My last half of the year (scheduled so far at least) is this weekend. I'm excited for it and I'm trying to plan for a smart race. Two key factors are informing my decisions this week.
1. Spring has truly arrived. Seemingly overnight, temperatures have jumped up into the high 80s and the humidity is creeping back up as well.
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| This weekend's forecast. |
2. The huge bridge I'll have to cross twice early in the race is daunting, to say the least.
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| My quads already hate me for this. |
After the 5k on Monday, my right butt cheek and my right calf were really tight. The muscles were knotted up like crazy! I realized that this week's plan to run my local bridge as many times as possible was kind of stupid.
It's time to taper.
I returned to the golf course Wednesday for a very easy shakeout run of just two miles.
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| My calves were killing me the entire time. |
I eschewed a four-miler across the bridge for a flat, easy course with Kristin instead.
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| It's funny how much easier a run is when you've got a buddy with you! |
I'm drinking lots of water, using my foam roller and Stick, and basically taking it easy the rest of the week. It's time to get my legs into racing condition. They need to rest!...And I think they've kind of earned it.
Do you taper?
Are you racing this weekend?
Has spring arrived for you yet?
Go wish Lizzy good luck at the LA Marathon this weekend! She'll be dealing with super warm weather, too!
ABK
Yes I taper! Smartest thing you can do. I don't understand people who run right up until the race. You are right- your legs need it and deserve it. Any training you have acquired will only be ENHANCED from the added rest before the race. :) If I am serious about a race, I will not run for 3 whole days before the race. And a few days before that, nothing crazy. When you are running over that bridge your legs are going to be like, "Thank you for taking care of me!!!" GO GET IT, ALI!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember that you taper very seriously before a big race! Actually, that's something that convinced me to take tapering more seriously because I think you know your stuff!
DeleteYay! I mean obviously it sucks not being as active as normal. But I always try to wonder what I will be thinking during the dark moments of the race... Will I wish "oh, if only I had run a couple junk miles yesterday I would be KILLING it right now." No.
DeleteI actually rarely taper - during cross country, we only take Sundays off, even before big meets - we'll just do an easy run and some light lifting the day before a race. I would normally taper leading up to a half marathon (speaking like an expert even though this will be my first ;) but I've barely been running more than once or twice per week, so there isn't much mileage to decrease.
ReplyDeleteI think tapering for a short race isn't as necessary as for long-distance, when your legs really need to rejuvenate!
DeleteI never used to taper. Then I joined the running club and started running with people who actually take racing seriously and now my mindset has completely changed. Tapering is hard, but so good for you. Last week, I only ran a 4 mile race, but I took Saturday completely off of all exercise and ran about 20 miles less that I usually do in the week. I felt pretty good the entire race. It's crazy what some rest can do for your body. Good luck! That bridge does look daunting!
ReplyDeleteOoh yeah, running with people who train and race seriously is a good way to learn all the tricks, and I've noticed all the really good runners taper. It feels counter-intuitive, like doing MORE work would be better, but they know!
DeleteThanks for the shoutout!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're starting to loosen up as you enjoy your taper. Last minute hill work probably wasn't the best idea, but you know what? I did the same thing! It's hard to resist the impulse to just sneak in a little extra into the last workouts before a race.
Good luck this weekend! I hope you have a great race and I can't wait to read about it!
I hope LA went well!!!
DeleteYou've got this girl!!! I know when we run our city bridge in the summer...it's always steeper than it actually looks! Good luck....kill it...and I can't wait to read your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's so true; the bridge always looks easier than it is!
DeleteGood luck! Get some rest and I'm sure you'll rock it!
ReplyDeleteI follow taper to the letter for marathons. I try to taper a little bit for half marathons, but most of them are during a marathon training cycle so I can't cut back as much as I'd like. It depends on whether I have a big time goal for the race, but I usually taper for about a week leading up to a half, maybe do one speed work early in the week and then all easy miles leading up to the race. I NEVER run the day before a race, sometimes two days before - I personally think it's bad luck, plus I always perform better when I'm well rested. Like Meg, I also don't understand people who run right up until the race.
You're right about the time goal factoring in. When I'm only "running" a race as opposed to racing it, I may not taper as seriously as if I'm really aiming to PR or just REALLY race.
DeleteI hate tapering but I'm doing it right now in preparation for my big race next weekend!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your half - and have fun!!!
Oh, I hope your taper goes well! I know it can play tricks on your brain! haha
DeleteI taper, but I do a SHORT run the day before (around 2 miles) with a few pick ups. It gives me confidence. I think your legs will thank you for the taper! Go get 'em!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I do need a short run before a race to remind myself that I remember how haha.
DeleteAH that bridge!! Saw the IG post and the medal looked awesome...looking forward to the race recap!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm the weirdo that actually likes to taper! It's HOT HOT HOT here this weekend (for us!) and I've officially switched to the spring/summer clothes!!
The medal seriously made the ridiculous humidity worth it haha. I don't MIND tapering but sometimes I don't TRUST it. I like feeling like my legs are resting but I always worry I'll lose fitness if I taper the way most plans tell you to!
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