This week in workouts was a combination of taper and I’m so busy I don’t have time or energy to workout. There I said it. It’s been fairly good that my week of taper has coincided with moving, looking at houses, traveling, being at home, being ultra busy and every other excuse I can think of. As I said before I have absolutely no idea what a good running taper is. I’ve researched and looked at various articles but it’s my first taper for a running race. (swimming I just followed a coaches plan). If this plan doesn’t work, it doesn’t and I know next time I run a marathon not to do this. I know a lot of things not to do next time training for a marathon but that is a post all to itself.
| Monday: | 12.23 miles Charlotte, NC. |
| Tuesday: | Cross train (elliptical) |
| Wednesday: | 11.12 miles home, fast finish (8:25 overall pace) |
| Thursday: | Off |
| Friday: | 7.22 progressive run |
| Saturday | Wicked 10k (39:28) (total 11 miles) |
| Sunday | 12.75 miles |
| Total: | 54 miles |
Thoughts:
As most articles suggested, the second week out is the time to reduce mileage by around 20-25%. I’ve gone 102 miles-80 miles-54 miles. So that is falling about into that. (a little more actually). My legs honestly did not feel as good as I was hoping with the cut of mileage. Hopefully they will continue to feel better.
The Wicked 10k on Saturday went extremely well. I’ll have a recap tomorrow but the weather and course made it for a fast race. I was only 8 seconds from my PR and with no speed work I should be happy. Am I happy? I’m pretty happy but alas a 10k PR would have been nice too, especially since I have reduced my mileage.
My last high effort run yesterday went according to the plan. The goal was to start off easier (8:30 pace) progress and hold for a few miles at goal marathon pace (7:15) then push the envelope a little more and drop down to 7:00 minute pace. Even with not wearing racing flats, I was able to do this so it was certainly motivating.
When I had bad tapers with swimming, I never felt good and found myself feeling sluggish at the start of the race. (I swam the 1000m and mile in college). As much as I tried to swim fast, I just felt like I had no turnover or speed. Hopefully that isn’t the case here.
Next week I’m cutting my miles again with a few miles spread out at marathon pace. Nothing left to do but continue to rest and mentally prepare for the race. As I’ve said throughout this training cycle my primary goal for this marathon is to finish. Would I love to run a 3:10? Yes, of course, however with waiting around a cold start for 3 hours as well as running a very overcrowded race it’s very tough to say what will happen. I know if I cross the finish line as happy as when I start, I will be happy.
Questions for you:
What was your first marathon goal?
What is your most confidence boosting workout?