Tapering – So Much More to Give

Based on all the reading I've done about tapering, I can say that I am experiencing the classic reaction to my shortened runs – I want to go longer! My weekday easy runs this week are 45 minutes long and I'm managing 4.25 miles at an easy pace. I am feeling very strong and definitely want to continue running after I hit that 45 minute mark. But, I know it is important to follow my plan and give my body a chance to recover from the stress I've subjected it to with my 40, 45 and 50 mile weeks that have brought me to this stage in my training plan.

Race day is just 11 days away!

Happy and Safe Running,
John

Week 15: Marathon Training

Training For:
Philadelphia Marathon
Sunday, November 20, 2011

Week 15:

November 7 – 13, 2011

Day	Date	Session
Mon	Nov 07	45 min, Zone 1 – 2
Tues	Nov 08	45 min, Zone 1-2
Wed	Nov 09	REST
Thu	Nov 10	45 min, Zone 1 – 2
Fri	Nov 11	45 min, Zone 1 – 2
Sat	Nov 12	60 min
Sun	Nov 13	REST
Total		4.0 hr Run

Mon and Fri:
Optional Cross-Train Days

Week 15 of my 16 week marathon training program for the Philadelphia Marathon starts today. This is week 2 of my taper and after following the New York City Marathon on the news yesterday, I am getting more excited about race today. I just hope weather conditions are just as nice on November 20 as they were in New York yesterday!

Once of my highlights from last week's training was a 12-mile long run which I completed outside in 33 degree temperatures in Doylestown, PA. This was a good prep for me running in colder temps and feeling comfortable and warm with layers of clothing.

This week I need to stay focused on recovery, good nutrition, and sustaining my self-confidence!

Happy and Safe Running!
John

 

Tapering

Now I know how it feels to taper and cut back on the hours and miles logged in preparation for my first full marathon race! This was week 14 of my 16-week training program for the Philadelphia Marathon on November 20 and it also represented week 1 of my 3-week taper prior to the race. I logged 35 miles this week (that's 13 fewer miles than last week) and 6:30 hours (that's 2:30 hours less than last week). Included in this week's training schedule was a 12 mile long run which I did yesterday through Doylestown with a temperature of 33 degrees at start time!

Run: Long Run by jbaker614 at Garmin Connect - Details

Race day is just 2 weeks from today and I know the time will pass by quickly. I am feeling confident and ready knowing that I followed my training schedule religiously. This time last year, I would never have imagined running 15, 18 and 20 mile long training runs but I did it!

Today is an absolutely beautiful day on the east coast and the runners in the New York City Marathon must be enjoying this perfect day to hit the streets and pound out 26.2 miles. Good luck to all the New York City marathoners!

Happy and Safe Running,
John