3M 1/2 Marathon

One of the larger road races in Austin is this weekend...the 3M 1/2 marathon. I think that there is also a relay associated with this one. I've only run the race a couple of times, once back in 1999 or 2000 where I ran somewhere right around 1:18 and last year where I ran 1:13 flat...1:12:59 if you go by the chip time.

So, this year I'm running it again. Overall I would say that my fitness is better than it was last year at this time, particularly the running. By fitness I don't necessarily mean speed. I am certainly a stronger runner at this point, but I don't konw that I'd say faster. If strength = speed, then I am faster. I tend to think that strength translates into speed later on once intervals are added into the program. So, we will see...I'd like to think that I am stronger and faster.

I've got a few goals for this race. The first is to have a smart and well-run race. The second is to beat last years time...how much doesn't really matter. The third is a specific time goal, but since the day can vary, I'll keep that one to myself right now, but it's obviously faster than 1:13.

I've been told by a couple of people now that I'm a target...someone out there is going to kick my @$$ at 3M. Two people have told me that now, and I don't think that it's a coincidence that the same person is going to kick my @$$ at 3M. I don't quite understand the mentality since our season doesn't start until March or April. Regardless, I'll be running my own race and looking to a peak in May rather than late January.

Stay tuned for a report.