Taper Time!

Taper Time: We have finally entered the taper phase of our training. The next three weeks are all about survival and healing. What does that mean? It means many of us our hurting and tired (myself included). Our primary goal between now and the marathon is to start feeling good and to make our aches and pains go away.
It is very hard to do anything in the last three weeks of your training that will improve your marathon. It is very easy however to do something that could make it more difficult. By this I mean a new injury, or not letting an injury heal will set you back. You spent that last 154 days getting ready for this marathon. That is what will get you through the race, not the next 17.

Right now, listening to your body is more important than the plan. Don't use that as an excuse to not exercise, but if you are hurting, you simply must take advantage of the taper.
Here is a podcast about tapering from Runners World.

This Weekend: I know it is not very creative, but I will use the same 12 mile route we had two weeks ago. It helps to keep us close together, and is easy to adjust if anyone needs a shorter run. Plus it is a marked route. We will start at 7:30 from the Harris Teeter.

Race Shirts: For those not in Richmond last weekend, I have your race shirts! I picked up a few extras so I could make sure I got the right sizes. I will need to send those unused back to Don. I will have them at our run this Saturday, or I can get them to you during the week. Remember, wash them before you run in them unless you like chaffing. I will let you guess the color for this year.

Breakfast at IHOP: Andy had a great suggestion. Our last Saturday run is only eight miles, and it should be cool. In other words, we will hopefully not stink when we are done. Lets plan a team breakfast at IHOP after the run! (I think Andy just wants to show us he can still eat 51 eggs.
You may want to bring some sweat pants to pull over your running shorts and a jacket. I would also love to be able to get a picture of the team wearing our shiny new race shirts that day too! We have never had all 20 of us at a run. Lets try to pull it off this day.

Pre-race Team Gathering: Even though we discussed having a team social after the marathon, Ursula had a good point. If we can meet before the race it will give our families a chance to meet each other. This way on race day they will see some familiar faces while cheering. Plus, Ursula can offer some suggestions of getting around the course as a spectator.

So, you all have an invitation to join us at our house for hot dogs and hamburgers on Sunday 11/05 at 3:30 p.m. We will also provide "fix-ins" and drinks (I will have 5 gallons of blue poweraide. . . Kidding). Kind of an odd time, but I don’t want it to get too cold too quick. So I need to know:

• If you are coming
• How many
• What side item you can bring

Pasta Dinner: A few have asked about the Pasta Dinner. That information is available here.

I fully understand that those traveling with your families may not be able to attend because it get add up quickly.