Thursday thanks and race-day goals

"What am I thankful for this week?" I wondered to myself while I ticked off the miles on this morning's run. The thought: "I need to post something soon for Thursday thanks" was nagging at me.

Then, as often happens in the days before a race, I got distracted by my race goals:

• Stretch goal: Sub-2 hour half marathon. I've run 1:53 before, but if November's race is any indication, my return to longer distances still needs some work.
• Bringing my A-game goal: 2:04 finish time, while still being able to walk back to my car at the end of the race. Dropping several minutes off of my last half marathon time (or more than 30 seconds per mile) over the past two months would be a major accomplishment. My shorter-distance pace says I can do it. I say I can do it.
• If all else fails goal: Negative splits. I trained myself to run negative splits in 5k and 10k races, but I always seem to fall apart a little between miles 10 and 12 in longer races. I want to finish Sunday's race as strong as I start.

Normally I'd throw a goal in there to "have fun" or "enjoy the ride" or "finish strong."
But who am I kidding?
I care about this race.

I just want to be faster
than my neighborhood turtle.
Is that so much to ask?

In November, I could blow off a not-my-best showing pace by saying that I was injured and had not run a half marathon in a couple of years. November was a "getting back into the swing of things" race.

This one counts.

Which brings us back around to Thursday thanks:
This week I am thankful that I have the physical, mental, and financial ability to train for half marathons.

Are you racing this weekend? If so, what are you goals?
What else are you thankful for this week?