Wednesday, October 25, 2006

The Start of the Sort-of Taper

Marathon #2 is in eleven short days. I guess I'm starting the sort-of taper as of tomorrow - I won't be running because I am going to two days of a three day conference and I'll have to leave the house way too early to get there on time. That means my mid-week mileage has dropped from 21 to 18 to 14, plus I am missing Pilates on Friday. For the weekend I am planning on 8 to 10 miles on Saturday, and 4 on Sunday. Next week I'll rest up some more with something like 4-4-4. I haven't decided whether I'll run a short one the day before, I didn't do it before Portland, but I'll wait to see what I feel like.

I'm getting a little excited and a little nervous. Typical pace for Jenny, Amy and Rick is much faster than my usual pace - they all want to slow it down and go easy for this race. However, just the idea of running with faster runners still worries me a little, even though they are very kind and assure me that my pace is "the" pace. On the other hand, running with those three is lively and a lot of fun. The only thing I've been struggling with during this training cycle is hydration. It was easy to drink enough when it was warm out, but I just don't feel like it when it's cool. I think I need to carry a thermos of hot tea with me - then I'd drink for sure. Might be kind of heavy though. I will have to force myself to drink that zipfizz regardless of the weather.

I am thinking that this small race will give me a whole new view of the marathon. There are water stations every five miles or so, though we are taking an early start and I was warned that the water stations will open in relation to the regular start time. Eric is planning to be home from his 50 miler and will start crewing for us about half way, which will be an enormous help.

Exactly three weeks later, I'll be taking on Seattle. I keep hearing about the Seattle hills - they don't really worry me, what worries me more is the unpredicatable weather. I've been at this race when it has been raining sideways and I've been at it when it was under a freezing sun. I don't care whether the sun is out or not, I'm just hoping for dry - I can't quite imagine running in the rain for 5+ hours. Either way, it too, will be an exciting race. It's back to the big marathon experience, running with another set of fast runners - Jenny again, and Lesa. Amy's running it too, but I'm not sure if she's sticking with us, or going it alone. If all goes according to plan, Amy will become a Maniac that day. (Just so you know, Amy is running UWR with us, a 50K the next weekend, then Seattle. Definitely Maniac material!) Jenny's plan is to slow down for these two races so she can finish three in two months and become a Maniac. In fact, since that will be the third race for all of us, we're kind of hoping we can get three consecutive Maniac numbers. Lesa is already a Maniac, but will be running this as a come-back race having had surgery a couple of weeks ago.

Kind of an amazing group of runners, aren't they? That statement is actually true of every one in our running club. They are fun, supportive at all levels and enthusiastic about everything running - and non-running too!

20 comments:

Jack said...

I joined a running group in July and have found it to be a very positive experience. It has also provided an easier way to get in some fast mileage, I just run with some faster runners. Good luck with your race!

tryathlete said...

Good luck with the taper. Hot tea on runs sounds wonderful!

Wes said...

That's really cool that you have friends like that. I almost wish I could run Seattle with you guys, but I'm not even ready yet. So, you are going to be a maniac? How cool is that? Your first marathon, then two more quick, and then a maniac? WOW! Try not to work too hard. Enjoy your taper. You KNOW you are ready.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are hooked up with a great group of runners

Sarah said...

You've certainly been bit by the marathon bug! : )

Ryan said...

I made up this little song up for you:

1 marathon medal on the wall, 1 marathon medal.
Cross the finish line and pass it around, no more marathons on the wall
No more marathons on the wall, no more marathons.
Go online and register for some more, 2 more marathons on the wall.

I bet someday it will get up to 99 = )

Congratulations….I wish you all the success on your next two marathons! If I register for a marathon on Dec 16th then I’ll be qualified for the MM Bronze level 3 in 3 months!! I guess a 50 miler doesn’t get you any bonus points!! Take care!

D said...

Impressive especially considering you did not know if you would be running your first marathon. Now you are talking about #3 after you complete #2 shortly. Wow.

Joe said...

Quite the fall for you Michelle...way to go! Enjoy your conference.

Do pay attention to the hydration. Yes, you may need to "force" yourself to drink some. You'll be glad you did.

Unknown said...

Yes, it is a great group of runners and without you guiding the rest of us the group would fall apart. (Sorry Eric!)

Taunya said...

You are a marathon maniac! Do hope the weather holds up for you!

Legs and Wings said...

Hey Michelle,

You have such a great attitude! Such a great group of runners there - take care of yourself.

Darrell said...

Its amazing to think that you just finished your firt marathon and now #2 and #3 are on the horizon. Having a great group of running buds makes all the difference. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

It is so much fun to have running buddies. Hope y'all have a great time at the marathon.

Sarah Elaine said...

Hope you have a great time at the race this weekend! I'll be thinking of you. Can't wait for the report!

JustRun said...

So cool about your runners group. I miss mine- we've vowed to do better about getting together next year.

Deb said...

Great blog! Love the cross training with Pilates...my favorite! Good luck in Seattle, its such a cool place.

runliarun said...

If you love running through stormy October, Seattle weather won't be much of a problem.

Mmem said...

Second marathon, wow!!! GL GL GL with your sort-of-taper:-) and have a safe trip. Very cool that your running buddies have agreed that your pace is "the" pace!

GL!

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for you. I wouldn't worry to much - your body will tell you when to drink. and I understand your anxiety - Tom swore my pace was his pace but we split at mile 16 during the marathon because I couldn't keep up - just go your pace and enjoy yourself and you'll have a great time. As far as hills go - when I ran in Alaska there was nothing but hills - just take your time and conquer one at a time and you'll be fantastic.
Good luck and can't wait to hear about the races.

Rose said...

Wow - how exciting! You have definitely been bitten by the bug. And yes, having a fabulous support group makes all the difference. Enjoy your taper and gather your strength - Seattle will rock!