I’ve made it through … the last real run before the marathon (saturday is just a short easy jog). This also means it carbo-load time! It will be three days before the marathon tomorrow, and we’ll start with probably some french toast or something. I’ll continue with pierogies and then spaghetti again on Friday … then per some recommendations i’ve read, i’ll start to taper that down even. The important thing is water water water … keep the water coming. I expect to put on a few pounds of water/carb weight, which will benefit me when it comes time to run …

So tips eh, maybe you google’d for how to taper, and looking for tips? Here are mine … (originally compiled back when I was training for the 9-mile Diamond Run years ago!) These are the things not to do during your taper …..

1. 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) — I’ve got this one down
2. try anything new. (that means food, shoes, supplements, drugs, etc.)
3. walk around the house barefoot in the dark. — you want a broken toe or a bruise???
4. think that “race day magic” will allow you to sustain your 10k race pace for 26.2 miles — this is the hardest
5. forget to take some time to be objective about your fitness and be prepared to adjust to race day conditions — I think I know where I stand
6. fail to thoroughly plan logistics. — I cannot stand for hearing “traffic made me late” or “I was in the porta-potty line when the race started” excuses, I think i’m fairly well planned, but we’ll see..
7. shake hands with or kiss strangers, they are all trying to give you their colds and flu — my family thinks i’m crazy!!
8. think negative thoughts. — Hey, i’ve done the hard work, so trust the training …. visualize all the things that lead to success
9. Obsess over those aches and twinges that seem to be coming out of nowhere for no reason – oh, i’ve got them … gotta forget them, forget them ..
10. 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 – this is a huge mistake I will not make

I hope anybody breezing by my site here takes my advice above, because they do work. I’ve gotten through all my races using the above, especially the not walking around in the dark … that sounds funny, but its so true. I find myself being extra cautious outside when walking, so I don’t hit ice. I take the steps slow … its crazy.

Anyway, the most important thing, and the thing that got me through Steamtown, is “ONE MILE AT A TIME” … I got through my long runs like that, and I can get through the marathon like that as well. Don’t worry that I have 20 miles to go, just think about mile 7 ….

enough for now! More tomorrow!