Today the plan called for 4 miles at an easy pace. It was already 75 degrees when I was getting ready, so I filled my Amphipod with nuun and headed out the door. I was doing a fairly flat route, so I figured I’d aim for about a 10 minute pace. I hit my first mile in 10:01 and was wondering why my legs were feeling like bricks. I picked it up just a little for mile 2 – 9:46. About halfway through mile 3, I started feeling really fatigued. Of course, my little brain is going “it’s not that hot. How do you expect to run 26.2 miles when you can’t even run 3? Gosh, my legs are tired. I’m so gonna suck at this marathon. Maybe I needed more sleep? Maybe I should have eaten something different for breakfa… oh, wait, maybe I should have eaten something for breakfast.” I realized I had eaten nothing but a half a cup of coffee and the crust from Shoo’s slice of bread since 7 pm the night before. I got up at 6:30, got everyone ready for school (except apparently, me), walked the mile or so from our house to Jones’ school to Shoo’s school, run a half mile home from Shoo’s school, and headed out on my run at 9:00am- all without any food. No wonder I was feeling fatigued! Duh.
I keep panicking about the fact that my last long runs were a few days earlier than they were scheduled. I had to run them when I had time. Three days should not make a difference, but I keep wanting to run “one more” long run. Thankfully, it is really warm here and 4-5 miles seems to be all I can crank out right now. I’d be upset about that, but since the all-knowing plan says 4-6 is all I should be running at this point, I’m talking myself off the ledge.
Instead of running, I’ve been shopping. I discovered this morning that the limiting factor for workout related laundry is running bras, so I picked up a new one at Old Navy today. I also picked up a cute little skirt because I’ve made a not so pleasant discovery. The training has stolen my cleavage and returned my waist to pre-kids size, but has made my thighs the size of a weightlifter on ster.oids, except not quite as cut. (I was going to include an image, but all I have to say is be careful when you google muscular thighs.) All of my shorts are too big in the waist and too tight through the legs. Lovely, I assure you. So, guess this spring will be the spring of the casual skirt for me.
I’ve also been doing a lot of reading. So far I’ve read Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
hang in there! Your almost there! Your doing great!
Tapering is such a head game, isn't it? Although, being under-fueled certainly had something to do with it. Have you looked at a forecast yet for your race? (I always try not to but usually can't help it!).
Enjoy the taper!! But remember to eat! 😉
Good job getting out there this morning. I headed out for 4 miles about 11 and it was hot. I drank most of my water before the halfway mark. Don't worry about what days you did your long runs. You've done them and now it's just maintaining until the race. I know you'll do great!
It's not a bad thing that you finished your long runs a few days early! I always run out of time and squeeze them in too close to the end and I'm sure that's much worse. You'll be great!
Haha that's the taper for ya!! I'm the same way, its like "why can't I run 3 miles right now?" Or I think I'm running really fast and look down and see I'm a minute slower than I thought. But the legs always come back for the race!!!
lol – I'm the same. I routinely forget to eat breakfast, which is bad, but I'm so busy getting the boys ready for school or church or whatever that by the time I finally get myself ready and out the door I'm always wondering why I'm STARVING until I realize that all I've had so far is two cups of coffee…
Ahh, taper madness. Right there with you!
My taper madness is just starting this week… good times. And same exact problem with the legs vs waist ratio. Summertime is time for skirts and dresses whether I like it or not!
sounds like you found some good ways to stay occupied during the taper, I didn't know Old Navy had sports bras! I'm a skirt girl too….
You're almost there…this time is always the worst!! I'll have to go and google muscle thighs now, you peaked my curiosity ;).
Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! – the overthinking will do your head in. Turn your brain off and relax.
so sorry we missed each other this weekend, boy was it nutty.why is it that we all get ourselves so mentally crazy during taper…maybe we should all take up knitting
I say enjoy it the taper 🙂 You know I panicked with suddenly having an extra week, I did do an extra longish run, who knows if it helped or not – probably not! But the marathon turned out great!
hang in there!
Tapering is maddening, but you're gonna do great. No worries.
Taper madness is so real. And I've only done halves. I like taking trips to Target for a distraction. Movies are bad, my mind wanders.
You sound very ready! My favorite sports bras have come from Target lately. No chaffing!
You're soooo ready! End of story 🙂
Those taper thoughts will make you crazy! I do the gee this 3 miles was really hard how I am going to run 26 almost every day. 🙂
You are ready for the marathon- ready, I tell you!:)
Hang in there! You are going to do great!
You should send me an email so we can discuss your shirt. Hopefully you still have the address.
I've seen some plans say that a 4 week taper for a marathon is ok, so you're more than set. Your long runs were strong, and as long as you keep moving (especially with some hills) you'll be ready for race day. I know it's still far out, but the forecast currently calls for 66F and dreary for race day, which is heaven. We can only hope!
I have to remind myself to eat at the best of times, I can't imagine where I'd be pre-marathon! Hopefully it will cool off by race day!
LOL on the changes to your body from training:) I have also lost so much of my girls and have the same issues with my waist and thighs! You just made me feel better..my favorite jeans are tight in the thighs and I am not happy about it:( I like my running skirts too.As far as the taper goes…just try to enjoy it! You are ready and you will do wonderful on your upcoming marathon!! You can do it! Keep that positive attitude and remember to smile…it helps:)
Shopping is a great way to beat taper maddness!Skirts are better than shorts anyway.
Finally got you added to my reader! Taperities is FUN. All of those thoughts going through your head – enough to give you a coronary.Can't wait for your and Lauren's recaps!!