Taper in full swing

Lets go run shall we... not. I am in full taper here and I have lots of energy. I went from running 50-60 miles a week down to taper week 30. I did swim an extra day this week so far and that has helped. Today I'm off of everything and wish I just had a 5 miler to do. That would make me feel better.

On Tuesday I went out a bought a book to read, "Chi Running" by Danny Dreyer. I don't plan on changing and running forms right now that wasn't my plan, I am basically going to utilize some theories and philosophies of Chi Running. So far what I have read I would recommend the book to any runner from beginner to advanced. Keep an open mind and try some of the basic principles while you read.

St. Louis Marathon in 3 days, can't wait to look East through downtown, see the Arch and hear the gun go off. My plan is to go down early Saturday, check into the Hotel and check out the expo. This is always a good place to pick up positive running energy. They always have music playing and the people are so nice that they give stuff away. Free stuff the best kind.


This will be the second year in a row to run in St. Louis and I am looking forward to another beautiful run. It's only 26.2 only 26.2 that's it. Easy day of training for what mileage I have put in. The weather is calling for a high in the lower 60's and a 30 percent chance of rain. I remember the same forecast as last year. I hope its true because last year it was a beautiful day.

Remembering back I will take all the good aspects of last year race and apply them to this years. Some good which came out of last years race was I signed up for a pace group and met some really strong runners. When the race started there were 20 plus runners in the pace group and even after losing a few which only signed up for the 1/2 marathon the mood of the groups was positive. Shortly after the first half, 13.1, a few started dropping back. I give alot of credit to Mike LNU, the pacer, for trying to keep those folks with us. Around mile 18 the mood was still relaxed and everyone was felling strong. Then it happens, people just start dropping out. The infamous wall hits them. It could be physical pain or mental weakness or a bit of both. Some slow down while others just stop. I have very little experience with hitting the wall, but seem to be able to push through at that distance. My wall doesn't hit me until later on in the race.

I have only started and completed 3 other marathons, and one was after a long swim and long bike. That particular race was the Florida Ironman 2007. I will definitely be thinking about that race during this one. All positive of course. The other two marathons, Chicago 06 and St. Louis 07. The Chicago race miles 23-26.2 were pure HELL. That was a wall of physical pain which turned into mental anguish. Then there was last years race at Gateway. As was said prior a few started dropping out and at mile 20 there was only 3 of the group left. A very strong runner Allison, Mike the pacer, and me. We all were still feeling strong but the conversation basically had stopped at that time. At mile 22 I felt a cramp coming on in my left hammy and as soon as I opened my mouth and said something to Mike my leg seized up. Lesson #1 don't verbalize whats about to happen. Who knows if I hadn't of said anything would the cramp still come on. I won't know until it happens again. I guarantee you I won't tell anyone.

Mike and Allison were the only ones to finish at the pace time. I finished 6 minutes later, still a PR 3:27 and some change.

Positive thinking of the past will fuel me all the way to the finish.

Until next time

"Pain is temporay, Pride is forever"