I head to New York full of HOPE

There are two vastly different views about hope, according to "The Shawshank Redemption." One: "Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane." The other: "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

Personally, I've never been able to decide which of those ideas is "right." It might actually be both. Or it could be neither. In fact, it might just be; maybe hope is what it is.

Therefore, it's not really a concept worth dissecting. All I know is that -- with less than four days to go until I line up on the Queensboro Bridge with thousands of other runners at the start of the 40th New York City Marathon -- I am full of it. Hope, that is.

I HOPE I can get at least a couple hours of sleep Saturday night. I know it's more important to get good sleep two nights before, but still ... and since the sad reality is that it'll probably be about 4 a.m. when I'm finally sleeping (i.e. having some horrible nightmare about my wake-up call not coming) I HOPE one of the 37 alarm clocks I set for Sunday morning functions properly.

I HOPE the weather cooperates. I HOPE whatever I ate the night before doesn't come back to haunt me and my belly the day of. I HOPE I make the bus to the ferry. I HOPE I make the ferry to Staten Island. I HOPE I can link up with the only other two people I know who are running Sunday, so we can help each other pass the time by taking turns going to the Porta-Johns.

I HOPE I have the ability to get up somewhat toward the front of my wave start, which might enable me to avoid some frustration and minimize the bobbing and weaving in the first few miles. But I HOPE that I have the good sense to go out under control, stick to an easy pace for a few miles, and then slowly warm up into my goal pace of 6:00/miles. (I HOPE you know I'm kidding there.)

I HOPE during the race to be able to see and be seen along the way by my parents and my incredibly supportive wife and daughter, who both endured 16 weeks of missed mornings together, of occasional crankiness, and of persistent babbling about running-related stuff they didn't really care about or understand.

I HOPE I went to the bathroom enough times before the race. I HOPE I don't eat too few GUs -- or too many. I HOPE to be able to "Breathe. Relax. Focus." I HOPE I remember that that's my mantra, because I kinda like it. I HOPE to be able to dig down deep after crossing the Queensboro Bridge at Mile 16, and to dig deep deep DEEP down once I hit the hills in Central Park in the homestretch.

I HOPE to finish injury-free, with a smile on my face and my arms raised above my head ... or at least a hearty pump of the fist goin' on. (Oh, and I HOPE I beat Edward Norton.)

But most of all -- even more than breaking 4 hours or hitting my goal of 3:45 -- I HOPE to soak it all in. To bask in the electricity of the event, to revel in the cheers of the 2 million-plus spectators along the route, to appreciate the fact that I've been given the opportunity to be a part of something special and unique. To take pictures with my mind, to make mental notes, to stop (metaphorically) and smell the roses so that two weeks or two months or two years down the road, it's not just a blur, but a vivid and wonderful memory.

I HOPE.

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To follow me on Sunday, click here for details on how to use the ING New York City Marathon's "athlete alert" tools. Or click here to become a part of my Facebook community, and you'll get pre- and post-race thoughts throughout the weekend.

For Charlotte, it's a race like no other

Charlotte's got a lot of good annual races. It's even got a few great ones. But you'd be hard-pressed to find a local running event with a more memorable setting than the Runway 5K Run held at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

We recently talked to airport operations manager Herbert Judon about the course, the logistics, and how close participants will get to real-live jumbo jets during this unique race, which is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday.

Q. This race is only in its third year, but it's become one of the most talked-about annual running events. Surprised?

Nope. Most courses run through neighborhoods, city centers, business parks, etc. However, the Runway 5K Run provides a rare venue -- an airport -- that cannot be replicated. For competitive runners, the course provides a fast, flat surface, which is conducive for PRs. There is also a walk event. Most of the course provides extraordinary views of parked, landing, departing, and taxing aircraft in close proximity of the runners. ... Very few people have the opportunity to view the airport from this vantage point. ... As you are running to the east, the view of the Charlotte skyline is spectacular. The event also provides some of the best grand prizes in the region -- airline gift cards.

