Tapering for Race Day – Jacqui

Every week up until this point had been additive, I was running longer and longer distances than I had ever run before. Since this is the first week of my taper, every run this week was shorter than last week’s runs. What a difference! The runs were easier and faster than ever before. After such an easy week, I was nervous that I would under estimate the long run of 12 miles on the weekend. The sting of barely making it through week 5’s long run of 13 miles is still very fresh in my memory. But even my long run of 12 miles seemed ridiculously short and fast. I can’t believe it is me talking this way, I must be possessed by running aliens. I once again ran on the Marathon course, parking in the middle and running out and back in both directions – making each leg only three miles. My running mascot, Rowen, joined me again on the first half of the run. Rowen runs as if she was made to do this and her energy is contagious. This week was the first time she did any hills and she kept her pace nice and strong for the whole “fire station hill” in Newton. I will miss her attitude and vigor come race day. I spent most of my long run mentally preparing for race day. I noted what cross streets landmark the start and peaks of the big hills. I also started thinking about where along the course would be good places to see friends and family. I just finished reading “26 miles to Boston” this week. It is a book that talks about the history, topography and challenges of every mile of the Boston Marathon. It was written by a man who ran Boston as a bandit first time marathon runner. The author talks about how uplifting and emotional it was for him to see specific people at designated places along his run. The author’s brother even jumped into the race at mile 21 and finished the last five miles by his side. I spoke with a few marathon runners that I know about this idea, and it seems to be pretty common for a loved one to jump in on your first marathon for some motivational support in the last miles. What an amazing idea! If only I knew someone who could run five miles AND someone who was willing to be around me while I am running longer and harder than ever before in my life…