No Recap... Just thoughts re Taper, Training and Time

I have documented my marathon training all the way through, but another day-by-day recap just seemed so tedious this week. It was nothing too exciting. I'm tapering, so mileage is down. I hit most of my runs, got in some speedwork, but skipped Friday completely. Just felt so tired and off. Couldn't get my long run in Saturday and barely squeezed it in Sunday morning. Had to cut a mile off to make it to church on time, but overall was satisfied with the week.

Despite being reasonably satisfied, I have been really "off" with my training. I know everyone handles "taper" a bit differently. Most people I have talked to are very fidgety and have a hard time keeping their mileage down. I seem to be the opposite. Last week I didn't want to run. At all. It just didn't sound appealing. I didn't run one single morning. I did get 3 lunch runs in and those felt good during/after, but gearing up for them was so much more of a challenge than I'm used to. I dreaded my long run this weekend, even though it was only 12 miles. 

I don't know if it is just being sick of training of if it's all the extra stress of adoption stuff (not to mention parenting 5 other kids...) but I don't like it. :( I miss how I felt the first few weeks of training - so excited to knock out the planned workout and put a big check mark on my list. After I broke my toe, things went downhill fast for me, at least mentally. My peak two weeks of training were almost entirely shot. I never hit 40 miles/week ever (and probably should have hit 50 at least once...) I went from training for a 10:30 avg pace to HOPING for 11 min/mile.   And, frankly, just hoping to finish in one reasonable piece. Kind of a bummer.

On the upside.  I never skipped a long run. I did shorten a few minimally, but never a major one (i.e. 17+ miles).  Instead of only one 20 miler per my plan, I did a 20 and a 22. My 22 was one of my best long runs. I have done my best to do speed/tempo runs as planned and have incorporated hills into many a regular run and even long runs. 

In less than 2 weeks, I tackle 26 miles either way.  If it have to, I'll jog, walk or crawl across the finish line. I'm earning that stupid medal.  :)

Yesterday I skipped my run.  Shocking.  But today I was determined to get up and get the tempo on my schedule done. And you know what? It was glorious. It was exactly how every run should be. I hit paces that were fast (for me) so much easier than much slower paces last week. I felt fast and challenged, but it was a lot easier than I expected. It was exactly the mental boost I needed.  

And I am remembering why I love to run. 

Oct 21 can't come fast enough :)