Q. These aren't in-service runways, are they?

Yes, they are actually active runways. We coordinate a brief, temporary closure of one of our runways while participants are running/walking and reopen it as soon as the last participants are off. Other portions of the race take place on taxiways and airport service roads. These taxiways and service roads are still in very close proximity of taxiing and parked aircraft. We coordinate the best time to have the least service interruption. Therefore, primary air operations continue -- no problems. ... The Runway 5K Run will start and finish on the US Airways Maintenance Hangar Ramp, located at 5020 Hangar Road.

Q. How close in feet, yards, whatever, are there actually planes taking off, taxiing, and landing?

Very close but safe!! It’s not uncommon for airline passengers to exchange waves with bypassing runners and walkers.

Q. What percent of the course is on the runways, and how much is on airport service roads?

Approximately 80 to 85 percent of the course is contained within the airport’s perimeter. There is a small portion of the course which takes place on one of the roads outside of the airport perimeter fence.

Q. By the way: How the heck did you guys originally get permission to do this?

The idea was presented to the airport's aviation director Jerry Orr. Once granted, it was a matter of developing security and operation plans with the appropriate agencies. The event also requires detailed coordination with the airlines, specifically US Airways. We use their maintenance hangar ramp space for the start/finish point and to stage event amenities.

Q. How many participants are you guys expecting?

Our goal this year is 1,000.

Q. There's a little bit of a debate about whether you guys or the Greek Fest have the flattest 5K in Charlotte. Are there any notable elevation changes out on that course at all?

Our course is almost completely flat! There are no significant elevation changes. Runways are designed with a very minimal slope to allow for water drainage.

Q. Before I forget: Tell me about the race's charitable beneficiary.

Proceeds from the Runway 5K Run support LifeSpan’s Community Activity and Employment Transition Program – a nonprofit organization. LifeSpan assists children and adults with developmental disabilities by providing education, employment and enrichment opportunities that promote inclusion, choice, family supports and other best practices.

Q. What's new for/different about the Runway 5K in 2009?

Last year, former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker presented the awards. This year, our featured awards presenter will be Julie Tesh, Miss North Carolina. In addition to the overall winners receiving airline gift certificates, we have added airline gift certificates for winners in the overall male and female baby stroller categories. We will also have a drawing for several other gifts, which will take place after the awards ceremony. This year, we will also be using the Chronotrack timing devices for the competitive runners.

Q. Whatcha got for the kids?

Several nostalgic airplanes from the Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission (CHAC) will be on site. The CHAC is especially focused on educating children about aviation history and they typically have giveaways for the children. There will also be a children’s bounce house and Sir Purr will be there. In addition, the North Carolina Air National Guard will have their miniature C-130 aircraft there. Children can ride in the miniature C-130 and the Air Guard will have staff to supervise and answer questions. There will also be a fire truck provided by the Charlotte Fire Department.

Q. Who's providing the post-race food and drink?

The food and drinks have been donated by HMS HOST, the airport’s concessionaire. Additional race sponsors are also chipping in.

Q. Oh, one more thing: Since race day is on Halloween ... is there a costume contest planned?

The event is held on the last Saturday of October each year and this year the last Saturday coincidentally fell on Halloween. No, a costume contest is not planned. However, we will have professional photographers on hand to capture any ghoulish images that may appear.

Registration for the Runway 5K Run is $25. To register, or to view footage of previous events, click here. Questions? E-mail runway5k@charlotteairport.com or call 704-359-RWAY.

This runner deserves a big 'Ooh-rah!'

A week and a half ago, I had one of Charlotte's slower runners share her unique (and inspiring) perspective on completing a major U.S. marathon in six-plus hours. Tonight, I present you with the exact opposite: a view of a big-time 26.2-miler through the eyes of one of our area's fastest.

Jay Holder, the 2009 Run For Your Life Grand Prix Series champ and a charter member of the Charlotte Running Club, ripped through Sunday's Marine Corps Marathon in 2:44:35 -- 48th overall out of more than 20,000 official finishers.

