TAPERING

I am getting this to you now, so you can work on tapering (as much as we deserve to taper, and the ladder back down- we tend to doubt ourselves and get nervous that we aren't where we need to be- NOT the case at all). It is VITAL that we are completely rested for our 26.2 mile journey. Therefore, we NEED to reduce our distance. The last three weeks is when we need to seriously taper. Listen to your body, stretch, "less is best", clip your toenails, lots of water, healthy meals (you won't be burning as many calories, keep that in mind), sleep, and my favorite a massage, one for before (where they work on your legs) and one for after your marathon.

If you find yourself becoming extremely anxious, take a breath. Come up with a plan, and stick to it. Envision yourself on race day. Simple things like the outfit you are going to wear, how you plan to run your race. I like to break it down into "The Tens". I try to get the muscles flowing in the first ten miles, work hard in the next ten miles where I am really concentrating, and race the last 10k with everything I have left. I try to run negative splits, where I am passing runners at the end and not the one getting passed. It does so much for me mentally. My favorite is envisioning crossing the finish line knowing that regardless of my time, I did the BEST I could.

Even having a plan for what you are going to pack, so you don't have to think about it the few days before! Start now with a list! How about if you are running a marathon where you have never been before? When I raced in San Fransisco, I had all sorts of "things to do" printed out, in which I made while tapering, so when I got to CA I had a plan with lots of sightseeing! I called the hotel to see what they recommended, so when I arrived everything wasn't already sold out! Check out now if you can tour the course! I have done that, and I LOVE it!

As you taper, concentrate on reading books, magazine articles, or other materials that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. I have never seen Spirit of the Marathon, but I have it on Netflix so I can watch it on the plane to Chicago! I am so excited!

It is normal to feel anxious or nervous prior to a marathon. Even the most seasoned runners experience these feelings. Stay away from runners/ friends who are excessively stressed out or are negative. Don't let these individuals affect your state of mind. Personally, I have a few people who I won't be visiting the weeks prior to my race.

In these next few weeks, come up with THREE goals:
1. Easily obtainable
2. Realistic but challenging
3. your ultimate goal

With the list above, be flexible, and make it realistic, (for example, if you don't run sub 8's in a 10k, don't count on it for a marathon). Try to stay within these three goals during your marathon! KNOW that YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

We are prepared and ready. We have worked SO hard. TRUST in yourself that you have done the work. We need fresh tapered legs when we toe the line!! As always, I am SUPER proud on everyone in Boston Fit!!! Let's enjoy these next few weeks!

Tuesday Track

2 Mile warm-up

2 x 1200m @ 5K w/ equal time jog (800m)

2 x 1200m @ 10K, 5K, & 3K pace per 400m w/ equal time jog (800m)

1 x 1000m starting at 10K pace 1st 200m minus 2 seconds/200m each succeeding 200m

2 Mile cool-down

Harvard Track
5:30 pm

Garmin 405 watch

This is one thing that I could not live without. I use it on EVERY run! It gives me something to do on my runs (tells you your average pace, exact distance, it has a virtual partner in which I use when I race, etc). It has just about every feature you could think of! Best of all, it's super easy to use! No battery is needed, it comes with a charger!! It's linked to satellite, so I never have a problem with it, it's always right! The one time I had a problem with my watch, Garmin sent me out a brand new one, no questions asked!! A GREAT company, no hassles whatsoever!

Tuesday Track

6x 800 Run the 800 segments as follows: Let's work on negative splits!

Two mile warm-up.

First 800- Nice comfortable, working out the kinks from the 21 miles Saturday
Second 800- Current 10K pace
Third 800- working hard, 10k place
Fourth 800- Pay attention to the pace- make the next few faster than the prior ones
Fifth 800- Ready for these to be over, 5k paceLAST 800- HARD...

200 jog in between!

2 Mile cool-down.

5:30- Harvard Track

Got GU???

I was SO excited when I heard GU came out with a new flavor. I have heard awesome things about their new Roctane GU, and it certainly delivered! I take one at mile 16 (with 6 oz of water) and I can almost immediately feel the boost! It's my personal opinion that blueberry pomegranate is better than the vanilla orange. Make sure you test these out on long runs way before race day! It's the best way to stay fueled during a long run/marathon!

Chicago anyone?

Who is or has run the Chicago Marathon? I welcome all tips and suggestions for this race! A great place to eat (both for before and after) would be great! I am staying on the magnificent mile, pretty close to the start/finish!

21 Miles

I ran my last 21 mile run on the Arlington Bike path with the Boston Fit Team in preparation for Chicago. Starting at Alewife and heading down to Bedford and back. Nice, flat, out and back course! Took my GU at mile 14, and had tons of Gatordate and Water. Went right through my fuel belt, and then some! This was on Saturday in the torrential downpours, but these are the runs that I remember working so hard in while heading to the starting line! No major chaffing issues, as I lathered up with my body glide, (in which I don't know what I would do without). I can't wait for my massage on Wednesday!