Is tapering legit? Don’t get me wrong, the taper is my favorite. What’s not to like? Build up mileage over three months and then do close to nothing for two weeks before the race. I’m not really doing nothing. After all, checking the weather, going over race day outfit possibilities and obsessing about race strategy is keeping me pretty busy. For my previous marathons, I felt tired and sore after the last 20 miler, so I was happy for the taper to heal up a bit before the race. This time, I’m feeling totally fine so it’s feeling more like I’m de-conditioning. I just keep telling myself to trust the schedule and hope that I don’t feel past my prime on race day.
Since my run schedule is a little boring, I’m amusing myself by thinking about my training and race schedule after the marathon. First up is going to be some zone 1 and 2 training and getting back on the bike trainer. These two goals will work great together. I’ll also be training for the Maui Marathon. Marathon training and zone 1 and 2 training do not work great together. Even though the Maui Marathon doesn’t fit well into my overall schedule for the next year, I just couldn’t resist doing the race while we are there anyway. Once Mike and I are done with the Ironman phase of our lives, we’ve flirted with the idea of doing races in 50 states. Checking Hawaii off the list would be a nice. If Marine Corps Marathon goes well, then I’ll take a couple weeks to recover and then start training for Maui but slow the pace way down. I’ll run Hawaii for fun and just take it slow. If MCM doesn’t go well, then I may have to seek some redemption in Hawaii. It’s too soon to worry about that now, though. Right now the plan is to enjoy MCM, then hit the bike trainer, run lots of slow miles and throw in getting reacquainted with the pool.
Ten more days until the race and I’m so excited!
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Have fun at MCM! Great to hear that you feel good. Your future plans sound fun, too. I’d like to run the 50.
Enjoy the well-earned taper
I can’t wait to read all about your success at MCM…Go Beth!!!
Just have to run Maui at zone 1/2. Might take a while but those Hawaii marathons are traditionally the slowest marathons by average finishing time in the country!
Sounds like you are READY for the Marine Corps Marathon.
Have fun and kick some ass! Can’t wait for the report . . . but I guess we will have to wait until you run on the 30th!
I can’t imagine running in Hawaii . . . it will be sooooo nice . . . and made even sweeter because MN and WI will be soooo cold!
Enjoy this tapering time. You are ready for the MCM: now this is your goal. You have plenty of time to think about your next “adventure”.
Have fun and …. run. Good luck.
I’ve always felt like if your are feeling restless during the taper, that means it is working. Sounds like you are in a really good place with your training. All the best to you Beth, and good luck at MCM!
Don is running the Marine Corps Marathon for Team Continuum.
We 2 will be there also, but, alas, not running.
Best wishes for a great race. You are amazing, you know!
Oh, I’ve been thinking of you! My friend from school is flying out to see her sister run MC Marathon and it’s going to be so exciting! I kind of laughed at how you’re already thinking about your future training. Tapering does that, doesn’t it? Maui does sound fun!
I hope you have a wonderful, fun, successful race. I’ll be rooting for you!
Just dropping in to say GOOD LUCK!
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