SAFD:
I didn't create marathon goals in April, which is a good thing; I was not overly optimistic about many parts of my life about 8 months ago. My job was consuming my life, and even though all my work projects were very successful, I was really burned out -- too many 70 and 80 hour weeks with high pressure. For the first time since I started seriously running in 2008, I was unable to consistently make my 'Tuesday to Sunday' daily run schedule. I never thought work would prevent me from running, but it happened. PLUS, running in the Florida heat had also crushed my spirit. I had basically given up on qualifying for Boston, despite missing it by 2 minutes at the Chicago Marathon in 2017.
So, I hit the reset button in August. I created a training plan for base building, and also a 16 week marathon training plan. I switched positions within my company to simplify my life. And then I registered for the Disney Marathon. I'm glad to say that after just 4.5 months of hard training, and a new attitude, life is good now.
Goals:
I always go into every race with 3 goals (A, B, C). My 'C' goal is usually the same as my pre-race mantra: "Just do your best for today."
A goal: Sub 3:35 finish time. Ideally, I would like a sub 3:30, because 3:35 is my BQ time, and 3:30 would give me a BQ minus 5. But, I'm being realistic based on my training, and I have another BQ race (Tomoka Marathon near Daytona Beach) planned for 3/21. I'll aim for a sub 3:30 at Tomoka if my Disney marathon race goes well.
Side note: My older sister is also running the Disney marathon, and it would be super cool if we both BQ at Disney this year. This would be the A+ goal.
B goal: Sub 3:40. If the weather is warm like last year, I will still start with an 8:10 mile pace, but may have to reduce it later in the race if the heat/humidity is significant. Fortunately, with the earlier start time, I expect the temperature to stay the same for the first 2.5 hours of the race. I'd love low 40's, and I can deal with low 50's -- but 60+ at race start means the BQ goal is most likely deferred.
Good luck to everyone with your goals!