Yes, it’s taper time, which is pretty much my least favorite time, but what can you do? After months and months of short runs, long runs, good runs, and bad runs, we are in the last week before my half. I can’t believe it.
Sunday – 1.25 miles, walking
I was still on that Daytona Speedway campout, so I couldn’t do more than take a spin around the infield on my own two feet. It was freezing cold, and windy, and there wasn’t much fun or cute about it. we call this “all the layers.”
After breakfast, we packed up and headed home. When I got to the house I literally shoved everything in the washing machine, took a shower, and then took a long nap. I was done.
Monday – 4.64 miles, walking
Yup. Another Monday in my neighborhood. I don’t like it. But I also don’t like cold down to my core, so I allowed it.
I am pleased to report that I wasn’t as sore or tired as I expected after two nights on the freezing cold ground. Nothing makes me feel stronger than coming out of those sorts of experiences completely unscathed.
On a fun note, A got to check out his new high school on his way to karate, and I’m glad for that.
Tuesday – 5.16 miles, running
J had a super early meeting, so we had to move our run to 5:00AM. It was fine. I was cold, sure, but
Tuesdays are also Taco days. I think the cold temperatures made their mark on my mini horse friend: he was super chill and cooperative, and I was grateful for that.
I skipped Scouts that night just because I needed a break.
Wednesday – 4.13 miles, walking
Technically, it was warmer, but we also had wind and rain that made things generally unpleasant. Not my favorite way to rise and grind.
I got myself cleaned up to go to The Donut Experience for their Yelp Elite week. We got to choose two custom donuts and a coffee, and it was a nice pick me up on a dreary day.
Thursday – 6.12 miles, running
J and I were back on track, although we were both feeling the freeze. Brrr. I wear shorts until we hit the low 40s, but it was windy and damp again, so I was chilly!
Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! I put together this yummy chocolate bundt with ganache, and it was really, really good. I don’t even love cafe that much, but this was two thumbs up.
We had a date night to use one of my Christmas presents! Dear Evan Hansen is a show I have been so excited to see, and it was finally time. We had a nice dinner and then it was off to the show. Honestly, it was better than I anticipated. The cast was incredible and it was so much better than the movie. Huge props to the cast and crew for a wonderful night.
Friday – 4.71 miles, walking
Cold (in the 30s). Rain (because Floridians never get snow). Blah. Give me a blanket and a good book. But of course, first there had to be a walk.
We had a quiet Friday afternoon and evening, and that was just fine by me.
Saturday – 6.21 miles, running + 1.11 miles, walking
Since it was going to be so cold (low 30s/high 20s), J and I agreed we would go out at 7:00 instead of 6. However, she hasn’t been feeling well, and when I picked her up, I could see that she wasn’t 100%. I explained to her that we’ve done the work, and the worst thing she could do for herself was get worn down before her first half. I sent her back to bed, struggled through six miles and then called it. It was too windy, and my face hurt.
We had dim sum for lunch, which was so fun!
And then it was back to cozy blankets and movies. We saw The Green Knight, which I loved (them not so much).
Goal-getting + Thoughts
So this week, I’m just going to take it easy. I’m going to embark on shorter runs, and my regular walks, and that’s about it.
This week, we have A’s Court of Honor (he has earned Life Scout, and a whole slew of merit badges), and I have a virtual book club today. I also need to make our shirts for the DONNA half marathon on my Cricut, and get everything packed for that.
It will be hard to rest and wait for race day. I know I’ve been down this road before, but it’s been so long and those nerves are real.
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
How was your week in training? How do you feel about taper time?
Happy tapering! You can do it!
What’s the book for book club?
I can’t believe you had temperatures like ours here, that’s really shocking to me!
This month was Hour of the Witch, by Chris Bohjalian. It was AMAZING.
Congrats to your son! I totally thought of you yesterday when I was on my walk in the forest preserve. There were a bunch of boy scout troops CAMPING! Yes, winter camping is a thing and I’ll let you chew on the idea of tent camping in the snow and subzero temperatures…
Excited for you to run your race! Good luck!
They actually used to offer a special patch if you camped below certain temperatures, but I don’t know if they do that anymore. I would think the snow would insulate? I don’t know.
Oh yes, it got cold! Even all the way down here (although not quite as cold as you.) I think it’s going to warm up as the week goes on.
The good thing is, it sounds like you have some projects to distract yourself this week (congratulations to A!) I hope your friend is okay- it’s her first half? How exciting!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Her very first! I’m so proud of her!
That is cold for you all. Looks like a solid week for runs and tasty treats. Happy tapering
Soooo cold!
I always need a nap after a trip or camping 🙂 Great job getting in all your miles and sending healthy vibes during the taper. Race day is almost here!
You really did have cold weather! I’ve gotten up at 5 a few times recently, but I haven’t been out the door that early in ages — good for you for getting it done!
Those donuts look amazing!
I’ve proabably told you our son is an Eagle Scout. When his class had their 8th grade campout (three days of camping bliss at a nearby nature preserve), they had two days of rain and storms one of the evenings. He (and the few fellow Scouts) were the only ones not scared, LOL. Many parents got calls to pick up their kids for an “evening at home.” On another note, I’m one of few who embrace the taper. It’s a great time of reflection and peace-of-mind becasue all the work is done at that point.
You are correct – rest is very important before your race day! I hope your friend is feeling better and isn’t worried about missing out on those miles. You are ready for this race!
Nothing makes your bed feel better than camping on the ground. ha! I was so happy when we got our first camper and got off of the ground.
I’ve run over 50 half marathons and I still get nervous.
You got this.
Loved that show too. Glad you got to see it.
Great week if it includes donuts and cake.
Looking forward to your race recap.
I love the taper but I knew you wouldn’t. Good job talking J down! That’s definitely the right call.
Sorry about all the cold. It’s hard when you’re used to warmer weather.
I hope everything goes great this coming week. You are ready!
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Outside 2; TM 1: 1/14 – 30 WRD
Wow you really did have your fair share of cold weather this week!
Those donuts look so tasty…and that cake!! How in the world did I miss nat’l chocolate cake day?!
I’m so not a fan of taper time either – too many imagined aches and I start obsessing about whether I did enough in my training. Such a head game! You’ve got this – sounds like both you and J are ready!
I’ve heard so many good things about Dear Evan Hansen but haven’t seen it yet. It’s on my bucket list for sure.
OMG that cake looks amazing!
Happy taper! I hope your friend is able to rest and recuperate before race day. The hay is definitely in the barn. Congrats to A! Wow on visiting his high school already. I swear time flies.
Runs like your Sunday run make you stronger, especially mentally. It may have been cold and boring, but you learned that you can do it and you might need to lean on that when a race gets hard sometime. So here’s a high five for you!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…2022 133-Mile North Key Largo to Key West Tour Recap
You are correct!