He wrote an excellent recap of his experience earlier today, and graciously gave me permission to reprint an edited version of it here. By the way, here's a fun fact: Jay turned 26 exactly one month ago ... making him almost (but not quite) 26.2 years old.

I am always amazed at the ease with which I fall asleep the night before a big race. I was the little kid who couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve because the thought of what may be under the tree in the morning. But, Saturday night, stuffed full of pasta, meatballs, bread and salad made by Aaron's mom [editor's note: the Aaron is Aaron Linz, another top Charlotte runner whose name you've seen on my blog a lot], I was out by 9:45. Right on target.

The alarm went off at 4:45 Sunday morning. The intent was to get up, pee, drink some water and crawl back under the covers for 15-20 minutes. But, once I was up, I was up for good. My singlet was already laid out with the number pinned to it. The race day bag had passed my checklist task. As I did before Myrtle Beach, I put my iPod on and bounced around the room to whatever came up. "Staying Alive" -- the 1997 version by Wyclef. By the time that private episode was over, Aaron was up. I grabbed a bagel, a banana and a half-cup of black coffee and we were off.

Our plan to avoid the crowds and park close to the starting line was flawless. Too flawless. We were at the starting line by 6:30 for an 8 a.m. start. [We] took at least three shots at the porta potties during that time. The last thing you want is to have to duck into the woods as you try to pace yourself through 26.2 miles. It was cold, and because we weren't checking bags, I just had an old long-sleeve dri-fit shirt on over my singlet, and a Redskins hat that Aaron gave me. Two things I planned on donating to the side of the street. People often ask how you warm up for a marathon and the answer is, you warm up during the first 10 miles. So, we waited. Shortly after the National Anthem, [we were] in the 2:30-2:59 corral. We exchange high-fives and wouldn't see each other again until the finish.

A World War II cannon took us from stagnant to striding. It was an incredible feeling to have the race underway. Eighteen weeks of hard training all for this day. For those of you who have not run marathons, it's important to know that it is yes, a race of speed and strength, but it also takes a wise runner -- often an older runner -- to complete it successfully. I don't claim to be one, but I know and train with a lot of them. All of them made it very clear that running at what feels like a painfully slow pace and running consistently is the key to not blowing up at the end. This was something I did not understand until I raced Myrtle Beach last February, and experienced pain I say may only be rivaled by giving birth (clearly, I do not know this from experience) for five consecutive miles. With the adrenaline going and the crowd cheering, it's a challenge, but hitting the wall is much more of a challenge.

The watch said 6:14 at Mile 1. Perfect. 6:18 was my goal pace; the pace for a 2:45. Everyone was right, it felt terribly slow. Fortunately, last weekend I ran the [LungStrong 15K] at the pace, so my body knew what it felt like. For the next few miles, I looked for "running buddies." I had a brief chat with a guy named Kevin, looking to break 2:50, but he ended up getting roped into the battle between the USMC and the Royal Navy that was happening in front of me. I knew a lot of those guys were quick and decided to be a spectator in the intercontinental road war.

By Mile 4, we were heading into Georgetown, a more crowded portion of the course. I had linked up with a former Division 3 stud from Pennsylvania who was running his first marathon, but looking to go 2:45. I told him we'd work together ... and he provided some good conversation. Took my first water at Mile 4, and from there on out, alternated between water and Powerade at each stop.

The next several miles proved to be incredibly hilly. Marine Corp is advertised as a flat course, but even as someone who trains on hilly terrain, I would say the advertisement is false. We climbed up M Street into the only real neighborhood area of the course. That's where we faced another steep uphill before a nice rolling downhill into Mile 8. The pace had dropped to 6:06, ambitious and dangerous. At the Mile 8 marker, the front pack passed by the HUGE crowd going through Mile 5.

