Im more than halfway through a short n sweet 2 week taper and can't wait for a 12 mile "long run" with some goal paced miles mañana in some awesome temps.
Taper thoughts
Ok, so the only real difference in mileage from this week to last week's peak mileage is the reduction in miles for my long run.
Near the end of my 20 miler last week I was out by soldier field and heard Sweet Caroline playing at a festival. I started choking up almost immediately- because it brought back memories of my grandma (who passed away 11 years ago) and her love of Neil Diamond Fun fact: Neil Diamond was the first concert I ever attended. At the ripe old age of 7? and also because that song became the anthem of Boston post bombing. Or perhaps it was always played at Red Sox games but I never noticed during the games I went to...
The one thing I've noticed this year vs last years taper is that I'm super emotional.
Received my Fox Valley race plan from coach last Friday- I cried.
Last 2 miles of the 20- I cried.
Ran 2x3 miles at 7:18 pace on Wednesday, I cried.
Got my final weeks worth of workout from Coach and I cried.
Shit. As I write this my eyes are starting to well up.
And these are completely tears of joy.
I keep reflecting how far Ive come this year and am amazed at what my body and heart have been able to accomplish with the most amazing plan put together by Coach Britt.
Foto courtesy of Kim. Last years Fox Valley, and one of the best days of my life.
For so long (in regards to running) I've been operating at way under my potential. I slacked with training, I got injuries a lot. This year I feel I'm finally where I should be with running. I also felt that way last year but severely underperformed in Fox Valley due to my ankle injury.
I have only the happiest of thoughts going into tomorrow's long run and my workouts next week.
Tchau
- xaar
With your positive attitude and pretty much flawless training if you don't crush a BQ time I'm going to insist that the course was measured too long!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love your thinking :)
DeleteOk, first off glad I am not alone with the emotional thing...THIS POST made me cry...
ReplyDeleteYou are going to do amazing lady! Can't wait to hear all about it!
I'm now happy to know I'm not the only emotional one here :) We are going to rock next week! :)
DeleteI'm getting choked up quite a bit about your race too. What the heck?!?!?! Honestly, I fought back tears running this morning thinking about you. So moved by you and this cycle, it's basically a dream almost come true. Love watching you goals and hard work panning out. It's good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI just want to fast forward to next Sunday. The anticipation is killing me.
Love the overload of endorphins you get when running a marathon (and in your case pre-marathon)! I remember when I was at mile 17 of L.A. Marathon and it was pouring rain, my shoes were soaked, and I was thoroughly drenched, but my legs seemed to be floating down the street with ease. Suddenly I realized that I would easily have a huge PR in just 9.2 miles and then the tears started flowing. I had to pull myself together and finish the job! Here's to lots of those moments for you next weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI love your story! And it made me cry. Thanks :) it's so nice to see our hard work realized. And man those conditions sounded crazy yet you kicked ass out there.
DeleteI'm so excited to see you KILL IT!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo!!! Good luck!!! Hope you enjoy the rest of your taper and RACE DAY!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you are so happy and I can't wait to see the outcome of your race (I predict awesome!). Have a great run tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI love your prediction. I'm going with that :)
DeleteYou are emotional because you know you have it in and you know you're going to BQ! I have so much faith in you! 8 more days! <3
ReplyDeleteYou are going to kill it! I can't wait for your recap!
ReplyDeleteWorking backwards on my blog reading! I feel like I'm coming from the future! SO EXCITING! Taper the hell out of the taper!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the race! You got this!
ReplyDelete