Tapering
The next 20 days, I am tapering. That means I run less miles overall, shorter distances with the longest run being 9 miles. That is cake to me. I can run 9 miles barefoot if needed.
I feel a little hyped up-full of energy and raring to go-which is the whole plan with this tapering business. So I decided that if these runs are short in length, I should run them fast as I can with a goal of getting UNDER the 11 minute mile mark. Yeah, I know, experienced runners might laugh at that last statement, but hey, I am getting better, stronger, faster and that is the whole plan.
The other thing that is happening is that all sorts of people who have run marathons are coming out of the woodwork to give me little tips. I like to hear what they have to say. Even if someone has only run ONE marathon, that is one more than me so I love to hear what they have to say. I also like hearing their stories, about their pain and trials.
Here are some tips I have gotten:
1) Do an ice bath after running the marathon. Yeah. Like put a bunch of cold water in a tub and add a couple bags of ice from the Quickie Mart. Get in. Now I have to say the ice bath sounds pretty freakin’ unpleasant but several people have sworn by this technique to stave off inflamation after the run so I might have to give it a try.
2) Loosen up your shoes. Okay this might be a good idea for me as I usually get some toe cramps around mile 15. Maybe this could help increase blood flow and reduce cramping.
3) Eat more carbs during the run. Now I think this could really help me push through at the end. I uasually eat nothing or just a protien bar in the morning so I think I am just out of carbs after a long run. The CarBoom gels I eat only have about 100 cals in each one so that isn’t much. I eat one of those every three miles. So…I went out and bought three Snickers Bars for the marathon. Jeremy has already eaten one! I had to tell him what they were for to keep the other two safe.
Okay, anyone got some other tips? Bring ‘em on! I need the coaching. Most people train with other people and I am on my own, so help a sista out!
September 11th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Hello again –
As far as tips, I think I can pass along a few that helped me this year…I started training this spring for sprint distance triathlons and did 2 of them this summer. I think a few things can also apply to running long-distance (which I wish I could do more of, but have a knee injury!).
-SMILE. Even if you feel terrible, you can trick your body into thinking its having a good time. I know it sounds dumb, but I think it works.
-For energy during the event, I recommend GU–they are carb replacement gels. They don’t taste great, but I think they work better for me than replacing with mostly-refined sugar.
-While you’re running, think of all the positive energy around you. All of the people who have also been training for the same event, and all of the work you have done to get that far, and that you deserve to be happy about it rather than hating life for 26 miles! On the same note, remember that you are in it for health and fitness, not looking to become a pro; don’t get discouraged by people passing you up… this is one I had a hard time with!
Good luck!
September 14th, 2007 at 12:26 am
My tips:
Don’t over run (speed or distance) during your taper. Your body is ready.
Don’t try anything new on race day, especially food. It would be horrible to run 325 miles only to have a stomach cramp from your GU or new powerbar and not finish.
Powergels are great, but practice with them. Eat a couple on each of your runs and see how you feel.
lay your race gear out or have your race bag packed the night before. You will be amazed how preoccupied you will be before the race.
Do the ice bath - 15 minutes of hell is better than 3 days.
Good Luck!