Prepping for THE RACE

The Boston Marathon is 4 days away. 4 DAYS.  Here is how I've been preparing:

MARATHON OUTFIT: I've been wanting a vest for awhile now.  I bought one from Gap Body that I wore during the Black Cat 10 Miler but its a little big and doesn't fit quite right.  I borrowed another from a friend and it's a little snug.  When I saw the Boston Convertible Jacket on the Bill Rodgers website, I knew I had to get it. The Bill Rodgers store is conveniently located around the corner from my office and has TONS of Boston Marathon 2011 stuff! It's right in Fanuiel Hall so check it out if you are coming to Boston.

 Yet again, I was in between the S and the M and decided to try out the Medium on my run this morning.  I am not superstitious and because this isn't the "official" marathon jacket, I have no problem wearing it come race day.  Plus it will be perfect for me to hold all my essentials- my cell, chomps, ipod, etc! I wore it today on my run and loved it!

 So... here's my race day outfit!  I'm going to wear my "LIZ" shirt that I wore in NY and the vest over it with my signature race day Nike Capris.  I hope you guys will be able to spot me! If I get too hot, I'll take the vest off in Natick and give it to my mom/husband.
 
 I've run twice this week around my hilly neighborhood.  Both 3 mile runs averaging around 9 minute pace.  I may run again Saturday, I may not.  But come Monday, I'll be ready.  

MARATHON GOALS: I'm not sure what pace I'll be ready for, but I'm going to go out there and attack the race. Other people are talking about goals so I'll join the bandwagon.  Here is my race day strategy: To go out there and race.  In my previous marathons I've started too slow and ended up slowing down even more in my second half. Want to see proof, check this out.

I feel confident I can maintain close to a 9 minute pace for the first half of the race and that's exactly what I plan to do.  I know myself and I know I will slow down in the second half so I MUST start faster if I want to run a successful race. And what is my definition of successful?
A) Finishing with a smile on my face and not feeling defeated or miserable AT all
B) PRing, Anything under 4:24
C) Running 4:15

I think I'm capable of all three but as I said on my faith post, I'm not expecting anything. My only expectation is to run an amazing marathon with fabulous crowd support on my home turf.  

Although my training was severely truncated, I did have successful races (PRing in both the 10Miler and Half Marathon distance) and my fastest 20 Miler Ever.

 

8 of my 20 miles were under 9 minute pace with several others right above it. I was able to do this by not concentrating on the number on my watch, but rather running by feel.  Something I really want to do on Monday.  After all, numbers aren't everything.

So there you have it. And finally I'm able to talk about Boston with excitement.  I'm nervous but ready!

Whats your opinion on running by feel? Do you set goals for races?