Part II

Sunday's run: 2.89 miles. 22:41, 7'50/m 
Tuesday's run: 2.94 miles: 22:24, 7'37/m

OK - now we enter the second phase of my running season - where accomplishing my original - reasonable, healthy goal is not enough.  Now it's time to make destructive, insane goals.   Let's get started!

Goal 1: Make a top 5 overall finish in a race.  Granted, this is only feasible in a small/local event - unless I quite my job and get a knee replacement, I'll never place top 10 in a Martian Mile type event.  But a local one....  very doable - and no shame - in accomplishing this feat at the Madison Heights run coming up in a few weeks.

Goal 2: Finish a run in with a sub-7 minute pace.  I've done it once - back in 2008.   That was actually my goal each season - before I got medal-envy, so let's focus now on a 6'59 pace!

Goal 3: Hang with Captain America.  This is an arbitrary goal that actually requires actually entering a race with Captain America (a.k.a Kevin) - let alone destroying my previous best time, as on a good day - he'll probably approach a 20 minute finish.  Though I'm not saying I need to beet him.  I just want to hang - keep up with him for 2 miles... even seeing him cross the finish from the distance will qualify ;)

Goal 4: And then - just to reach insanity, and totally demolish any remaining cartilage in my knee - let's shoot for a 20-minute 5K. Just imagine me coming in at 19:XX.   It would be absolutely amazing: something I could share with Madilyn and grand kids for life.  

Goal 5: 165 pounds...  Ya - why not throw in a weight goal.  This would place me safely in my BMI.  Despite any weight I've lost in the past two months - i'm still - by BMI standards - overweight.  I need to get under 170, and am probably closer to 175.   Now - this goal requires weighing myself, which my wife doesn't allow - so I'll just feel it out.  I feel like 173 or 174 right now.  I'll let you know when I feel 165 ;)

And there you have it. Part II:  my ridiculous, insane, knee-straining goals.  I wouldn't mind collecting a few more medals in the process ;)  Actually, I really wouldn't mind not destroying my knee.  That will be the major factor over the next few months.   How much will my knee tolerate...  At what point will I only be able to handle 3 runs a week or less....    

There's no time limit on this goal.   If it takes me 3 years, that means I kept running for three years, and that would be great (though I'm not sure I can keep a blog up for 3 years).   For now - I'm going to just focus on this summer.   Let's see how many, if any, goals are knocked off by July 1.