Rolling into Mile 9 is where the crowd support became unbelievable. Crowds of people five, six deep, holding signs, clanging cowbells, blaring music ... all in support of family, friends or total strangers. At some points, it was like running through the tunnel of a football stadium. Deafening. Goosebumps. The crowd on the back steps of the Lincoln Memorial was like nothing I had ever seen. It gave the mind a chance to detach from the legs and focus on surroundings. A needed break. At the 15K point my watch said 57:15. Too fast. I told the Pa. runner, and he said he felt OK. I decided to err on the side of conservation and back off. I wouldn't see him for a while.

The final 17.2 miles would be my own journey. At Mile 10, I could see the Kennedy Center on my left, the Potomac on my right. This is where [a friend] told me to start picking people off. When I first [heard] that, I thought to myself "far too early to kick," but out on the road, it started to make sense. Runners who had gone out with the force of our starting cannon were beginning to pay for their mistake. One by one, I started to move up. Aaron's parents were moving strategically around the course, shouting out my place. Mile 11: 74th. Through the park surrounding the Tidal Basin, I caught up with the first and second female runners, watching these two elites battle it out before passing them.

1:20 at the half marathon point. To call it the halfway point would be a misnomer. It gets much harder from here. Each mile more painful, and more mentally draining. 1:20 was a bit fast and put me at 2:41. I was angry with myself because I got carried away leading up to the 15K, but happy there was some cushion time now to absorb the blow of a BONK.

I continued to pick off runners from Miles 13-16, down Constitution Avenue, by the front of the Capitol Building, onto the Mall. Aaron's dad shouted, "You're moving up. 67th place." His mom handed me my second vanilla Gu.

A certain mental relief comes with Mile 17. Single digits left. Problem was, I never saw the Mile 17 marker. Now, I was worried I had slowed tremendously. Mile 18 was a welcome sight. Let me take a second to describe the mile markers. Most were giant yellow arrows held by course volunteers. Each twirled as if it were a baton. When you are running such a distance, mile markers break the race into segments, and making them something interesting to look at is a nice touch. Along the same lines, the water stops were organized to perfection. It was lines of uniformed Marines each holding a cup in their palm. Powerade in the red cups, water in the white. Each marine had something encouraging to say to the passing runner. Every 20 minutes or so, a Blackhawk helicopter flew overhead, low, loud and with a patriotic feel.

Mile 19. 61st place. One mile and the real race starts.

Most marathoners will tell you that the marathon is two races. There's a 20-mile race and then the 6.2-mile painful run to the finish. Mile 20 took us over what seemed like an incredibly long bridge and back into Virginia. On the bridge -- few spectators -- a man dressed as the grim reaper holding a sign that said "The End Is Near." It was. It was near for the Pa. runner. I could see him getting closer to me before he eventually stopped to walk. I felt his pain. This is the point of the race where I started waiting for the "wall". It hit me at Mile 21.5 in Myrtle Beach. Would I fall victim again?

The thought haunted me as I entered Crystal City. It was a loop. I could see the leaders. I was in 50th ... clicking off 6:18s. I circled around past Mile 23 and was headed back out the way I came. Aaron was headed in. We exchanged cheers. No wall. 3.2 miles to go. Now, Kevin, who had gone out with the Royal Navy, was walking.

Miles 24 and 25 came with a terrible headwind. Can you run into the wind and not get Bob Seger in your head? I dare you. As I ran through the parking lot of the Pentagon, I looked down at my watch. 2.2 miles to go, 2:31. If I could keep the pace, not succumb to the horrible pain that was shooting up through my legs, I was going to make it. I was in 46th place. We exited the Pentagon, onto a highway that would lead us to the finish. Two runners with a kick motored past me. 48th. No one else could pass me. Earlier in the race, I had adopted a new goal: finish in the top 50 of the fifth-largest marathon in the United States. The homestretch was in sight. I saw Aaron's parents one last time. I turned down an offer for a final Gu. I could eat in just minutes. Mile 26, and I look at my watch. 2:43:50. I can break my goal. I took the sharp left toward the Iwo Jima monument ... the finish line. Some sadist put the finish line at the top of the steepest hill on the course. Of course at this point, a speed bump would feel like Mount McKinley. I started to falter. A Marine came out of the crowd and screamed at me. "You can't quit now!" He was right. I picked it up and motored toward the finish, crossing the line and looking down at my watch. 2:44:35. 48th place. Fourteen minutes faster than my debut marathon.

