I always struggle with tapering for a marathon, because i’m so used to just running, running and running .. but i’m finding out that the extra rest and reduction in miles (although its mild) is helping my overall performance. I tend to look at it like its all coming together now, 17 weeks of hard training, comes down to this. I did a 6 mile run this morning, get this, in just over 45 minutes … I haven’t done that well on a short of a run in such a good time for a long time, so it shows that the rest will pay off.

I can’t get too terribly comfortable with sleeping a little later and relaxing the miles since I have to kick it back up next week in preparation for the Baltimore Marathon which is just a month or so off. I’ve said before that September running tends to be some of the best running there is, because its generally not too hot, and not too cold… and after all the summer heat, its nice to go out in the morning and have there be a bit of a chill in the air..

So tomorrow I plan to head to Bethlehem and get my race packet for Sunday.. I can do it tomorrow, Friday or Saturday .. Friday is no good, and on Saturday, I don’t want to have to goto a restaurant to pick it up. Last year they had packet pickup at the race start, which I thought was pretty cool, but I guess it was kind of hectic from what I saw, hence the change. I am hoping that they addressed some of the issues I wrote about after last years race, none of which were critical, but namely the wait time for a shuttle back to Allentown and the lack of sugary refreshments at the end of the race. I’ve learned now to pack my own drink and sugary goodies for after the race and not to count on it just being there. Last year taught me that. I recall waiting for the shuttle and feeling quite faint since all there was at the end of the race were bagels.. Anyway, since i’ll have my race packet quite early, i’ll never wear the shirt ahead of time, its bad luck…

The weather for Sunday is so far looking pretty good .. mid 50’s, no rain and partly sunny (no direct sun). The mid-day temperature is supposed to be low to mid 70’s, which when I look at it, means the conditions should be ideal for a race. I’m hoping for a good day.

So as I wrote on my twitter page this morning, there is now only 84 hours until the race .. I generally start the countdown around now and start to mentally prepare for the start of the race… I’m excited, yet nervous. I’m concerned about my Ipod shuffle not working for the race since its kind of klunky right now .. I think it too on too much sweat this summer and might need to be replaced.

In final prep for the race … I ordered new shoes, which I expect to be here tomorrow .. I’m back to Mizuno Wave Alchemy 9’s .. which is a light shoe and very comfortable. I’ll be able to break them in on Friday (walking) and Saturday (short run)… I know its a good shoe, so no worries, but I just don’t think my current Saucony’s are going to make it (they’re pretty burnt out)..

Another update tomorrow as we prepare on Friday to carb load (well, not really) and also start consuming a disgusting amount of water…