I found some good advice from around the internet on different strategies during the taper phase … I followed them when I did the diamond run, and they seemed to work ..

During the taper phase … DON’T:

– run longer or harder than your schedule calls for. (less is better than more, I’ve already broken this one though 🙂 )

– stress over things you cannot control (the weather will be what it is…prepare for it and make the most of whatever is thrown at you)

– try anything new. (that means food, shoes, supplements, drugs, etc.)

– walk around the house barefoot in the dark. (you want a broken toe?)

– think that “race day magic” will allow you to sustain your 10k race pace for long distances. (take some time to be objective about your fitness. be prepared to adjust to race day conditions)

– fail to thoroughly plan logistics. (There should be no “traffic made me late” or “I was in the porta-potty line when the race started” excuses)

– shake hands with or kiss strangers (they are all trying to give you their colds and flu)

– think negative thoughts. (you’ve done the hard work, so TRUST YOUR TRAINING. visualize all the things that lead to success)

– Obsess ofer those aches and twinges that seem to be coming out of nowhere for no reason (god do I have them!)

– Don’t go on a diet thinking that you can lose a couple pounds in time for the race. . . you still need fuel so your body can repair itself for the big day

The line I highlighted above is trust your training, I had a hard time with that last fall when I didn’t trust it. As I head into the week of reflections before the race, this will be critical. I have many things to reflect on in this training period, so i’m looking forward to it. I trust my training, even through the struggles I had made me train a little easier than I had intended, I think i’m ready!