I started this corny little thing last time I trained for a race, that I call “reflections”. What it really entails is during the last week of training (usually the taper before the race), I take time to review my training log and “reflect” on the ups and downs of the training. I’ve learned that running a race is not about race-day, its about the preperation, and the ability to make yourself a stronger person, not just physically, but emotionally.

Training is a struggle or sorts, because regardless of how well you write it out, and say you’ll stick to it, lifes little ups and downs always change it. Its those adjustments, and those periods of pain and mental anguish (i felt one this time where I just didn’t care anymore), that got me where I am now. I can only imagine that in the future, and in the training prep for Steamtown this summer, this will happen quite often. I know I can overcome it, it just takes being strong and remembering the reasons I started racing in the first place.

I’m on day two of tapering, I only ran 5 miles yesterday and 4 miles today. I will probably do 4 again tomorrow (weather permitting) and then finish the week on Thursday with 3 miles. Friday is always an off day, and then 2 1/2 quick miles on Saturday to keep the legs fresh. Thats about it. The hardest part of the taper is cutting back my calories now that i’m not running 6,7 or 8 miles a day. I also start the carb-load tomorrow (pasta, pasta, pasta …)