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My plan for the week was to rest and taper before the Mercedes Half Marathon. By contrast, I did not taper before my last two half marathons as I was building my mileage. I decided not to skimp on Monday's typical strength training. But, Tuesday's four mile run was at a super easy effort. Even so, I could still feel the extra hilly tempo run from Saturday. That gave me more reason to take it easy for the remainder of the week.
Wednesday was cross training day. As per usual, I called up the FunkyTown channel and got to work. The tunes had me happily pedaling and singing and not wanting to stop when I reached my planned shorter session of 45 minutes. I had a stern talk with myself and stopped at 52 minutes. And more likely -- whatever song I was enjoying must have ended.
Friday I ran my last few miles before the race. I took them as easy as I could. I did a quick yoga routine that evening and called it done. Que Sera Sera.
With heavy rains and flood watches in the forecast, I knew this race would be what my newbie runner self used to call a Dig Deep Day. Wendy stressed over being unable to get out of Chicago due to snowfall. Thankfully, she made it. So I would not let my mind consider the fact they might call the race off due to predicted thunderstorms. That won't happen. No way. Not going there.
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| We are ready! And apparently...FREE. |
And that's a wrap!
Do you always taper before a long distance race?
When is the last time you ran in heavy rain?
I haven't been on IG much today -- I hope the race weather was better than expected but I know either way, you gals will have a blast. You always do.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the last time I ran in heavy rain -- because, you know, winter. It has definitely happened, but I don't think I've yet had a race with heavy rain the whole way. Knocking on wood.
I do taper for a race! Although, I have friends who use some races as training runs so they don't taper. I haven't had that experience yet. That said, I have a couple races planned this year that will be training runs and I (probably) won't taper for them. Hope you guys had a great time!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck. Glad Wendy got there safely. I hate running in the rain. But you can't predict the weather. Either way I'm sure you guys will have a great girl's weekend, regardless of the weather.
ReplyDeleteI usually do some form of taper, though it varies depending on the length of the actual race for which I'm tapering. For a 13.1, I don't taper as much because I'm usually always in "half marathon condition" (or there abouts LOL). For a full marathon, though, I definitely taper for a couple weeks...fewer runs and lower mileage. I'd rather save those "excess" miles for the race ;-)
ReplyDeleteI actually don't think I've tapered for a half in awhile because they've been training runs. Sounds like you did a good job taking it easy leading up to the race! Sorry there was so much rain but Im glad you ladies were able to spend the weekend together!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that Wendy was able to make it there! Loved seeing the pictures of the two of you on IG. I almost always taper by cutting back on distance a little bit but I like to keep the intensity high. I'll still do a speed workout and a short tempo run leading up to the race just to keep my legs turning over. I think it's just a mental boost.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I have run several half marathons in the pouring (cold) rain...not fun. I don't really taper.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read the recap. It had to be fun....with Wendy!!
After all the snow stress on this end, I never even considered the race being called due to lightning. Glad that didn't happen! There was a time I barely ever tapered for a half. Now I do...kind of...
ReplyDeleteThere were so many things that could have interfered without plans. Thankfully everything fell into place and it was a fun, fun holottafun weekend. Now to get home...
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I do taper. I find those weeks are the hardest to plan. Am I tapering too fast, too slow? Will my legs be too tired? I know tapering is important, but also seems like a science.
ReplyDeleteI like thinking of tough runs/races a Dig Deep Day. I tape for my goal races, but typically will train through other races.
ReplyDeleteHow fun you and Wendy got to get back together again for Mercedes!! I can’t wait to hear all about it! I hope you had a great race!
ReplyDeleteIt sure was pouring here today -- so I went to yoga! I go back and forth between not minding running in the rain and avoiding it. Since I wear glasses, it sort of depends on how hard it's raining. I'm glad you two had fun!
ReplyDeleteUgh. Rain. Every single marathon I've run has been in the rain. And guess what it did today? Rained. A cold, 37 degrees rain. I really, really don't like running in the rain. Glad you and Wendy could hang out. You IG pics had me jealous of your holotta fun!
ReplyDeleteThe last half marathon I did was rainy in the beginning and then it started snowing/sleeting - in May! But that's just Cleveland weather. I don't mind rain too much, as long as it's not rainy and upper 30s, then it's just cold. But raining in a long race - ugh no run! We had some ice storms here this weekend - no rain but it was super slippery out there!
ReplyDeleteI hope you 2 had a fabulous weekend! I can't wait to hear all about it
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Wendy was able to get out of Chicago, AND that the race wasn't called due to thunder storms. I bet you two had a blast!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup!
I've only had to run one race in the rain - it was a half marathon and it was like running under a faucet! So glad you and Wendy got to catch up. Can't wait to hear all about the race!
ReplyDeleteWay to take things easy. I usually taper before a goal race. Looking forward to reading your recap!
ReplyDeleteRunning in the rain can be pretty miserable! I generally do taper before races, unless it's more of a training run. I like going in with fresh legs!
