Rock N Roll DC Marathon Goals

I used to describe myself as the "go with the flow" slow(er) half of @TwinsRun. My easy-going attitude changed when I decided that I wanted to catch-up to the faster half so that we could run the Boston Marathon together.

Leah ran her 1st Boston Marathon in 2013 and she will run her 3rd on April 20.

I've tried (and failed) to qualify for the Boston Marathon (BQ) 5 times since 2012. I've learned some important lessons with each attempt so I was very disappointed when I didn't qualify in Philly. Even though I failed multiple times, I won't give up until I age up and get an extra 10 minutes in 2017. ;-)

To qualify for the 2016 Boston Marathon I need to finish in 3:45. For the best chance at being accepted, I need to finish in 3:43:58 or less.

So, my goals for the Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon this Saturday are:

A = 3:42:58 (BQ sub 2:02)
B = 3:45:00 (BQ)
C = 3:47:41 (PR)
D = FINISH*

*I'm determined to finish, if at all possible. The temperature and rain are variables that could definitely affect my ability to meet my A, B or C goals. If necessary, I'll consider the 1st 20 miles a long training run and then walk the final 6.2 miles to save legs for the Charlottesville Marathon on 4/4.

To put my current goals into perspective, I thought I should take a look back at my last 15 marathons:

3:47:42 Philadelphia Marathon (2014)
4:23:56 Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon (2014)
3:56:14 Charlottesville Marathon (2014)
4:04:40 Philadelphia Marathon (2013)
4:04:21 Bank of America Chicago Marathon (2013)
4:34:01 Walt Disney World Marathon (2013)
4:00:57 Philadelphia Marathon (2012)
4:05:58 Chicago Marathon (2012)
4:40:59 Philadelphia Marathon (2011)
5:12:17 Walt Disney World Marathon (2010)
4:39:52 Charlottesville Marathon (2009)
4:21:38 Walt Disney World Marathon (2009)
4:16:37 Philadelphia Marathon (2008)
5:??:?? The SF Marathon (1998)
4:12:58 Marine Corps Marathon  (1995)