Time sure does fly when you’re training for a marathon. Yesterday I woke up knowing this would be my last longish run before the real thing in exactly a week. I felt relief but also a little fear. Next Sunday I will be at the starting line of the Tucson Marathon with my best running bud, Audrey.
Hours after I am typically out the door, I hit the snow/ice-covered pavement. Since the time change, I have been running a lot in the dark in frigid. I wanted sunshine on my face.
The snow had melted and the paths were somewhat cleared. I stuck to my usual run around Three Mile Bend. No need to complicate things. I didn’t see many people or wildlife. It was nice to just listen to my podcast and take in the winter wonderland.
My right leg and foot started to whine when I reached about 10K on actual pavement. Great, I thought. This is just what I needed. I thought I was healed! I didn’t let the discomfort worry me too much. I switched up my gait and moved back onto the snow covered road. This helped until I got home where I I put my leg up and iced it for a bit.
There’s no pain or discomfort today. I will take it.
In these last few days before my marathon, I am thinking happy thoughts and visualizing a strong finish. I am going to ignore the bizzard that is causing chaos in my city. Soon I will be feeling the sun’s ray’s in sunny Arizona.
Tapering can be a challenge but I finding it no problem this time around. The snow and frigid temperatures help.
Do you find it easy to taper before a race? Do you welcome the rest? Or do you get all nutso?
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I'm not a runner, so I can't answer your question, but good luck! I've only been to Arizona once (Grand Canyon and Sedona), but it was amazing and I'd love to go back. Sounds like you'll have an amazing race! 🙂
Thanks for sending your positive vibes 🙂
I had a forced taper at the end of October when I developed hamstring tendonitis shortly before I ran my first 10k race and I thought I would go bonkers with all the sitting around. Best of luck with your race, can't wait to read all about it in your recap. 🙂
Thanks! I hate forced tapers! Grrrr! Not fun. Hope you are on better & on the mend.
Glad I found your blog. I am running Tucson too, my 2nd M. I have a blog, 50state5k.blogspot.com. You and I run about the same pace, although you are a little faster. I will try to meet you this weekend.
Walter
That would be so cool! Would love to meet another blogger! I will definitely check out your blog! Happy tapering!
Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!! I don't mind tapering, I just do other things and try to curb my jealousy for those out there running 😉
Thanks so much! I appreciate the well wishes!