Its hard to believe (as i’ve already noted) that its time to start the taper for Steamtown. 15 weeks has gone by like nothing, but my body does need to time to recover. I happily finished 22.25 miles yesterday, and the most amazing part is that I asked myself towards the end, “can I do another 4 miles?” … I said to myself, yes, I could. It would be rough and by that point I was averaging a 10min/mile, but I knew I could make it. Steamtown is realistic, and I know if I stick to what I know, I can complete it. Like both big races before this, TRUST YOUR TRAINING! I intend to.

Despite the happiness of the 22 miler, and added 10 mile pace this morning, this was the final day before the taper, I did suffer some aches and pain, and i’m watching my ACL right now … I think i’m getting a little tendinitis in it according to Cool Running. I’m going to take it easy naturally, and do what they suggest. It shouldn’t hinder my ability to run steamtown as I have no intense running left in me.

Its time now to focus and post some ‘taper tips’ to keep myself on course as my body starts to heal. I think back of all the injuries I have had, the aches, the pains, the early mornings, hot days, cold days, etc …. basically, its time to reflect. I’m not sure how I am going to approach this, but I’ll think of something. I’m cutting back the weight-lifting at this point, along with the cross-training per Hal’s suggestions … I hope that doesn’t hinder me, but I’ve followed him all this way, why not continue. I’m going to post a seperate post with all the marathon taper tips i’ve found throughout the web …..