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.
Tapering is hard! There is a reason they call them taper crazies! Your body goes crazy trying to "fix" everything it didn't have the energy to fix before, your mind isn't used to so few miles so you feel lazy, and you hardly know what to do with your now available time.
ReplyDeleteYou figured it out though, tapering means lower intensity across the board. I've ruined a good taper or two by upping other types of workouts in my frustrations at not running.
Your marathon is so close! You'll be fantastic!