Here we are, two weeks out from the Chicago marathon! I’m feeling okay, despite a terrible run this weekend.
Looking back, I can see why it wasn’t one of my best. Normally before a long run I’ll take a rest day but instead, last Friday I did an intense MetCon3 (metabolic conditioning) class that had me a bit sore Saturday morning. That, paired with not the cleanest eating on Friday night left me feeling sluggish the moment I woke up. I woke up feeling full on sick but had plans to meet up with two friends to run and didn’t want to skip out one of my final long runs.
[route took us over a foot bridge to Randall’s Island]
So instead of listening to my body, I forced myself up and started my 12 mile run. From the moment I started I knew it would be bad, but I stuck with it, even walking a bit towards the end. When I got home I was completely void of energy, had the chills and spent a long time on the couch.
After a good long rest, I started to feel more like myself (baking these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies helped heal me too!). I had a low key evening, taking a walk through Central Park to the sounds of Beyonce playing at the Global Citizens Concert and came back to the couch to watch Pitch Perfect 2.
Despite this rough run, I know why it was bad and I know what not to do moving forward. Along with that, lets talk about tapering. During the final weeks leading into a marathon, tapering is key to ensure your energy levels are high and your muscles and well rested. While it may seem like a bad idea to cut back on mileage 2-3 weeks prior to a race, like you may lose your fitness ability, that’s not the case. Studies have shown that aerobic capacity will not change in those 3 weeks and immune function and muscle strength improve, plus you stand less of a chance of getting sick right before the race.
You can read more about tapering HERE, including a long list of training and tapering tips. One of those tips is two weeks out get the new shoes you’re planning to race in and start to wear them in on your runs. I did just that, sticking with the same style of shoe I’ve been wearing for the past few months, the Saucony Triumph ISO. These are super cushiony and roomy, yet structured and secure.
[clean new shoes, next to my old ones, ready for retirement]
[you’ve been good to me! you got me through an Ironman 70.3 and many many training miles. thank you for the good times!]
[my gear prepped for Saturday’s run]
As my taper continues, do you have any pre-race tips? Share them below!
