Goals for 2009

I ran a smooth 22 miles yesterday; felt stronger than ever during such a long run. The last five miles were at 6 to 6:15 minute miles. This is when I should be setting goals for the year.

There was a time in my 20s when I would say "I want to PR in everything", and some years this came true. Those days are over, but I still think there is a PR or two in me this year.

First off, my half-marathon PR is something I have an eye on. It's 1:13.54 and actually one of my stronger PRs, if not the strongest. On the other hand, it's probably the distance I am most comfortable with right now. And while it was set on a day (almost two years ago) when everything clicked, there was a headwind and it was cold.

I don't really have a marathon PR so if I run one, I guess it's a PR. But that's a little cheap, so I won't make it an official goal. If I end up running an official marathon, my goal will be sub 2:40, though.

My 10k PR, I think, is 33:32. I never felt like that PR was as fast as I could go. There were a few years when I ran tons of 5Ks and 5000s but just a few 10Ks (and never a 10,000, actually). To get that PR, though, I would need to do a little more speedwork. We'll see.

I don't think my 5K of 15:59 or 5000 of 15:57 are in danger. I'm too old; the speed is gone.

To keep myself honest, here are the official 2009 goals:

Half marathon 1:14.30
Marathon 2:40
10K 33:45
5K 16:20

What about ultras? Currently, there are non on the agenda (other than Trans-alpine, where the goal for me is to enjoy my honeymoon). If one pops up, we'll see.