Hey, I hope you had a great weekend! Did the temperature drop in your area? People are starting to break out their fall jackets since we’ve gone down to the 60’s. For me, this change couldn’t have come at the perfect time since next weekend will be the Rock and Roll Philly Running Festival! The 5K is on Saturday, and the half marathon is on Sunday! I’m in the final stretch!
Tapering for a Race:
While I have three half marathons and 2 10-milers under my belt, this is the first time I am actually tapering for a race. Tapering is defined as a significant drop in mileage that begins about 1-2 weeks before a long distance race. The purpose of tapering is to keep your legs fresh for the big day.
I’m so fortunate to have worked with Coach Kristy and to follow her training plan. In the past, I would follow something I picked up online or in Runner’s World and just blindly follow the mileage given each day. Three years ago, I distinctly remember running the 12 mile long run the weekend before my race! I certainly know better now!
I have to say though that is is weird to be back down to a reduced mileage. At certain points of my training I was running 4 days a week. Now, all I have left is a 2 mile run and the Rock and Roll 5K. I hope I don’t get too restless!
I’ve read that doing some exercise is good during the taper to keep yourself from getting too antsy. This was the first Sunday in a LONG time that I did not have to run…it does feel weird! I was considering doing some yoga this week, but I don’t want to worry about any soreness. I may do cardio kickboxing just for fun. How do you keep yourself occupied while you taper?
Week 10 Training Recap:
Monday 9/8: Rest Day.
Tuesday 9/9: I did a 40 minute Yoga Class on Yogadownload.com. I’m thinking ahead about post-training life and really want to get back into my practice. I am definitely still rusty!
Wednesday 9/10: 5 mile easy run with several 30 second strides in the last mile., 11:05 average pace. The strides were fun!
Thursday 9/11: Rest!
Friday 9/12: A busy day off with lots of errands, but I was able to get in plenty of walking in Center City as Bret and I had date night at the Beer Garden in Independence Hall. Philly is really showing out…too many fun options in the city!
Saturday 9/13: 6 mile run with 11:24 average pace. The last mile we kicked it up a notch. We went to my favorite place, Forbidden Drive. Perfect running weather!
Week 10 Report Card:
Well, this is pretty much it! I’ve only got 5 miles to go and just a few more days until the Rock and Roll Philly Half Marathon! I give Week 10 an A, since it was so easy! I still don’t know how things will go on race day, so hopefully Kristy and I will have a nice long talk very soon.
Stay tuned for my next post as I will share my race goals for the 5K and Half Marathon! Hope you have a great week!
Did you have any races this weekend? Are you enjoying the Fall weather?
I can’t believe your race is coming up already! Enjoy the taper – though it’s hard to dial it back, your legs will thank you 🙂
Thanks Michelle!
I can’t believe it’s already going to be here next week already. I am looking forward to the weekend as well. I am only doing the half on Sunday. I have a hard time tapering. I still may do a long run this week. -L
Good luck to you on the race!! It’s so close!
Good luck on your run!! Rock and Roll Philly is a great race!
Thanks a lot Sharon! 🙂
wow, time flies! Good luck this weekend. I usually just go for short walks around the neighborhood during taper time. Nothing too strenuous.
I know right? Thanks, I’m so close now!
Good luck and have fun!
Thanks Jenny!
The taper definitely can feel strange! It is funny how used to the Saturday long run we get! I am sure you will have an awesome race! Good luck!
Amy
Eclectic Educating
Thanks a lot Amy! It’s relaxing but a little nerve wracking at the same time!
Yay!! You’re getting so close. Gosh, glad I read this post. It allowed me to maybe reconsider adding in a taper when I get ready for my half! Such a smartie you are!
Also, this beer garden…I’m intrigued. My boyfriend’s birthday and I need something great to do! Would you recommend it just to stop by on the weekend? Maybe during the day?
Aw thanks Colleen! I think the Beer Garden has amazing atmosphere and fun for drinks, but the food is just eh….
Yay for the taper! Good luck on your race, you will be great! I am LOVING the Fall temps, this am it was in the low 60’s for my run and breezy, it was glorious!
Thanks Sara!
I ran a Ragnar Relay this weekend… so fun!
Tapering makes a difference. I didn’t taper for my last race, which was irresponsible… I’m just so focused on getting marathon mileage in!
That’s so awesome, I’ve gotta do a Ragnar one day! Glad to know tapering really does make a difference, it is hard to step back!
I get SO antsy with the tapering! maybe next time I’ll try some yoga or pilates? Good luck!!!
Oh man I never taper so I understand how hard it must be. Good luck on your half!! You are going to rock it!
You are going to do great at the RnR Philly. My running buddy ran it last year and while she won’t do it again, she enjoyed the experience. I also learned what tapering meant last year…I feel so in the know now. LOL. #wowlinkup
I love this time of the year for doing outdoor exercise activity. Tomorrow I will be doing the stairs at Swallow Cliff in Chicago. The stairs are too brutal to do when it is hot and humid outside. #wowlinkup