck message. That’s my signature.
Erin m
GO GO GO GO JANAE!
Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
P.S. I always wonder… Is there any meat on those salads?
Jill @ RunEatSnap
GO GO GO JANAE! Yay!
My running goal right now is to get healthy so I can run again! Haven’t been able to run much for about 6 weeks now and it’s making me sad.
Kristen
I decided today that I want to train for a 10 k again. It’s been a while… like 6 or 7 years!
Ashley
I just had a baby so I’m hoping to regain my fitness and pick up the pace!! Today was my first run under 9 minute mile average pace. Ten weeks post-partum and making progress!
Debbie Moore Tris
good luck superstar :) my running goal is to get that 36min 10km on the 27th of this month…dependant on how much food I eat on Christmas!
Polly @ mytimerunner
Yes, multiple goals absolutely necessary……. but, I always have one goal that I set as priority and that is to have fun and enjoy the race experience! That is the great thing about running, each run is a different experience…. some good, some bad. My best advice is to take the race mile by mile….. I seriously do this! Otherwise, your mind starts to play mind games and then you think you are tired when your body really isn’t.
Love the pic with Santa…. taking my son to see Santa this weekend. Oh, and put up our tree!!! UGH!! I can’t seem to keep up these days…. where did 2015 go?!?!
Amy
Trust your training! You’ve done the hard work. I, along, with so many others will be cheering you on this weekend. You should be able to hear me from NC!
Thank you for being a huge source of encouragement and a wealth of knowledge on a sport we all hold dear to our hearts. Only a few will understand the love of running. It’s an amazing thing!
Rest up and think about the wonderful feeling of finishing your race.
Jenn@Mark My Miles
You’ve got your sub 3 tomorrow! My goal is to take sleep just as seriously as well (hard to do with two little ones) but I will do my best. Also, to keep trying different nutrition options for recovery. So far, I found one that I love and think it’s going to be IT!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
I have a picture of me doing my hair with little pink toys just like that when I was about 3! My grandmother gave them to me for Christmas!
Kay
Aw the photo of you two doing your hair together is too cute!