Finally some goals: Rocky Mountain Half Marathon

Posted byKerryPosted inA1A Half Marathon, goals, Racing, rocky mountain half

The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon is tomorrow. I still have no idea what my goals are… besides just running a good race. The race is at 7500 feet and works up to 7900. I have no doubts that the altitude and difficulty of the course are going to make a PR out of reach, but is it bad that I hope to wake up Saturday morning with super legs and pull off a miracle? I know it’s unrealistic, but I guess I can still hope.

There's like a bit of a mountain to climb during miles 5-8.
There’s like a bit of a mountain to climb during miles 5-8.

In more realistic terms, I do have another goal. If I climb Hallett Peak (which is 12,713 feet) with my medal and bib, I get into the Continental Divide Club and get 50% on next year’s entry. The crazy thing… is that I am going to have to do this immediately after the race. Frank and I have to get back to Kansas on Sunday, so we gotta get this done right after the race. Luckily, I’m pretty good at hiking long distances after running far.

I have a lot to do on Saturday, between running 13 miles and climbing that mountain.
I have a lot to do on Saturday, between running 13 miles and climbing that mountain.

So…I guess these are my goals:

  1. A miracle happens and I PR despite the elevation profile
  2. I hit marathon pace and sneak under 2 hours
  3. I enjoy the views of those crazy awesome 14,000-foot peaks – I mean how often do I get to run through Estes Park!
At least the weather is supposed to be good. This will feel like the arctic compared to the 116 degree weather I ran in the other day.
At least the weather is supposed to be good. This will feel like the arctic compared to the 116 degree weather I ran in the other day.

I’m trying to have a good perspective. I know that I have a half marathon PR in me… a big one. I just wish that I were signed up for a race where I could prove it. But this isn’t all about the numbers. Racing and running is about having fun. Being in Colorado (my mom calls it “The Promise Land”) is fun enough for me.

10 thoughts on “Finally some goals: Rocky Mountain Half Marathon”

  1. I really wish you luck in tomorrow’s race. It looks very hilly so reserve your energy. I hope you PR, but if you don’t remember it’s an accomplishment to finish! It looks like it will be a really beautiful place to run. Good Luck!

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  3. My friend and neighbor is Bart Yasso and I believe he’s running! I hope you get to meet him! He’s so awesome. That course is BEASTLY but you will crush it! I would go out conservatively and pick it up at the top of that last huge incline, like mile 7ish and let it FLY! Get it, sister!!

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  5. Good luck! Race smart and strong tomorrow! Sometimes it’s good not to hold yourself to goals for a race – when I ran my half PR sub-1:50, I ran the entire race with the mindset of “just do the best you can and see what it gets you.” And I ended up with a pleasant surprise at the end! So never say never! I know exactly how you feel, though – I also know I have it in me to beat my own half PR but I just feel like, with weather and weird races, I’m never gonna get the chance to prove it. You will get your huge half PR soon – you’ve been working way too hard not to! Remember though, it is ALL ABOUT CHICAGO right now. Don’t take your eye off the prize. This is making you so much stronger for October. Run strong out there and let the race unfold in front of you. I really like this quote from Lauren Fleshman: “make the race your playground, not your proving ground.” Have fun, enjoy the scenery, and you may still nab that PR anyway!

    I love that you can climb that peak with your medal and get a discounted entry. What a cool idea – and right up your alley 🙂

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