Monday, October 11, 2010

Attempting to Taper

I've got a half marathon coming up on Sunday, the second big race of my fledgling career, and according to my training plan it's time to taper.  But let's face it, I have no idea how to taper.  Before my last half marathon in June tapering simply meant not running, but this time around I am trying to do some slower, deliberate runs at an easy pace and I'm finding rather difficult.  Today I set out for a 4 miler trying to hit 9:45/mile, just a slow and relaxing run.  The first mile was right on pace but when I checked my time at the second mile I found that I had dropped to a 9:30.  This is more difficult than I'd imagined.  From someone who spent the last year trying to run faster every time I laced up the running shoes going deliberately slower takes some work. I don't know how to adjust my pace very well.

What I do know:
  • I feel better after my run
  • It was enjoyable
  • I'm looking forward to tomorrow's shorter run
All in all, I'm doing OK I think.

1 comment:

  1. Hey, tapering isn't about going slow, you know. It is about going LESS. So decrease the mileage, and pump it up for a couple of the miles. Hit an 8:50 for a mile or two in the middle of a 4 mile run. You will still feel frisky, and fast!
    Try it tomorrow and you will see!

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