Three weeks till marathon and I'm so happy I get to taper. I ran 21 miles yesterday and am relieved to say it wasn't too bad. My legs were fatigued, but I could have gone another 5.2 miles if I had to. I was worried about it, because my 18 miler last week was the run from hell. I was holding up my running partners and felt really bad about it. But yesterday, I held my own.
Belated congratulations to Beth, who ran the Twin Cities 10 mile,"the shortcut to the capital" and Michelle, who ran the Portland Marathon. And also Julie for running the RNR San Jose Half. Way to kick asphalt, Ladies!
I'm sitting in a coffee shop right now in Paso Robles and a bike group is hanging out. I talk to bikers as much as I talk to runners! I just met Steve, who is riding 200 miles this weekend in Solvang. He came in 4th last year and is hoping to do the same this year. It appears there is a sport called ultra-cycling--who knew? Steve just participated in the Furnace Creek 508. Their web site explains it better than I can:
"The Furnace Creek 508 race course is 509.58 miles long and has a total elevation gain of over 35,000', while crossing ten mountain passes, and stretching from Santa Clarita (just north of Los Angeles), across the Mojave Desert, through Death Valley, to Twenty Nine Palms."
Doesn't that sound like something Donald would do? Steve was in 7th place and delirious after riding 28 hours straight. He talked his crew into letting him quit and now he's mad at them. Apparently, the crew is supposed to let the rider rest before allowing him to quit. I told him about not finishing my first two marathons and commiserated with him. Although the only time I was ever in seventh place was seventh from the end!
The Nike Women's Marathon and half-M is this Sunday and I'm running it with my running friends here. Since it's so close to New York, I'm planning to use it as practice for marathon pace. BTW, Danielle is running the full marathon! Go give her some encouragement. I hope I get to meet her while she's in SF. My sister, Deni, is also walking the half this year. This will be her third year in a row!
My body has been pretty messed up for most of this training. I ache after every run. I've even started going to a chiro but didn't really like it much. I have trouble walking when I've been sitting too long. I just want to make it through New York and then take a nice, long break from running. Back to back marathon training has taken a toll on me. But it sure helps me fit into my jeans! :-)
10 comments:
Glad your 21 mile run went well. Are you running Nike full or 1/2? Regardless of which one, you are a running animal, my friend!!!
Sorry you did not like your chiro. I started to see one this year and love, love, love him.
I'm running the Nike half. There's no way I'd run two marathons within two weeks!
So when you take a break from running does that mean we can convince you to do the triathons??? :) Say hi to Danielle and enjoy the taper!
Ifind 18 to be a tough distance. That not too bad 21 miler will be a benefit in NYC.
I've never heard of ultracycling! But it doesn't surprise me that there's such an event. 28 hours in a saddle is a looooong time, though ...
Great job on your 21-miler. Do you take ice water baths after your long runs? They aren't pleasant for most but I find them to make a HUGE difference in my recovery from long/hard workouts and races.
Enjoy your taper!
Tapering .... magic word: heaven before the hell!
What about another workout together in Italy?
Great job on your 21 miler! I hope you have a great time at the half and that you enjoy the rest of your taper. I can't wait to hear about NYC since I'll be trying to get in next year. I'll have to take notes.
I would love to hear how the Nike half goes.. I am looking into doing that next year !! I just started running and find your blog inspiring !!! Thank you !!
Enjoy the taper!!!
What a great resource!
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