Achieving the next level - goal setting

Today went online and checked out the preferred runners for the Boston Marathon, and then went to the USATF site to get the qualifying times for the Olympic Trials... I thought to myself today, feeling so fit that I need a new challenge. IF I can be that fast.... why not push it... The time for qualification? U.S.women = "A" standard of 2:39:00 or the "B" standard of 2:47:00.



I don't feel I am doing EVERYTHING I can to be where I want to be physically, so there is some room for speed. I think I have it in me, or at least I can try and see how it materializes in Boston. Mentally, I need some help there and I have not had that mindset for a long time. I need a zone, a place to go - - I need to look in my library and re-read Dan Milman. I think I need to pull out those books again.... The Peaceful Warrior, The Warrior Athlete - it is about zen - - zone - - place - mind set. There is so much to that and I haven't been there in this recent state of competition status (which to me is amazing - - considering my age, yet my experience is proving me to be at a new level....)

Every positive change--every jump to a higher level of energy and awareness--involves a rite of passage. Each time to ascend to a higher rung on the ladder of personal evolution, we must go through a period of discomfort, of initiation. I have never found an exception.”

~ Dan Millman
21st century philosopher
Courage Quotes - Growth

Goals for the upcoming Atlanta Half and Boston Marathon to follow suit from last season I have one really aggressive goal, one realistic goal, and one goal that to beat even if I have to do it on one leg. I thought this was really cool to do shared by my friend and Abby's dad David.

Here are my goals:
ATLANTA:
It's my day! My training and speedwork are paying off... who said early season races are difficult? = 1:29 (this would be a PR for me)
It is supposed to be flatter than NH. Squeeze out a PR perhaps? = 1:31:00
OK - maybe Judy kept me out too late and I had too much red wine and italian food for post race fueling. = 1:35


BOSTON:
"The planets are aligned and the gods are smiling" time: 3:05
"Considering averages, moods, tendency to want to slow in the last 5 miles - this would still be a great time: 3:14:19 (and would PR me after my rockin Chicago time)
"It's just not the day to hit my PR .... " Hills, fuels, late start time, and early season training in the snow just may not be enough to reach my epic time : 3:25

I know my goals are high this year especially after the year I had in 2006. Personal Records may be hard to come by, but my efforts and spirit are there. So here's to a great half in Atlanta and marathon in Boston!