Happy Hour

I think next week might make me totally crazy, but I am absolutely loving my first week of taper.

I had a really crappy 13-mile run last weekend - it was supposed to be at 8:23, otherwise known as race pace, which would obviously have been a big confidence booster for me if I had been able to do it.

Problem is, I wasn't able to do it. It was yet ANOTHER warm, humid morning, as it's been for just about every single one of my long runs during this training program. I felt good starting out, but the humidity got to me, and I just kept feeling more and more tired and rundown.

Mentally I stuck with it, though, and I think that's a huge victory at this point. I was off my goal pace by a full 7 seconds per mile, but I've already put it behind me and moved on. It helps to know that I DID run 13.1 miles at race pace a few weeks ago, at the Surftown Half, so I have definitive proof that I can do it, which is very comforting.

My track workout for this week didn't seem much like tapering - 5 x 1000 @ 4:16 - but when I finished, it did feel like it had been slightly less exhausting than the last few week's track workouts have been. And except for the first interval, I ran all of them at or below goal pace, so it was definitely a success.

I was planning on doing my tempo run this morning, but woke up in the middle of the night with an upset stomach, and was up for about an hour or two. I didn't feel awful, but just uncomfortable enough that I wasn't able to sleep. So I watched some bad late-night tv, and finally got back to sleep around 3am, at which time I turned off the alarm. I knew I'd be better off getting a few extra zzzzzzzs in the morning, if I was able.

I did get those extra zzzzzs - I 'slept in' until almost 6:30! Later than the alarm had been set for, but it still gave me time to get in my 6 miles before Scott had to be at work. I debated waiting and going tomorrow morning, just so I wouldn't be rushed, but when I looked at the training schedule hanging on the fridge, I wanted so badly to be able to cross another workout off, I downed a quick cup of coffee and got going.

And I am so, so glad I did. Those 6 miles were some of the most fun miles I've run in months. It was cool and dry, and I felt so happy just to be out there. And I felt stronger than I have in a long, long time. The goal was to run 2 miles easy, then 3 miles at 7:35, and the last mile easy.

I probably didn't run the first two miles quite as easy as I should have, but I felt so great, it was hard to hold back. And despite starting out a little bit faster than necessary, I still managed 7:20, 7:32, and 7:23 for the middle three miles.

Fun, fun, and more fun!  This taper stuff really works!

I've been feeling a little antsy, especially since I'm not able to get to the gym, but I'm keeping busy painting Carmine's old room, which is now going to be Gabe and Dante's study room. Nothing like a good painting project to occupy your time.

I've also reorganized and cleaned out several closets, done some baking, and cleaned the whole house top to bottom. I noted on facebook that it almost feels like nesting, and it really does!

But for this week, I'm feeling good. I'm feeling confident, and strong, and ready. And most importantly, I'm feeling excited! 

I'm loving all the emails I'm getting from the race organizers with last-minute info and details, and I'm loving putting together my playlist for race day, and finalizing my packing list.

So right now, the prevailing emotions are positive ones, and I'm going to hang onto that for as long as I can. Running through my mind are thoughts of all the awesome races I had this summer, and all the 20-mile training runs I logged in the heat of the summer, and all the times I ran around in circles on that stupid track. I've put in the miles, I've done the training, I've prepared myself as well as I can.

Those are the thoughts I have to be able to call up during the race, so I'm getting in some good practice this week making sure they're fresh in my mind.

Keeping busy, staying happy, one and a half weeks away from running 26.2 miles - not a bad place to be.

Comments

[Wes]

taking into account weather conditions is actually a smart thing. your body is actually working harder to maintain a slower pace.

nice work!