29 April 2008
2:42:00
Posted by Nick Katsarelas under: Nick Katsarelas .
There it is. In black and white. Written for all to see. In the blogosphere forever.
Blazing speed, it’s not. But for me, it’s a challenging goal, because it reflects a 15 1/2-minute reduction of my 2007 time of 2:57:26. That’s a minute per mile faster.
2:42:00.
Last year, my first River Bank, I strived only to finish without stopping. Time never mattered. And I did it. It wasn’t pretty (”You looked like you were about to die,” my wife said) I accomplished my goal.
Since then, I’ve been training hard, and running steadily, since early December, when I recovered enough from my broken ankle to once again pound the pavement. Mike and Terry have pushed me. My fellow Road Warriors have encouraged me. The Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday workouts with RunGazelle have made me faster and stronger. And so, 11 days before the race, I have set my goal.
2:42:00.
That’s a pace of 10:30. I think it’s realistic. Last Saturday, during the cold and wind, I ran the 11.5-mile loop in 1:50. That’s a 9:34 mile. But that was a freak accident, and I don’t think I could keep up that pace for 25 kilometers. But I’m hoping the adrenaline rush of race day will provide that extra impetus to push on and cut 15 1/2 minutes off my 2007 time.
Here’s my three-point plan for May 10:
1. Take it slow and steady.
2. Stop and walk through the aid stations.
3. Have fun.
And the 2:42:00 will take care of itself.
7 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
29 April 2008 at 4:23 pm.
Nick–I’ve seen your progress thru the training–I think you will surprise yourself this year!!! I think 2:42:00 is not only a great goal but I think you could surpass even that–your training runs have been much faster!!! You have done an awesome job–it’s been great to be a Road Warrior with you!
Bob Says:
29 April 2008 at 8:08 pm.
I agree! You are so much faster than that. Hydrate, run and have fun!
Deb Pieri Says:
30 April 2008 at 7:56 am.
Nick I’ve run with you and I think you are underestimating by a long shot. You are going to do terrific! I’ll try to keep you in my sight!
Steve Kelly Says:
30 April 2008 at 4:39 pm.
Wow, the called shot! Well done Nick, we have faith in you. I’m having a terrible time committing to a time…uuggghhh. Ok, let me think on this and post. Is an hour in on the 10th too late to make a good guess?!! ROAD WARRIORS!
Nasreen Fynewever Says:
30 April 2008 at 11:06 pm.
Best wishes Nick!
Julie Hurley Says:
2 May 2008 at 12:39 pm.
Go Nick! You’re going to do great!
Shirl Kohl-Martin Says:
4 May 2008 at 8:45 pm.
Nick - You are going to do awesome! I’ve seen you train…and I’ve seen you pass me! I hope to catch up to you!!
See you at the finish line!
Shirl