It's taper madness here on the long road.
My first official 50k is Saturday. I am equal parts excited and scared for this first adventure, mostly with not knowing how to prepare and what to expect on race day. I'm nervous about the elevation gain - nearly 5,000 feet. I'm nervous about the weather - looks like a lot of rain is rolling in this week, which means muddy, wet trails and big waterfalls. Oh heck, I am nervous about everything.
To taper, I'll keep my runs to a minimum. Life got in the way last week and I only chugged out 18 miles over two days, so I've hopefully cycled through all the random aches and pains that seem to pop up when you finally give yourself a chance to rest. I'll do a couple of sessions of yoga to get everything moving well. I'm going to dial in my nutrition and hydration as well.
We can bring two drop bags and our warm clothes to leave at the start, so I have some thinking to do about how I want to manage my gear.
And in a final testament as to how tapering truly does make you mad, I went ahead and signed up for the Pacific Rim 24 Hour race the weekend after next. My only goal for that race is to run at least a 50k, thus securing my second goal - marathon maniac status. I'll have 24 hours to go 31 miles - I think I can do that!
What's the craziest thing you've done in your tapering madness? What is your secret weapon to taper like a pro?
This entire year is proof to my madness. I have everything planned from 5K, 8K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Triathlon, Duathlon, Relays and probably some other crazy dablings but I'm bound to figure out what I like best after this year. :) I am doing my first marathon and first triathlon in June. I just entered my taper weeks for the half marathon plan and I'm convinced that the cross training part will keep me satisifed. Less run but more swim, bike, yoga and strength for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI embrace the taper....good luck on Saturday!
ReplyDeleteSleep as much as possible, go to bed as early as you can. At least a half hour earlier than usual. Being well rested really helps on race day, and it gives you something to focus on during Taper Madness besides DID I TRAIN ENOUGH? AND MY LEGS FEEL WEIRD!
ReplyDelete