A Marine lieutenant slipped the heavy finisher's medal around my neck and shook my hand, addressing me as "Sir." I'd be lying if I said it wasn't emotional. It was even more emotional seeing Aaron cross the same line less than two minutes later. He'd shattered his goal. Months of logging thousands of miles together had paid off.

There's a lot more background and stories to tell about the race, the weeks leading up to it, and the hours following it. But, if you've made it this far, you've read enough of my rambling. What's next? I know I'll run Boston in April, but I am going to take the next couple of weeks to relax. Running will go back to basics for a while. No goal, just good conversation, better friends and stopping when I feel like stopping.

Jay Holder, with Ieva Augstums (also of Charlotte), after Sunday's marathon.

How'd Charlotteans do at Marine Corps?

The 2009 Marine Corps Marathon was run on Sunday morning by more than 20,000 participants, including scores of our neighbors. Here are finish times for many of the greater Charlotte-area runners who took the 26.2-mile spin through our nation's capital. (For the full results database, click here.)

CHARLOTTE

Jason Holder, 2:44:35

Aaron Linz, 2:45:52

Billy Shue, 2:57:19

Tim Friederichs, 2:59:38

Todd Patterson, 3:11:37

William Breland, 3:14:06

Timothy Russell, 3:19:58

Dave Knavel, 3:21:19

Joel Thomas, 3:25:31

Kevin Creedon, 3:27:56

John Chambers, 3:28:04

Michael Ham, 3:28:54

Bryan Griffith, 3:30:56

Shenna Kevorkian, 3:31:16

Casey Malone, 3:31:27

Luke Maybry, 3:31:44

Brian Graboski, 3:32:03

Chris Cronk, 3:34:05

Mary K Bridgers, 3:38:22

Brent Jacobsen, 3:38:54

Richard Bonfanti, 3:42:27

Boriana Bakaltcheva, 3:46:37

Jean Paul Michaud, 3:50:22

Angela Corio, 3:51:18

Vinny Spaulding, 3:52:20

Bruce Dennis, 3:53:29

Ted Danser, 3:56:25

Luke Smith, 3:56:27

Cris Kulikowski, 3:56:45

Jeffrey Hicks, 3:58:21

Jason Boulware, 3:58:49

Arthur Forgette, 4:00:13

Patrick Ryan, 4:01:14

Erin Crane, 4:01:23

Mischell Christmas, 4:02:44

Kimberleigh Welsh, 4:02:59

Rebecca Dunder, 4:03:13

Robert Treff, 4:04:00

Carolyn Hoopes, 4:04:17

Melissa Johnson, 4:06:23

Kathy Lee, 4:09:25

Patrick Beach, 4:11:40

Tanner Bacon, 4:12:07

Garry Washburn, 4:12:42

Deanna Pennetta, 4:12:50

Shannon O'Donnell, 4:13:13

Thomas O'Donnell Jr., 4:13:14

Wayne Johnson, 4:13:59

Jeffrey Haas, 4:14:27

John Martin, 4:14:53

Manda Gold, 4:15:04

Maria Packard, 4:15:05

James Nebus, 4:15:43

Stacey Hien, 4:16:10

John Myers, 4:18:50

Jim Kabrich, 4:19:12

Vikram Datta, 4:19:37

Michael Griffin, 4:19:50

Mark Shuler, 4:19:52

Steven Sanford, 4:20:41

Thomas Ferrell, 4:21:05

Emily Hansen, 4:21:36

Jack Shannon, 4:22:36

Sean Higbea, 4:24:34

Jody Dennis, 4:26:05

Ryan Danner, 4:30:17

Timothy Eichenbrenner, 4:33:37

Shawn Matthews, 4:34:25

Lucretia Holland, 4:36:40

Stephen Saunders, 4:38:29

Cory Brasness, 4:38:59

Stephen Mendoza, 4:39:14

Samuel Sayson, 4:39:14

Jessica Douglas, 4:39:37

Christopher Mann, 4:42:04

Allen Hackman, 4:42:17

Victoria Windell, 4:45:11

Daniel Stowe, 4:45:21

Malya Alperin, 4:46:41

Rick Begovich, 4:48:03

Nancy Scott, 4:48:55

June Carraway, 4:49:02

Terry McCabe, 4:50:27

