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.
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!
ReplyDeleteTry it tomorrow and you will see!