What's In A Number

March 31st, 2011 - My Garmin registered mile 300 for March as I rounded the final turn of tonight's track workout in Lexington. Jeff was next to me. Everything was normal as usual. Confetti didn't fall out of the Rat Dome sky.

300 was the most I've ever recorded running in a month since I started seriously running and keeping track of my mileage last year.

Glenn passed us on his cool down. I told him I broke 300.

"300 what?", asked Glenn.

"Miles for March", was my response.

"Big deal, I'm at 310".

ZING!

Glenn's right. It's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I could have hit 400 if I wanted to, but I decided on 300 at the beginning of the month, and that's where I ended up at the end of the month.

300 was a self-fulfilled prophecy, which reminds me of my 5K-a-day journey last year. I was just putting in the minimum of 5K-a-day even when I was getting ready for the JFK 50. I could have done 20K-a-day if that was my goal, but it was 5K-a-day because I had limited myself.

To hell with limits and pre-set goals.

No more VDOTS. No more race pace. No more heart zones.

I have no idea what I'll run at Boston at this point. 2:55? 2:50? 2:45? 2:40? 2:35.

I'm going to do away with pre-set goals and race plans.

I'm going to free myself from preconceived notions.

I'm going to enjoy myself and have fun at Boston.

I'm going out at suicide pace even if it kills me.