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May 08, 2006
Taper Time
Yesterday was my 20-miler for Mad City. I am now officially tapering, and all I can say is FINALLY.Work has pretty much exploded in my face the past few weeks, and it's just been crazy and stressful and with no end in sight. Lately, just making it through a week without having to kill anyone has been an accomplishment. So, even though running isn't contributing to the stress in any way (and, in fact, is probably what's keeping me from killing people, now that I think about it), it's nice to have something in my life easing up for a bit. It'd be much better if my job, which is the problem, had a scheduled taper, but I'll take what I can get.
As for the run itself... it was pretty good. It hurt a lot more than I was hoping for (my legs, apparently, were not so much down with the idea, and started feeling achy around the 11-mile point, which, well, could have been better), but after I stopped and took an actual stretch break at the 17-mile mark (not just a "stop and stretch the quads" but a "stop, stretch the quads, sit down, stretch everything out" kind of break), they felt totally fresh for the last few miles of the run. Unlike the 20-miler I did for Detroit back in October, I didn't feel totally and completely exhausted when I got done. I definitely felt like I could have run a few more miles, and I was actually functional for the rest of the afternoon, even if I did spend it sitting on my butt watching TV.
The best part, though, was that I think I finally got my pre- and during run fueling right. I never got hungry during the run, which was a first, and I didn't have to make any pit stops, either. I couldn't believe it - I'll try and follow the same pattern I did this past weekend for next weekend's 16-miler and see if it works again. I really hope so, because it would be a huge thing to have that one thing set.
So, now it's all downhill until the 28th. It feels totally strange to be able to say, "I'm running a marathon in 3 weeks." Is it that close already?
Posted by Dawn at May 8, 2006 12:23 PM
Comments
Wow, that must be an awesome feeling to get to the point where you start to taper! Especially if you've figured out your pre and during race fueling. There seems to be so much to know, learn or figure out associated running a marathon. Best of luck with the rest of your taper and of course with the marathon too!
Posted by: Heath at May 8, 2006 12:45 PM
Coolness. Sounds like you will do awesome! Great job on the training. I hope I can feel the same way in a few weeks. Unfortunately my training has sucked so far...lol.
Posted by: Dawn (aka Pink Lady) at May 12, 2006 06:02 PM