Aims for the 2010 Christchurch Marathon
My aim for the year is to break 4 hours at the Taipei Marathon in December. Originally that was going to be my only marathon for the year but about 8 weeks ago I decided that I was going to do the Christchurch Marathon as well.
I’d like to think I could break 4 hours at the Christchurch Marathon but the odds are really against it. My training hasn’t been about improving speed but rather about improving base fitness.
Having said that here are my goals:
- Dream goal: Break 4 hours!
- Optimistic goal: 4:07ish
- Realistic goal: 4:15
I’m pretty confident I can hit my realistic goal and even the optimistic goal should be quite doable IF I pace for that. However, I reckon I’m going to go out and try and hit my dream goal. As you do! This might mean I blow up in the second half and do another 4:50ish or worse! If that is the case well at least I’ll go out knowing I gave it a go. 
Based on your half time you should be very close to breaking that magical 4:00 mark. Just try to run it smart and pace yourself. But you already know that
. Good luck Andrew, I’m sure you’ll get there!
Twitter: gregstransform
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Andrew
reply on June 3rd, 2010 11:39 am:
Thanks Greg!
Twitter: AndrewENZ
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Great goals, you will do great. It will be better than last time…. you forgot that as a goal
Twitter: virtual4now
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Andrew
reply on June 3rd, 2010 11:40 am:
True! Last time was tough and I’m a lot fitter and lighter so here’s hoping!
Twitter: AndrewENZ
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Tim Wilson
reply on June 3rd, 2010 11:42 am:
I am confident! And you should be too, you have put in the time and sweat, time to go enjoy your reward! Looking forward to reading about it.
Twitter: virtual4now
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A braver person than I!!! Sounds like you have a great plan. Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Dude I’ve been following your stuff long enough to know you got that 4 hours. I promise – no problem – crush it!
Twitter: seejoerun
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All that base training will see you through to the 4hrs, just don’t go out at 3:30hr pace
We should be lining up together (along with a few other thousand maybe) … I’m probably going to try and line up with the 2hr half marathon people which = the 4hr marathon people
Good luck!!!
Oh, and the weather is looking like it will be perfect!
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Andrew
reply on June 3rd, 2010 2:17 pm:
Anxiously watching the forecast! I really don’t want to run in negative degrees again!
Twitter: AndrewENZ
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Breaking the world record should always be in the back of your mind, just in case you come out of the gates feeling good.
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Andrew
reply on June 3rd, 2010 2:18 pm:
Oh I’m planning to do that!
Twitter: AndrewENZ
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Scott Keeps Running
reply on June 4th, 2010 6:38 am:
Is there a rule about someone driving behind you with a commercial grade monster fan to give you 26.2 miles of 20mph tailwind?
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Good luck, I am sure you will do great!
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Yay for shooting for the dream goal! 4 hours is totally doable!
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I’ll have to remember that: Three goals: Dream, Optimistic, Realistic. I’ll not be surprised to see you bash through all three.
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I’m fascinated that the difference between the dream and realistic goals after 4 hours is only 15 minutes!
I’ve done a similar thing for the City to Surf and over a 15km course I’ve got a 10min spread.
Good luck.
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Like how you are setting tier’d goals. Keeping it real while looking for more.
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That 4-hours is a worthy goal and I’m sure you have more than a fair chance at it given the training that you’ve put in and the sub 1:55 half you ran. If the weather cooperates I think you will be able to do it. Good luck!
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Hey, I still think that just being able to run and finish a marathon is a pretty impressive feat, no matter how long it takes you. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do great!
Twitter: SoLongFatAss
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I hope you have a great time. Setting different goals like that is a great idea. I have a feeling that you’re going to reach your dream goal in this race.
Twitter: RunningBecause
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Yeah 4 hours is in the bank. It’s a flat course after all!!!
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Good luck Andrew, let us know how it goes!
Twitter: jayloss
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I’m a fan of always good to setting tiered goals. Very cool that you’re going to go for 2 marathons, as well. Best of luck!
Twitter: livefitblog
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Good run Andrew! Just stick with the plan and you’ll succeed at the Taipei.
Twitter: gregstransform
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