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!