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Kara Goucher will return to the New York City Marathon on Nov. 2, along with this year's Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi.
Goucher made her marathon debut at the 2008 race, earning third place with 2:25:23 and the American record for the fastest first marathon time. She went on to finish third at the 2009 Boston Marathon five months later.
An Olympian at Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, she told ESPN she's looking for a good run in the 2:26 to 2:29 range at this year's marathon.
The 36-year-old elite runner doesn't think she will beat her time from 2008, but that hasn't hampered her training nor her drive.
"I'd love to go back and beat my time on the course, but that's not going to happen. Never say never, but I think I'm a few months away from putting together a 2:25 on the New York course," Goucher said. "For me it's about running a solid race and reestablishing myself as a contender on the world stage."
Goucher flew to New York on Sunday for a week of promotional and special training events. She took to social media with her husband Adam and their son Colton to break the news.
Look out NYC! The Gouchers have landed! #NYFW pic.twitter.com/5uG6xNsdJ3
— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) September 8, 2014
On Monday afternoon, she joined the New York Road Runners for a Q&A session on Twitter. Goucher took questions from fans, runners and New Yorkers about everything from her current training regimen, to what drives her as a professional athlete.
Check out the highlights below.
.@LAMhookem as I ran the last @nycmarathon 10 miles today I would have to say the last 5 miles b/c the energy is electric #kararunsnyc
— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) September 8, 2014
.@ginapardi don't beat yourself up after a bad race or a goal you didn't hit, you will be at this a long time #KaraRunsNYC @nycmarathon
— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) September 8, 2014
.@PeanutLacey when I was in college #kararunsNYC
— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) September 8, 2014
.@tashajo12 I tried to focus on other things I care about like being a mom and a good wife & even tried baking #kararunsnyc
— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) September 8, 2014
Thank you for chatting with us! @karagoucher is ready to #getnyon! #KaraRunsNYC #tcsnycmarathon pic.twitter.com/vCTKJ7OGdY
— TCS NYC Marathon (@nycmarathon) September 8, 2014
Check out the New York City Marathon's official website for more information.