Harry Harden, 4:51:37

Rachelle Chretien, 4:51:51

Jessica Hudson, 4:51:51

Katti Koehl, 4:52:27

Thomas Brown, 4:53:56

Landon Dunn, 4:54:47

Kristen Sharpe, 4:55:25

Cara Heath, 4:55:39

Suset Gibson, 4:58:34

Robert Hawks, 4:59:03

Leo Dunn, 5:00:02

Jessica Loehe, 5:01:37

John Carter, 5:03:03

Anthony Gawlik, 5:04:07

Erika Irrera, 5:05:19

Thomas Ludden, 5:05:28

Ieva Augstums, 5:10:13

Allison Aiken, 5:11:00

Susan Slattery Rogers, 5:12:25

Tiffani Wagner, 5:16:00

Jennifer Rollar, 5:21:39

Stephen Geis, 5:25:11

Tracey Gardella, 5:31:05

Linda Clauberg Driscoll, 5:33:35

Jorge Gonzalez, 5:33:44

Craig Tabler, 5:34:14

Shelley Clayton, 5:36:23

Emily Finck, 5:38:07

Stephanie Jennings, 5:40:41

Peter Jakuc, 5:40:52

Sarah Geis, 5:41:09

Steven Wright, 5:43:50

Lisa Baker, 5:45:17

Jennae Fahy, 5:47:14

Staci Bacon, 5:48:03

Jason Winslow, 5:57:03

Justin Angotti, 5:58:08

David Gilpin, 5:59:32

Lisa Gilpin, 5:59:33

Andre Fouant, 6:03:36

Molly Harrington, 6:08:18

Rodney Rogers, 6:15:28

Brendan Boone, 6:19:40

Lindsey Anderson, 6:21:07

Noelle Dougherty, 6:25:12

Aaron Smith, 6:44:48

Ernest Cornell, 6:49:26

Vickie Jacobsen, 7:21:14

CONCORD

Mia Griggs, 3:17:24

Edward Morse, 3:20:39

Mike Fisher, 3:49:22

David Jordan, 3:57:17

Richard Seay, 3:57:54

Keely Ragar, 4:01:06

Gavin Knudson, 4:09:34

Emily Knudson, 4:13:32

Elizabeth Newsome, 5:19:37

David Black, 5:35:12

CORNELIUS

Adam Mayes, 3:06:12

Travis Edwards, 3:57:20

Laura Minnich, 4:09:14

Brian Kirby, 4:53:47

DAVIDSON

Mark Ippolito, 3:44:35

Ann Santoli, 4:56:53

William Latham, 5:43:19

GASTONIA

Jason Sanders, 4:31:45

Katherine Sanders, 4:31:45

Ron Grenier, 4:58:16

David Hooks, 5:10:13

HARRISBURG

Rachel Tanis, 4:29:05

James Pierce, 4:33:38

Jennifer Schmidt, 4:42:16

HUNTERSVILLE

Terrance Robinson, 3:32:28

Kristyn Dunn, 4:20:35

Rebecca Schusler, 4:26:58

Kara Pettie, 4:31:41

Peter Viola, 4:32:17

Elizabeth Michels, 4:35:16

INDIAN TRAIL

Rob Danison, 4:05:13

Kevin Kelly, 4:17:02

MATTHEWS

Donald Silleman, 3:39:41

Robert Mersch, 3:44:14

Brian Wetherell II, 3:46:44

Rick Shooman, 3:46:55

Vicky Alonso, 4:14:15

Chad Coltrane, 5:06:27

Jean Ayers, 5:34:01

Steven Ayers, 5:34:01

Bill Caskey, 5:48:44

Rae Silleman, 6:08:03

MONROE

Dexter Pepperman, 3:11:24

Brad Beane, 4:11:15

Barney Megargee, 5:17:02

Elisha Pepperman, 5:47:30

MOORESVILLE

Brian Donehoo, 3:31:05

Diane Laczko, 3:38:00

Darren Zino, 3:49:08

Edward Lowder, 4:08:54

Bruce Hui, 4:25:14

Kevin Cowan, 4:36:15

Donald Carter, 5:26:33

Alison Combs, 5:43:21

PINEVILLE

Joe Schlereth, 3:47:51

STALLINGS

Lidel Magno, 5:50:48

WAXHAW

Carly Behrmann, 3:35:35

Bill Moran, 3:39:24

Stephen Day, 4:11:04

Jeffrey Randall, 4:24:36

Sondra Patton, 5:11:35

My goals for the NYC Marathon

People keep asking me what my goal is for the ING New York City Marathon, which I'll run exactly one week from now.

"What are you shooting for?" "What's your goal pace?" "You thinking about Boston at all?"

In a few cases, I suspect other runners are sizing me up, trying to determine roughly how fast I am (if they don't already know), or attempting to figure out roughly how inflated my sense of self is. Most of the time, though, it's a perfectly innocent question -- a conversation starter, just something to talk about on a run or while hanging out, as casual as asking about the Panthers.

