Tapering

The Charlottesville 10-miler is only three days away! My training plan calls for running 4 miles (Monday), 3 miles (Wednesday) and 2 miles (Thursday). This process of backing off my mileage is considered by many a standard method for allowing the body to be fully ready for race day without incurring injuring. The process of "tapering" also allows the body to recover a bit from the intensity of training for 18 weeks. My experience is that my legs muscles begin to "coil" up--in a good way, and they usually feel fresher and stronger on race day. Blood sugars usually run normal during this week of less intensive training. I am still doing strengthening exercises on my off-running days, and my appetite it still good--but I need to make sure I don't pack on extra pounds during the final week. If you're running this historic race, good luck and I hope to meet you at the finish line. If you are still training, hang in there. The final weeks of training are usually tough, but very satisfying during your final taper weeks.