Taper

For many a marathoner the bane of their existence. I know personally the things that drive me to train for a marathon make taper time a rough time, especially now as my training has really gotten to a level worthy of racing the marathon. I tend to thrive on progress, I like seeing the mileage go up week after week, and the pace getting quicker. I live my weekly life not day to day, but rather hard workout to hard workout. The weeks seem to have flown by, but day to day seems to drag, it feels like last weeks tempo run was weeks ago, but tomorrow it will feel like it should already be time for a long run. So during taper when mileage is backing off and the goal is really to maintain and recover it is hard to control the OCD side of my marathoner brain.

I have successfully pushed and molded my body for this marathon and now I must spend 3 weeks trusting that the work has been done and that I will magically line up the right amount of rest and quality training over taper to show up race day primed for my best effort. I'm putting my faith in my coach and trusting that things will work out.

This taper varies from any other I have had before because this time around there is no doubt in my mind that I have done everything right to train for this marathon. Now I just have to trust that I won't screw it up during taper :) I physically feel fitter and faster than I ever have before and not only that I feel like this training block really primed me specifically for the marathon. I cannot express how fantastic my legs have felt the past 5-6 weeks. I am not used to this fresh zippy feeling while working so hard and it definitely has me excited for Boston.

I am very much looking forward to the next two weeks flying by and getting on the plane to Boston!

8 comments:

Kurt in Boston said...

I'm excited for you, E! I'll be looking for you during the race. Unfortunately it looks like I will be out of town during the weekend so I may not get to see you this year (unless you're coming early on Friday).

o2bhiking said...

I love taper, I love that word. But you being Boston qualified are a whole different class of runner than I am. How exciting for you! Enjoy a little down time, and have a great race in Beantown! Art

Adventures with MS said...

You are going to rock Boston. If you feel great now, just imagine what you can do with the proper muscle rest and repair!

Love2Run said...

It's so great you have that good feeling so far out from the race. Don't screw it up! ;-)

allanjel said...

It's not even my race and I am antsy! I am soooo pumped for you!!!

Black Knight said...

Taper is a magic word because it means that you worked very well and are ready for the marathon.
Happy Easter.

Janet Edwards said...

ESpeed is just going to FLY at Boston and then get to celebrate properly!

Irene said...

Have a good taper! Everything looks so good right now, too!