Up to this point, I've been waffling on the answer ... for a few reasons. First of all, there's a little bit of a fear of commitment; if I say something, it's "out there," and then I feel like there'll be unnecessary pressure to perform. I'm also concerned about the weather, how I'm feeling that particular morning, and about the sheer size of the crowds in NY.

And then there's the fact that this is my first marathon. I know in training what kind of paces I can put up. I know what I can do in shorter races, in 5Ks, in a 10K, in a 15K. But while I've done long runs of 20 miles (give or take one or two) four times, I've never gone 26.2 -- and I've heard it said that the race doesn't really begin till Mile 20. In other words, maybe I'll fly through the first 20, then smash into the wall at 23 and limp through the last three doing 12-minute miles.

Still ... I'm naturally competitive. I use a Garmin, I keep logs of my training, I crunch numbers, I make forecasts, and I know what my pace needs to be next Sunday to hit 4 hours, to hit 3:50, 3:40, 3:30, 3:20, to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

So I certainly have been kicking around possible goals since the day I signed up last spring.

Let me tell you what my goal isn't: I'm not qualifying for Boston. I'm 36 years old, and I would need to ride a bike for the last 6.2 miles to come in at 3:15:59 or faster.

Beyond that? Well, I've been telling people lately that my goal is to finish with a smile on my face. (Though to be honest, in thinking about it right now, I wonder if that's a realistic goal given how exhausted -- and how in need of a triple cheeseburger -- I'll be at that point.)

I've also told plenty of people that I want to accomplish three key things: 1) get to the starting line healthy and injury-free, 2) get to the finish line, and 3) finish in less than four hours. (I co-opted these from a running buddy, Chris, who sadly wound up hurting himself and had to miss today's Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.) These are practical, attainable, and respectable goals, especially for a first marathon.

But as race day has gotten nearer, I've had to do some more thinking about my plan of attack. I want to wear my Garmin, and I want to be able to hold back early on, going out slow and warming up into my race pace. Of course, this means it would be helpful to come up with a pace to start at, and a pace to work up to ... which means I need to nail down some idea of a goal pace ... which would give me some sense of an expected finish time.

My thought process is pretty simple: I feel like 4 hours is a great marathon time, but it just doesn't challenge me enough; 9:09 miles are way slower than I've been training. 3:30, on the other hand, represents a pace I routinely hit in longer runs -- 8-minute miles -- but still seems too ambitious since I have no marathon experience; it feels like I'd be setting myself up for disappointment (or a big crash in the final miles).

