• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fitness Fatale

Fitness Fatale

Conquering Fitness Goals One at a Time

  • About
    • Press
  • Blog
    • Archives
    • Workout Program Options
      • 21 Day Fix Resources
      • P90X Resources
    • PRs & Race Reports
    • Pregnancy
      • Twin Pregnancy
    • Recipes
  • Coach Business Mentorship For Runners
  • Beachbody Accountability Groups For Runners
  • Show Search
Hide Search

CIM Marathon Goals and Strategy

The race is on Sunday. It’s so soon. It’s go time. Time to lock it in and focus.

The taper is kind of evil. At the end of my last big training week, I was flying high and thinking I could take over the world. Somewhere in the middle of the taper my confidence was ripped to shreds by heavy legs and paranoia about an oncoming cold that never came (yay!). Now that I’m over the hump, seemingly healthy and with fresh(er) legs, my confidence has come back, although possibly not to the extremes I experienced during some of my most epic training runs where I imagined myself flying through the marathon shooting off 7:50 min/miles and shocking everyone, including myself.

I’ve landed somewhere in the middle of that. I’m feeling confident. I think the taper worked, although it was painful. I know I’m rested. I’ve been eating very healthy and I have noticed a difference in the way that has made me feel compared to the indulging during my 3 Thanksgiving feasts. I feel light and good. I’ve obsessively checked the weather (so far, so good, although not as ideal as I had hoped). I’ve mapped out the race weekend, I’ve read the course map (and detailed course information – no guessing games at CIM!) and I’ve charted out some possible scenarios.

So this is where I land.

My big goals for this race:

1) Qualify for the Boston Marathon (Sub 3:35)

2) Run a race I’m proud of

3) Never give up

I believe I have the BQ time in me. Deep down, I also believe I can run even faster, potentially sub 3:30. I don’t want that secondary goal to take away from the big goal, which is the BQ. I originally thought about running with the 3:30 pace group but now I’ve decided to take a slightly less aggressive approach.

My strategy for achieving these goals is not set in stone but generally involves these principles:

1) Start EASY for the first 5 miles. Running should feel comfortable. I’m not going to dictate an exact pace because the first 5 miles of this race have a nice decline so it’s possible I’ll be running around a 8 min/mile and feel good. Or, I’ll be running 8:15. Either way, I want to keep it easy. This is why I’m not going with the pace group – I don’t want them to force me to run faster for the first 5 miles.

2) Hit the halfway mark under or around 1:46. I know this is a time goal and I said I didn’t want to be dictated by them, but I also know myself in marathons and the half marathon mark is usually the point that I assess whether or not this race is going to go my way. I wish I could NOT have these thoughts, but I know I will. I think given the course profile, I should be able to easily accomplish this goal. The b) goal to this goal is to NOT freak out if I’m not feeling great even at the halfway point. If that’s the case, I’ll need to think back to my last key long run where I averaged 8:20 and finished with a negative split on tired legs.

3) Stay within each mile. I have broken the course down into segments and I want to think of it as a series of small races instead of one big one. One of the mantras I’ll be repeating to myself on Sunday is “Be Here Now.”

4) Embrace the pain in the final miles and remind myself of WHY it’s worth it. I wrote down a list of all the reasons why I want this goal so bad. I plan to remind myself of each of those things throughout the race, but in particular during those final miles.  “Pain is temporary, pride is forever.” Another strategy for the final miles is to find people to pass. I did this at Long Beach and at one of my triathlons this summer and it was very motivating! And from what I’ve heard the final miles at CIM are the most populated by spectators so I hope to use them for a boost as well.

5) Fuel properly. Gel every 35 minutes (Gu), salt pill every hour, and carry my handheld water bottle with several water refills (I’ve gotten really good at stuffing the cap down my bra, running through aid stations and dumping several cups into my bottle). It’s going to be warmer than I originally thought on race day (likely in the mid 50s at the start, low 60s at the finish), so hydration will be more important than originally anticipated. Eating is even more important.  At some point in the marathon, I always don’t want to eat anymore, but I need to keep on my fueling schedule even if my beloved Salted Carmel Gu sounds like puke.

The Pace Group Dilemma

I definitely considered going out with the 3:30 group, but ultimately have decided to run my own race. However, CIM has amazing pace groups and they even have a page on their website dedicated to getting to know the pace leaders, many of whom have run and/or paced CIM several times (some like 25 years!). The contact information of the pace leaders is online and I emailed the 3:30 pacer to get his strategy. He did tell me that the group will be running even splits, not trying to bank time or negative split (like the pacers at Phoenix Marathon) because of the net decline. So, if the wind is particularly daunting, I may change my plan and jump in with the group. As of now, the forecast says light and variable winds with a potential for a 5-10 mph headwind. That’s not that bad, but if it gets rough I may tuck in to either the 3:30 or 3:35 group, depending on how the day goes.

