Tapering

Going into the last few weeks before the LA Marathon I kept hearing the word "taper". I knew basically that tapering meant we were going back down in the amount of miles we had been running. What I didn't understand was the way people said the word taper almost like it was a bad thing. I mean, come on, we're coming off of some huge runs, shouldn't we be happy to be running only 6 miles?

Well today I got it. All this extra time that I'm supposed to spend relaxing actually just gives me time to think and stress out about EVERTYTHING! Why could I run 22 miles just a few weeks ago but now 3 miles makes me feel winded? Why are my shins suddenly starting to hurt when I run? Are you sure that only running 6 miles this past weekend was a good idea? What if I trip and fall coming up the stair tonight and all this training has been for nothing? What if I get sick? Why do I feel like I've put on a few pounds? (Maybe because I want to eat #allthefood) What if my fueling doesn't work out? What if my shirt chafes me? What if I don't wake up on time? What if it takes me way longer than I anticipate?

 

But in the end I know that I did train enough. I know that my body is physically capable of taking me 26.2 miles. I know that my brain is capable of taking me 26.2 miles. I know that I cannot control the weather but I can plan for it. I know that on Sunday I will go out there and give it my all. I will do my best and I will be proud of what I accomplish.

 

Have you experienced taper madness? Let me know in the comments below!