40: Choosing the Right Goal

A new year always bring about new dreams, new goals, new challenges. 2014 is particularly special for me because it's the year I turn 40, a milestone no doubt (and a new age group!).  I feel the need to do something big before I hit 40. As we traveled over the holiday, I had plenty of time to stare out the window and dream. I talked my hubby's ear off and we came up with a handful of options...

RUN A 4 HOUR MARATHON BEFORE I'M 40.
Challenge Level: High
This would take dedicated training way outside my comfort zone. But it's a goal not totally out of the question. My standing marathon PR is 4:16 last spring at Eugene. The question remains, "Can I hit a sub-4 in my life?" What better time to go for sub-4 than the year I turn 4-0. It would have to be a fall marathon, ideally somewhere close to my birthday at the end of October. My dream run would be New York, St. George or Niagra Falls.
Concerns: Summer training and injuries. 
A fall marathon means summer training. I am one miserable runner in heat, plus scheduling long miles is a challenge with kids on school summer break. My other concern is whether my body can handle full marathon training. Since the onset of plantar fasciitis this past fall, my feet just don't hold up like they used to.

RACE THE 40th STATE THE YEAR I TURN 40.

Challenge Level: Low

As you know, I'm in the middle of my quest to #RaceAll50 states. The 40th state added to the United States was South Dakota, and oddly enough I haven't run it yet. Adding another 13.1 to my schedule would not be much of a challenge, but it would be a fun play on the number forty.

Concerns: Travel and timing 

I was saving South Dakota to run as part of a 'family trip vacation' to the Black Hills. The only Oct option is Run Crazy Horse, but it falls on a Guard weekend, meaning my hubby has to work. So I'd have to go alone most likely. Not sure if I like how that plays out...

FINISH A 70.3 IRONMAN BEFORE 40.

Challenge Level: High/Moderate

This might be ridiculous since I have only completed one sprint triathlon... two summers ago. It was a lot of fun and I felt like I was in the best shape of my life during that time. Yet, I quickly exited the pool once that event was done. Three-sport training is tough to schedule, but yet I feel it's slightly more manageable and interesting than the long miles of marathon training. I like this option soley for the cross training that gives me the flexibility to mix up my training and minimizing injury.

Concerns: Swimming 

I have no concerns over the bike and run portion of a 70.3 triathlon, but the swim... 1.2 mile swim! Yikes! I tremble just thinking about squeezing into my swimsuit, much less going that kind of distance. My goal would be to finish the 70.3, but obviously I'd like to give a strong performance as well. I think I would need to hire a swim coach.

FINISH A CENTURY RIDE BEFORE 40.

Challenge Level: Moderate

This has been on my wish list for awhile now. After completing the Venus 62 mile bike ride last summer, I'm 100% confident I am able to complete a Century Ride (100 mile) with proper training. The question now is which event and can I convince Amanda to do it with me?!?

Concerns: Timing and companions

Ideally, I'd like a fall ride. I have a couple events in mind, but both fall on hubby's work weekends which means a little more maneuvering of schedules, but not impossible. Lastly, long distance rides only work well when you have a good team of similar-paced friends to ride with... Who can I convince?

Help me decide... 

Which challenge do you think I should go after in 2014?!?