Which leads me to a pretty obvious conclusion: 3 hours, 45 minutes.

So there you have it -- my first public admission of a specific time goal for NYC. I honestly don't know whether I feel better or worse having finally gotten something official off my chest. Ask me again in about a week.

Odds + ends for my running friends

A few interesting nuggets to pass along on this gorgeous fall day:

One other Saturday race out in Gastonia that I forgot to mention: the CaroMont Candlelight 8K, which offers both a rare distance and a rare nighttime start -- the gun goes off at 8 p.m. The race, which starts and finishes at Gaston Memorial Hospital (2525 Court Drive), is a benefit to support HealthNet Gaston, a county-wide initiative that gives medical assistance to low-income and uninsured residents of Gaston County. Monetary prizes will be awarded. Registration is $20 through Thursday (click here to sign up). There's also a 4K and a kids fun run called the Pumpkin Chase. Race site is here, although it seemed to be having technical difficulties this afternoon.

The Thunder Road Marathon is recruiting volunteers for the big Dec. 12 event, which includes the 26.2-miler, a half marathon and a 5K. In addition to being involved with Charlotte's only marathon, you'll be supporting thousands of fellow runners and an event that benefits local non-profits; oh, and you'll get a cool long-sleeve volunteer T-shirt. Register as an individual, or grab some friends and make it a group effort. Remember: An event this big needs more than just the runners to be a success. Interested? Click here; the site lists the available volunteer positions and times help is needed. Questions? E-mail Jessica Douglas at jessica@runforyourlife.com.

Looking for some running buddies? The Charlotte Runners Meetup Group hooks up Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Charlotte Running Co. in Dilworth for the "Pick Your Distance Run." According to the store's newsletter, runners can choose from four, six or eight miles -- "basically there is an eight-mile route that runs by Charlotte Running Co. three times. You just jump off when you're ready." Wear reflective clothing or a running light, since it gets dark early now. An added perk: Participants get 15 percent off purchases made before the run. Charlotte Running Co. is at 1412 East Blvd., Suite. G. For more info, click here or call 704-377-8786.

Charlotte Running Club chairman Aaron Linz invites Charlotteans headed up to D.C. for Sunday's Marine Corps Marathon to join him and other CRC members at an informal/casual post-race celebration. Meeting place is the Cowboy Cafe, a bar and grill right across the Potomac River, at 4792 Lee Highway in Arlington (703-243-8010). Aaron describes it as "a tiny place with a lot of character. Fun place to have some drinks with friends and relax over some food. ... Please feel free to join us in celebration at 4 p.m. Leaves enough time for a nap after the marathon!"

And we're off to the races...

In addition to UNC Charlotte's 4.NINER K, Saturday's race calendar offers a couple of other smaller options worth considering:

The Brookhaven 5K Fun Run/Walk at Brookhaven subdivision at Weddington-Matthews and Antioch Church roads in Matthews: This is the second year for an event that benefits Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, with proceeds going to the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal genetic disorder among children. (A 5-year-old Brookhaven resident named Jake is a sufferer.) Action starts at 9 a.m. in front of the subdivision's clubhouse. In addition to the 5K run/walk, there are one-mile, 100-yard, and 40-yard races for kids. The 5K is $15; see the race site for other details or to learn more about Jake and muscular dystrophy. The registration page is here.

The Jack O Lantern Jaunt at Frank Liske Park (4001 Stough Road) in Concord: Sleep in all you want Saturday, because this 10th annual event doesn't start till 4:45 p.m. After the two-mile cross country run and the one-mile "fun run"/walk conclude, a 5K race goes off at 5:15. The courses all stay within the Frank Liske Park grounds. In addition to age group awards, there'll be awards given to the runner wearing the best and worst costumes. Registration is $10 for the fun run, $15 for the two-miler, and $21 for the 5K. For more info or to register, click here.