Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Taper Madness

Hello Taper Madness!  A few of you warned me, but I don't think I really got it.  How bad can taper be, RIGHT?  I was actually looking forward to it.  Maybe the fact that taper is taper, makes it scary.  You're in the home stretch finally and the idea is actually becoming more real than ever before!  Maybe part of it is the anticipation?  Running 4 miles during taper or not can sometimes be hard so when it does happen during taper week it becomes all mental.   I ran 4 miles on Sunday and Monday and 7 yesterday and when I am done with the runs it feels good but the idea of running 26.2 miles in a few weeks during those runs seems impossible. I had to text Tall Mom a few times to verify that this was indeed normal...she assured me it was.  At the same time I realize I ran 25.23 miles, which is a mile shy of what I will be running and I did it so I know that June 26 I will be able to do it.  It helps that 27,999 fellow runners will be running with me, which will be very encouraging.  The best part will be seeing family and friends on the way and at the finish line, that doesn't happen every running day...can't wait.  Race day is always better than any other day.  Not to mention that a dream of mine is happening...in less than 2 weeks.  So exciting.

I had a great run with my friend, Diana.  We decided to do an evening run which we don't get to do to much with busy, working husbands and children's bedtime.  I love this time of year because it stays light so much later.  We had both just eaten dinner and hour earlier so we weren't sure how that would feel.  I did OK, but the beer Diana had was reminding her that she had an hour earlier.  It was a great evening with clear, blue sky's, which we soaked up.  I love running with friends because it takes your mind off of the run and lets you catch up with each other.  I hope I am able to do more of that this summer.

June 14, 2010 
Miles: 4
Pace: 9:42
Time: 38:50
Calories: 502

Another Madrona run.  I have to say I am really enjoying this course.  I know I have mentioned this before, but it's just a great route that is close to home so it never feels really far away.  I decided as I was finishing up to take a little longer route so I could get an even 7 miles in.  When you feel good, actually even when you don't, but you have time...then push it a little further.  I am always so happy after a run...sometimes getting out there to start the run is not easy but the feeling at the end is FANTASTIC.

June 15, 2010
Miles: 7.01
Pace: 9:26
Time:1:06
Calories: 884 

7 comments:

Melissa said...

I've never done an actual taper b/c I've never actually done a big race, but I'm sure that is totally stressful.
But, it is necessary. My friend Donny did not heed the warnings before his first half. He did way too much before the half and at mile 8 his legs were all cramped up.
Enjoy the taper. :)

Jen said...

Yeah, the taper is CRAZY! But it's all mental so don't worry. You're gonna have a great race! And I love those runs with friends too. It's a great time to catch up and the miles just fly by!

Kerrie said...

I TOTALLY agree with your last line. Love it.

You are going to do awesome. Two weeks!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Text anytime!! I will talk you down off the Taper Wall.. LOL!

Heather said...

Those are great taper runs. And getting done with those shorter runs and thinking you'll never be able to make 26.2 is totally normal. :)

5 Miles Past Empty said...

Ah the taper...your body so needs the taper! Don't sweat it! I remember I was doing like a 3 miler the week of the marathon and it felt SO far and hard! ha! But you will have the race-day adrenaline to get you going so you have NO worries! I bet you will love it so much that you will register for Portland!! =)

As for the run downtown today...It was all over down town, a block or two up from Pacific. totally creepy! Pretty sure I ran past the library, then the street that has the busses and the train, the huge three blocks of bus stops. SO not a good idea. then i hit the trail from Pacific to Schuster heading to Old Town and Ruston, but the trail goes in that wooded area and you are stuck between woods and the road. I didn't like that, it was WAy too secluded! so I turned around and went back toward downtown. I wont do that run again.

Average Woman Runner said...

You're doing all the right things and you're going to do great on race day. Just think of your muscles getting rebuilt right now and how STRONG and well-rested they will be for your big day!

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