Monday, October 30, 2006

Five Days till Marathon #2

Taper is in full swing! Last week was more of a taper than I really needed - only 29 miles total. Oh, well, I'll be well rested this way. I finished out the week with 10 on Saturday and 5 on Sunday. Those two runs might have been at a little faster clip than normal for me - seemed like we'd pick it up, and pick it up, then we'd get a walk break, I'd catch my breath and we'd start out slow. Before long, we'd be picking it up again. I am really going to have to watch it this weekend or I'll burn out before the end.

My plan for this week is as follows: 4-4-4, nice and easy, Pilates today and Friday, 3 on Saturday, marathon on Sunday. The rest of my plan is to eat well, including a banana and a zipfizz every day (except today, because I've already missed my shot - I can't drink an energy drink too late in the day), drink lots and get enough sleep. I'm focusing on the zipfizz and banana in an effort to keep my potassium in balance - the meds I take for my heart and blood pressure, combined with running and sweating, tend to mess it up. Potassium supplements are not allowed with the medications - too much is just as bad as too little. The banana/drink combo seems to do the trick, if I keep it up. If I miss, the consequences are cramping muscles and a skippity-do-dah heart beat. I haven't been paying attention lately and have been feeling it, hence the focus. Just in case you are curious, here's the potassium content for a couple of things: potato 720 mg, banana 806 mg, zipfizz 905 mg. RDA is 3500 mg. (I'll make up for today's missed zipfizz with a baked potato!)

We had a nice, relaxed weekend around the house. Riley and Heather had dinner with us Saturday night and then we watched a movie together (after the kids ran out to get ice cream for us). Sunday morning was low-key with a run and coffee, followed by a few afternoon chores, then Eric and I headed into his job for an hour or two. He worked, I read. The highlight of the weekend followed: the phone rang and it was Craig - he was at his hotel and ready for dinner. We picked him up and met Rob at the restaurant for a couple of hours of visiting. Although our time was short, we really enjoyed the chance to meet Craig in person, and talk for a while. Hopefully, he'll be back for a little longer trip next time, and we'll have a chance to get him out for a run.

19 comments:

Sarah said...

The advantage of teenagers...they can run errands for you! : ) Enjoy your taper!

Unknown said...

Rest is good. I plan on running Wednesday. You know, our usual speed work session.

E-Speed said...

Enjoy this week of resting! Good luck at the marathon!

Jack said...

Thats good to know about the potassium, I need to keep an eye on that too. Enjoy your rest and good luck with your marathon.

Anonymous said...

Crikey, that sounds scary about those heart beats. I would tell you to be careful, but I know that you are.

Wes said...

I'm excited for you! Keep in balance!!

Ryan said...

Sounds good. Have a great marathon on Sunday...looking forward to reading all about it!

tryathlete said...

Where does tofu jerky feature in the taper?

D said...

Good luck Good luck Good luck Michelle!

D said...

what is zipfizz by the way?

susie said...

I can't believe you are running another so quickly! Good luck and have fun for sure!! And thanks for all your good wishes, too:)

Olga said...

Hey, Maniac, let me know if Eric is coming over and needs directions. And be gentle to Rob on Wed run:)

Anonymous said...

sounds like a great weekend. enjoy the taper.

Joe said...

Good discussion on potassium balance. I didn't realize a baked potato had similar K levels to a banana...good to know. And good for you sorting all this out!!

I'm excited for you moving into the taper mode...have a great rest of week...I like your strategy of sleep and water!!!

Anne said...

My favorite taper food is sweet potato. Loaded with good stuff and tasty. I still can't believe you're already heading into your second marathon.

Anonymous said...

Best wishes on your marathon prep. I appreciate you and Eric taking the time for dinner Sunday evening and for your flexibility to accomodate my schedule. I do plan a post on our time together but needed to get the first run and post in on the new beginning. I have no doubt you will achieve maniac status.

Dori said...

Good luck on Sunday, Michelle! Rest is good--it will make you strong. I'm looking forward to your race report.

Rose said...

Wow - that sure came up fast! Good luck - looking forward to the race report!!

runliarun said...

Achieving maniac status? It's a done deal. I wish you'd tell us more about Craig in person, a living legend. But then legend always eludes us...