One thing that my Oiselle teammate Robyn wrote in her pre-marathon blog post recently that really stuck with me was her strategy to “be smart in the first half and brave in the second half.” It’s time to be brave, face my fears and achieve my goals.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

December 5, 2014 By fitnessfatale 20 Comments

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather Mora

    December 5, 2014 at 5:15 am

    Awesome! We are ready!! I love the thought you’ve put into all this. I’m over here still not 100% sure what my plan is :/ I’ll get it nailed down on the drive most likely.
    Are you flying or driving to Sacramento? We drive up tomorrow.
    Love the “be smart, be brave.” That’s awesome.

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale

      December 5, 2014 at 5:30 am

      Flying tomorrow after work and back Sunday night. Short trip but worth it!

      Reply
  2. Asia

    December 5, 2014 at 6:54 am

    Great plan, great race! I’m rooting for you! You’re ready!

    Reply
  3. Ina

    December 5, 2014 at 10:56 am

    Be smart and brave! You have worked hard for this, you are ready!

    Reply
  4. Tara

    December 5, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    Good luck!! I loved everything about that race last year! (Well except the weather) But it looks like perfect conditions for u!
    The 1st 2 miles are fast n downhill, ppl will charge it, don’t get caught up in that. Stay at your goal start pace! Then it’s rollers till half way, then a really nice very gradual down- enjoy that!! Run strong, run confident!! U got this girl!!
    Tara

    Reply
  5. Karen

    December 5, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Good luck! Run happy! Boston waits for you!

    Reply
  6. Robyn

    December 5, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    Good luck Nicole!!! I think you’ve got a great strategy and mindset – I have a good feeling this will be YOUR race.

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale

      December 5, 2014 at 5:20 pm

      Thank you! It’s time!

      Reply
  7. Anna

    December 5, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    You are ready and will do awesome! Just running a marathon is huge.

    Reply
  8. Abby

    December 5, 2014 at 11:43 pm

    I have no doubt you’ll achieve all three of your goals and then some. This is your race!!
    Good luck this weekend! Can’t wait to hear about how it goes.

    Reply
  9. Holly

    December 6, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    Best wishes on a fun run! Just keep repeating…Today is my day! I’m totally going to stalk your time. I have a 10 mile race and will dedicate it to you. I want to meet you in Boston as I just qualified after 17 attempts!

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale

      December 7, 2014 at 4:46 am

      Thank you and CONGRATS to you on your BQ and for never giving up!!

      Reply
  10. Kristina

    December 6, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    You’ve had such a strong training cycle – great job on all your hard work. Now, good luck and go chase down your goals! I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow.

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale

      December 7, 2014 at 4:47 am

      Thank you!!!

      Reply
  11. Emily

    December 6, 2014 at 7:37 pm

    Nicole!!!! You’ve FREAKING GOT THIS!!!!! You’ve worked your booty off for this, now trust that even when it hurts, you can push through it. I will be thinking of you!!! Good luck, and spread those wings and fly towards the finish!!!

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale

      December 7, 2014 at 4:47 am

      Thank you! I love your excitement and confidence!

      Reply
  12. Leslie @ Triathlete Treats

    December 7, 2014 at 1:39 am

    Yes!! YES!! Yes!!! Great goals and great strategies!! You have got this!! Dig deep! Positive and smart!! Good luck and have fun!!!

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale

      December 7, 2014 at 4:47 am

      Thanks Leslie!!

      Reply
  13. Kristin @ SweatCourage

    December 7, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    First of all.. Sorry for being so behind on your blog! Finally playing catch up today! Best of luck to you today! You seem like young ow exactly what needs to be done. I have no doubt you will get that BQ. If you do, hopefully I can meet you next year in Boston! I think having specific mantras in our head is so important, especially as times get tough ( mentally and physically). This is what got me through my ironman. I’ll be thinking of your today !! I’ll actually be in your home state all this week 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. CIM Race Recap – My Legs Stopped Before My Heart | Fitness Fatale says:
    December 9, 2014 at 6:15 am

    […] no point. I pushed myself to my limits. I gave my best. What else can I ask for? When I wrote my goal post for this marathon I said other than qualifying, I wanted to run a race of proud of and never give […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Let’s Get Stronger, Healthier & Faster Together!

I am specialize in working with runners to help them incorporate strength training & nutrition into their running routines.

I am passionate about mindset and love to help people find more joy and success in their running by breaking through mental barriers.

While weight loss is a result of our programs, women in my groups often find that they are running faster, are less injury prone, and have more energy and confidence!

I am the founder of Team Run the World, a group of BODi coaches who love running! I provide mentorship, support and training for women who want to start their own coaching business from home and work flexible hours.

I would love to help support you in reaching your goals!

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011

Footer

Copyright © 2023 · Fitness Fatale