Cutest little torture device ever. At least my wake-up time isn't as early as the person who owns this little guy.
So now begins the first week of taper time. Actually this week doesn't look any different than a normal week of training. My weekly runs stay the same: 8mi T-R with speed work today and tempo running on Thursday. My long run gets cut back to 16 miles which actually seems pretty easy after the 3 20's. Next week starts the real "taper torture" cutbacks. I'll still do speed and tempo runs, but the overall mileage will start to come down.
Matt at Kitchen of a Runner recently posted an article that's relevant to all of us who are tapering or about to taper for fall races. It's nothing really "new" but a timely reminder that more running doesn't equal better performances if it means being overtrained or injured. I know it will be especially tempting for me during the last week when I'm getting that itchy/antsy feeling (energy? what's that?) to not tack on a few extra miles during the week.
One question I do have about tapering though is, when do you stop doing strength training before the marathon? My workouts aren't particularly taxing, but I definitely don't want to strain something or drop a weight on my foot, etc. Any advice from experienced racers/marathoners/people who like to give advice without having a clue what they are talking about (me!)?
