The Homestretch

This taper has been weird. During my taper period for the Chicago Marathon last fall, I was nursing a foot injury every day and filled with anxiety. I was nervous about my prospects for finishing. Could I run 26 miles? Would my foot flare up on me? Would I hit the legendary "wall" at some point? Physically and mentally, I really needed that taper though to get ready for my first marathon.

This time? I'm not so sure. Physically, I feel great. I've had some issue with my right hamstring and glute and left ankle during this spring training. All of that seems to have healed and gone away now. Mentally, though, I actually feel like I've lost the edge a bit I had a few weeks ago before the taper. I'm not as focused and tuned in. The marathon almost seems like an afterthought now even though it is 5 DAYS AWAY!! Maybe this will turn out to be a good mental break from obsessing about the race every day.

The experts say to taper so I'm trusting the plan. In Plan We Trust. Ole Hal hasn't let me down yet.

Once again, I'd like to thank the Wife for putting up with my running hobby. She has to deal with not one, not two, but 3 marathons over the next 8 months and all the training time it will take to complete them. I also know she doesn't quite understand why I want to do it...or blog about it...or read about it...but goes along with it anyway. Thanks again for all the support. One day, I promise, I'll get my fill of running. I just don't have any idea when that will be just yet.

If only I worked this hard at my career....but that's a topic for another day...

I receive support from many different places (including a hilariously odd conversation with a complete stranger in Target one day) so, for fear of leaving someone out, I will not list folks here. Anyone that has given me encouragement, I remember and appreciate. I especially appreciate the few folks who stop by my blog and offer encouragement. It's nice to read thoughts from others going through the same process.

However, I would like acknowledge Mike. In my family, I'm a first generation runner so it's nice to have a friend whom I've known for years to exchange thoughts with as we go through the rigors of training. I look forward to tracking your continued improvements. I think you'll make a huge leap this summer if you are able to keep after it!

For everyone else, keep running. Most of the battle is just getting the shoes laced up and heading out the door.

Bayshore is going to be great. Besides, what else would we be doing from 7-11 am Saturday morning?