Hi. I've found the forums in general tremendously insightful, so hopefully, I'll get some advice here. I'm 40. Ran a 3:13:?? in Dublin in October (take off another minute while I peed. Age, I guess. Or dehydrophobia - I ran with a Camelbak.) My first marathon in 7+ years. A PR (of 4 marathons), but my training was so-so, I feel. Nonetheless, I qualified for Boston. Assuming the field isn't filled and my check don't bounce, I'm there. My goal is under 3. 2:59:59 chip time will do. Why that goal? I dunno. Why repeatedly put one foot in front of the other? Because. I felt great after Dublin. IF (that word!) I was with someone the last (roughly) half, as I was in the first half (til that pee) I may have done even better. I don't say that to make excuses, though. I was THRILLED with my time. Hell -- Maybe they measured the course wrong Anyway, is my goal reasonable? That'd be like knocking, say 20, 25 secs per mile off. Have a look at my training log if it'll help (I was on vacation and sick after the marathon, but have been pretty consistent in most of December.) Also: running Dublin was first floated in May by my wife, but we didn't decide and fully commit til mid August. Also also: I did no specific speed work, but some hills. I live in Pittsburgh. They're unavoidable. Thanks all.

Thanks for analysis. You don't have me breathing fire. I'll just do my best, but a goal is something concrete to shoot for. One thing is for sure: I do need to find more races to run. Philly was actually my first and second marathon, but years ago, in a former running life. I used to live there. I intend to do Boston in April nonetheless. Life's uncertain, so I may as well. But a fall marathon is in the works, too. That or a 50 miler. Take care.

One thing is for sure Dan, only YOU know what you are capable of doing and a good positive attitude is part of the preparation for getting there. I mean, if you don't hit your goal time...big deal. You'll live to run another day.