Marathon Tapering – It’s all in your head

My training schedule allows three weeks of tapering before the day of the marathon.  I thought it would be easier since I am doing fewer miles but I was wrong.  Certain habits die hard, and pride can creep in when you force yourself to tap on the breaks when you want to hit the gas pedal.  I stand by the claim that running is mostly mental.  And doing less than you know you can do, even if it’s for your overall good, can be difficult. 

 

Here are my total miles for the last four weeks:

40, including a 20 mile long run – this was the last big week

25, including a 12 miler

19, including an 8 miler

And this week is marathon week so I’m only doing a total of 7 miles before the 26.2 on Saturday.

Since I’ve had forward momentum on the number of miles and time I’ve put into training my brain is saying, “oh good; now I have extra time for more intense strength training.”  False.  I did a tough leg work out last Thursday and my hamstrings were a mess afterwards.  Yesterday I used the rowing machine and then did arm workouts and I am totally regretting it.  My back is SORE.  And I even went to the chiropractor! 

So now I know that tapering in miles also includes tapering the intensity level of ALL exercising if I am to get the benefits of tapering.  Looks like the internet didn’t lie about one thing, at least.  I need to store up energy/glycogen and allow my body to heal any nagging muscles and joints so I am fit as a fiddle the day of the run.  The next few days I only have a few running miles as well as some walking and then judgment day.  Wish me luck!  Now bring on the carbs and H₂0.

Why run 26.2 miles?

That is a very good question, with a million possible answers depending on who you ask.  Here are my reasons for running a marathon.

I wrote down “finish a marathon” on my bucket list as one of those far-fetched things that only crazy cool people do.  Now I know that preparing for a marathon has just a long as long of a “to be” list as a “to do” list.  It’s said that running is 80% mental and I absolutely believe it.  Among the “to be” attributes you need to have are determination, discipline to be consistent in your training, and humility (you really can’t care about wiping your nose at a busy intersection, let alone the other mental breakdown that comes before you are built back up).

With a few half marathons and other races under my belt I was qualified to begin training.  Last year I turned 26 years old (I’m now closer to 30 than 20 – weird).  So for every mile I run on race day will think of where I was at that age and which people and experiences were influential in my life.

I find that all other facets in my life come easier when I put some focus on my health.  Also, I have a great schedule for getting all my runs in.  What better time to achieve the honor of finishing a marathon than the present?  Here are a few other reasons why I’m running a marathon:

• Long runs can be a conduit for meditation that just grinding out 30 minutes of forced exercise rarely does
• The running community rocks.  Seriously.  The more I get involved the more fun it is.  It is such a diverse group of people and you have endless things to talk about (ooh, tell me more about chafing)
• Bragging rights
• I get to participate in the same events as professionals (Olympic athletes, etc.) without having to be on the same level
• It’s fun to look forward to and plan for such a big event.  As my dad always says, “anticipation if half the fun!”
• It makes me very in tune with my body
• As John Hanc, running writer said: "I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."