I’m walking slowly today.
I’m sore from my weekend runs and I’m also glad that I am beginning my taper this week.
I started thinking (worrying) about my weekday runs this week. I am only averaging between 5 – 6 miles a day during the week. I hear from others that they run 8 – 10 miles a day and I started freaking. Finally I brought myself back to reality. I just don’t have the time or ability to run more than 5 -6 miles a day during the week. I get up around 4:00 AM and most days can’t begin my run until after 4:00 PM. By then I am tired and it is usually about a million degrees outside (okay, that is an exaggeration).
So without really thinking about it, I’ve created my own running plan. I run about 20 miles during the week and 30 on the weekend. I think this will work for me and even if it doesn’t, I have no choice.
So this weekend I got to run Saturday with Neill (and a little by myself) for a total of 13 miles. Then Sunday I ran by myself for another 15 miles. So for my 50 mile week, I ran 22 during the week and 28 on Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully the longer mileage weekend will benefit me during my marathon in 2 weeks.
I plan on running about 35 miles this week as my taper begins. I hope to run 25 during the week and on Sunday and if Neill is running a long run again this Saturday, 10 miles with him.
All in all I don’t think I could have worked much harder to prepare for this marathon. I hope to never run a marathon in September again as it is way to hard to prepare in the heat of the South, especially since I have to run in the afternoon. I really think TJ and I are ready for the race and I look forward to finishing it… hopefully in 3:29:00. 🙂
278 to Boston 
Stay strong. You’re finished the most demanding weeks.
I do feel a bit beat up at this point, but I know that isn’t unusual. Thank you for the encouragement! It really helps.
I probably average driving 5 miles per day 😎
Ha! That helps put things into perspective!
I think your mileage sounds fine! I’m using the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan, and the weekly mileage on that maxes out at 36 miles for the week. I have a plan using Runner’s World Smart Coach (to help with pacing) and that one, though the mid-week miles are in the 8-10 range, still only max to 46 miles for the week. It’ll be interesting to see how your body (and mind) start reacting to tapering after all this work!
Thank you. That helps. My mileage is where I want it, but just not how I originally planned. I do think it might work for me in the sense of giving me 2 longer days a week rather than 1 long day. Anyway, I am interested in how I’ll react to tapering also. My body really needs it!! Good luck with your plan. Sounds smart to have 2 options.
Treat yourself well during this taper period. I was injured in the last few weeks leading up to my marathon, which forced me to cut (even taper) mileage. I was a wreck, but my sports massage therapist told me that I didn’t need those miles. They’re icing on the cake and keep you loose, but you’ve already done the work that you needed to. The important thing is to let your body rest so that you can give your all. I guess my point is–listen to your body as you run these taper miles, because you are already ready and will KILL IT!
Thank you!!! You are so encouraging to me and I’m glad you are a part of my blog! I understand what you are saying. It is crazy the amount of philosophy “out there” about tapering. I’ve read everything from zero miles the last week to 30 – 40. I will do what you say and listen to my body and work at not getting hurt. I’m sorry about your injury, that must have been very difficult!!! Thank you again.
You do what you can with your schedule. I only run 6-7 in the mornings during the week because of time constraints. And I doubt I will make it out of the 40’s this training cycle. But you know what? My body is responding well and that’s all I can ask for.
Rest up, listen to your body, and take it one day at a time. Remember – you want to be healthy at the starting line!
Very true. A healthy body is probably the most important at this point. I’m glad you’re doing well with your training. I think some of my questioning is the fact I have never run a marathon before, so I don’t know how much is enough. I go back and forth in my mind about training, but I do feel better now. THANKS!!!
You’ll be fine. Don’t let it get to you.
Thank you. So much of running is mental!!! I appreciate the encouragement.
You are getting so close eeek! You’ve got this! 🙂
I can’t believe that two weeks from now it will all be a memory!! Thanks! I hope you’re right. 🙂
I know right!? I am so, so excited for you and I know you will do great! 🙂