With nine days (OMG SINGLE DIGITS!!!!) until I find my place in my corral at Disney’s Tower of Terror 10 Miler, it’s time for the famous taper: stepping down the intensity of training so I can go into my run with fresh legs.
Slowing down has always been a bit of a challenge for me. I don’t feel right not pushing forward, shooting for my next long run or goal. However, I am not ashamed to admit that I am in new and uncharted territory and I am just going to have to trust the program, trust the training and trust my body.
My plan for this week is already under way:
- Monday: 3.1 miles with speed work, light weights
- Wednesday: 4.1 miles
- Friday: 3.1 miles, light weights
- Saturday or Sunday : 6-6.5 miles
Next week, I am hoping for the following:
- Monday: 3.1 miles
- Wednesday: 4-5 miles
- Friday: 3.1 miles
- Saturday night: Tower of Terror 10 Miler
And then, that’s it.
So strange… I’ve been working so hard and so long for this moment, and in nine days, it’s just going to be over.
I’m glad I’ve been building up my race calendar behind it, otherwise, I think I would feel so lost.
How do you handle taper week? Is it more of a chore or a welcome relief?
Do you train for one thing at a time or do you keep your calendar full so you can get right back to training when a race ends?
I am surprised that you are running the day before. But like you said trust the system. Well done….That is exciting. Looking forward to hearing how the race goes. 🙂
I thought about it a lot, and I think it will be worse for me if I don’t. Friday’s run will most likely be before 6AM, and Saturday night’s run is 10PM, so it’s kind of like a day off in between. I think it will help work some of my nerves out. I think. Maybe. I guess we’ll find out 🙂
Tapering and I usually have a negative relationship… I hate it. BUT I think I’ll be welcoming it this go around. Good luck on your race… you’re SO close!
Cori @ olivetorun recently posted…Do you focus on the why or the destination?
Taper was always a strange time for me when swimming in college. I would no longer be able to eat as much as I wanted! haha And my body just felt so strange too!
Nikki recently posted…Jimmy, JT, and JGL
Can’t wait to hear about it. You will do great.
Darlene recently posted…Three Things Thursday Dilemma
I like to keep races on my calendar so that when one is done, I move on to the next! Hope you have a great time!! I’m hoping to do ToT next year 🙂
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…Treat Your Feet!
I’m starting taper on Monday and am excited but also nervous for it! I’m afraid I’m gonna get cranky! Can’t wait to meet you!!!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…Listening to Your Body During Training
I can’t wait either! We have to exchange numbers so we can text and meet up! Don’t get cranky! It’s almost here!
I love to hate the taper! I KNOW it’s good for me and the right thing to do but ohhhh the waiting!! Just gets me that much more excited for race day. Good luck, you’ll kill it!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Looking for a Little Perspective…
And we all know how well I do with waiting! LOL! All part of the experience, right?
YAY! I am so excited for you!
I welcome taper week, it’s a nice time to relax and get myself into a race mindset.
I can’t wait to see your costume and hear all about it!
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Sport Hooks Giveaway!
That’s a good perspective to have. Thank you. <3
runswithpugs recently posted…taper time
I love a taper. I think the best feeling ever is having your longest long run OVER! ENJOY!
jan recently posted…Track Workout
Eeek! It’s almost here!
runswithpugs recently posted…taper time
You hit the nail on the head when you said that you have to trust the plan.
You put in the work, so there is no reason in the world you won’t rock your race!
Being honest though, I think all runners struggle with the taper. Not because we don’t mentally know it is the right thing but hey, we love our endorphins, and it’s hard to let that go.
Good luck!
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com recently posted…Is Now the Best Time to be Racing 10ks?
That must be it! Oh well. I’ll have plenty of endorphins coming my way in the weeks and months to come!
runswithpugs recently posted…taper time
Enjoy the taper and remember how far you have come!!
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…Book Review: The Selection
I’m trying! This week is going to be tough. I guess it’s a good thing that I’m contending with so much rain, because at least I won’t feel so guilty about not being out there.
runswithpugs recently posted…taper time
I love taper week! I am so jealous of everyone running Tower of Terror! I have to wait for Wine & Dine which seems soooo far away although I know it is only six weeks away. Good luck at the race I can’t wait to hear how it went!
April Shuping recently posted…Friday Update…On Sunday
I kind of wish I had chosen W&D! I mean, there’s always next year, but back when I started doing this running thing, I never thought I would be able to actually DO 13.1 miles. LOL.
I can’t wait for it to happen so I can stop worrying about it!
It’s almost here! Enjoy your taper week, and let those hard working legs rest and get ready for the race!
Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…Why I’ve Been MIA
Eek!!!! I’m trying! Resting is NOT my strong suit!