ReplyDeleteHappy to see the race went on and you both added a shiny medal to your collections!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that Wendy was able to make it down there for the race!
ReplyDeleteI do try to taper before races when I can. There's nothing like fresh legs on race day!
I don't think I've ever gotten my mileage high enough to taper for races (even half marathons), but if I were running high mileage (which I should be - I just don't train properly), I'd definitely taper. I'm glad you got to run your race and that Wendy made it there!
ReplyDeleteIt rained in NYC pretty heavy this weekend too. I haven't been running because it's cold but if it's warm and raining, I can still enjoy a run
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid the rain when I can, but I did have a 10 mile race in pouring rain in 2016...somehow I PR'd, but man was it miserable out there! Look forward to your recap!
ReplyDeleteI have to taper before long races - I'm in awe of people who can just cruise into them like it's no big deal. Running in heavy rain - probably not since I lived in Texas. It's pretty rare out west.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I rarely taper. Taper is for people who train. I guess if I trained for a marathon, I'd taper for it. Most of my races are short, if I have a goal in mind I may take it a little easier the week before.
ReplyDeleteMercedes Marathon looks like a top notch event. Rain on race day sucks, but that's why you try to train in everything I guess. I feel like rain, wind, and cold are the worst, that's a triple threat.
I've never tapered before a half marathon!
ReplyDeleteIt won't stop raining here either. If it's winter, I want winter...snow snow snow!
How fun that you and Wendy got to run the race together. Girls weekends at races are always so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI'f I'm racing a race, I'll taper. If I'm using it as a training run- no taper! I did a hard 20 miler in the rain a few years ago that I'll never forget. I could barely see! Made me confident for racing in those conditions though!
ReplyDeleteI do generally taper before a half, except last year when I was marathon training and had a couple halfs in the schedule as training runs. I did have heavy rain for my run on Sunday but I had moved my long run to Saturday when I saw the forecast so thankfully it was only 3 miles in the rain.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Wendy made it!
ReplyDeleteI do taper a little. Cutting back miles tends to make me a little edgy so I don't do it as much as I should. I would be more careful about it if I was running longer races, but I feel ok with how I've been approaching my half marathon races.
I'll always taper for a race, if it's part of training for another race I'll make sure I have an easy week before race week.
ReplyDeleteI've managed to miss any heavy rain, just a lot of running in drizzle and coaching in the cold! I can't wait for spring and the warmer weather.
Chicago got a TON of snow, your friend is sure lucky she made it!
ReplyDeleteI ran a half in Mumbai India that was monsoon - so much rain!
I do taper for a race! The only times I haven't tapered are when running a race with my husband and focusing on his PR. I like to do a mini workout about four or five days out from the race and then take it short and easy up until race day.
ReplyDeleteI saw on IG you were able to run the race this weekend, so that must mean you made it through the storms!
ReplyDeleteTapering, well it depends I've gotten to know my body pretty well through the years and I find I don't need quite as much taper as many others take. So I do what I know my body needs each race.
Hope to get back into blogging again, I've missed being away! Have a fabulous week!
I've run in the rain a lot, BUT I had one half marathon in a downpour. It happened two years back to back and the first year was black flagged. The second year didn't have any lightning so we had to run it all. Ended up being on of my favorite races because of the puddle jumping. It helped that the rain was warm. Cold rain can be so depressing!
ReplyDeleteGlad Wendy was able to make it for the race! I don't always taper before a race. It just kind of depends on the race and where I'm at in my training, and also if I'm training for a race after the one I'm running. I like running in the rain if it's warm outside, but definitely not in the thunder and lightning. I hope you guys had a good race! And, I'm the same way about you with the music. If a song comes on that pumps me up, I'm more likely to keep going!
ReplyDeleteI think I miss rain! Maybe not the kind that brings tornadoes with it, but just a nice rain or downpour. Still snow, snowstorms and crazy cold here. I'm always a taper kind of girl! I think I've always tapered before long distance races. I can't wait to read your and Wendy's race reports!!!
ReplyDeleteYay! Looking forward to that race recap - you two ladies look fantastic and ready! I have NEVER run in heavy rain - because it hardly rains here, even a light drizzle is an excuse to stay in, LOL! Thanks for hosting as always.
ReplyDeleteLove the shirt! Try out this great healthy rice pasta dish after a run! It's delicious!
ReplyDeleteI love your shirt! That's all I really want -- food and to be fast! Haha!
ReplyDeleteSo glad Wendy was able to make it! I'm sure the two of you had a great time - no matter the weather.
ReplyDeleteNice taper week! Happy to hear that Wendy made it out of Chicago! Loved seeing both your pics on Instagram!
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job, in spite of the weather. We run in nasty humidity almost all the time, and cramping is a way of life for me. My calves are usually the first to go.
ReplyDeleteOur past few race weekends have had miserable weather, so I totally get your pain. That being said, it looks like you guys had the best time and it sounds like a phenomenal race!