Alright, let’s talk about goals. These days they are supposed to be S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based) but also high and ambitious enough to evolve. Fortunately, the sport of running makes this very easy. Due to its simplicity the metrics are quite obvious: distance, time and altitude gain & loss. In most cases distance and altitude gain & loss are set values by the event we are contesting. This leaves most of us with a bare time goal for our running challenges.
I am not trying to understate the case here, but I really and truly have only one goal. I call it the "ABC-goal" because it includes everything I wish for, regarding this race. I want to be an official Western States 100 finisher. Therefore I need to reach the track at Placer High School within a 30 hour cut off. That’s all I want. Nothing more, but also nothing less.
I am very aware that looking at my previous running achievements and my training log of the last 7 month suggests that my goals for Western States could also be a bit more ambitious. But I simply don’t feel it. This does not mean that I am not going to run these 100 miles as fast as I can. I will for sure. However I am neither triggered nor motivated by any time or placing goal. It’s just not there. On the other hand I also do not detect any nonchalant attitude like "I’m all in for the experience. If I drop out after 30 miles, I still will be happy and thankful" inside of me. Absolutely not. I do want to finish Western States. And I want to do this in under 30 hours. Lo and behold, my ABC-goal.
Let me throw in a little side story here. Ever since I ran my first fast’ish road marathon in 2018, basically everyone around me was assuming I could easily run a Sub3 marathon as well. Not only assuming, but almost EXPECTING me to do it. In their mind it was a total no-brainer. Well, it’s 2022 and I still got that 3:03 PB standing solid like a rock. What I am trying to say is that extrapolating previous race and training results only goes so far. Especially if you are speculating about a race or racing distance you have never done before. That’s why I refrained from projections like these a long time ago and I’m doing quite well with it.
So if you are going to share the thrills with me on June 25th, keep an eye on those 30 hours. Me and my crew will do the same.
