Monday, February 29, 2016

Running Goals for 2016

My running goals for this year are to run a marathon time that qualifies for entry into the Boston Marathon and to run 100 miles in one event.  With a year off from races longer than half marathons, I have re-acquired an interest in training for and running longer races.

My marathon BQ effort is scheduled for March 20th at the B&A Trail Marathon.  This race is held on the paved rail trail created from the Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad route south of Baltimore.  My BQ requirement is 3 hours and 55 minutes.  According to my training I think a 3:45 is reasonable so that will be my goal time.
http://annapolisstriders.org/2016/BATrailMarathon.html

My next scheduled race is intended to prepare me for running a 100 miler.  I am registered for the 24 hour race at 3 Days at the Fair in New Jersey on May 14&15.  (There are other options up to 72 hours.)  I want to learn how to keep moving all night long.  I have a probably unrealistic thought lurking in my mind that there is an outside chance of hitting 100 miles in 24 hours on the flat course where support is always available.
https://sites.google.com/site/njtrailseries/fair

My 100 mile race is the Viaduct Trail Ultramarathon in northeastern Pennsylvania.  This small 'do-it-yourself' race is on an unimproved rails to trail course.  It is 12.5 miles long and is done as an out and back 4 times for 100 miles or only twice for the 50 mile option.  There is a 31 hour time limit.
https://sites.google.com/site/viaducttrailultramarathon/home