I cannot believe that the climax of almost 6 months of training is just around the corner. I've had a pretty tough taper so far...last week, after cutting mileage down, my body started to feel sluggish, and achy. My left knee started to bother me. My coaches kept reminding us that it's a normal part of the taper to feel this way, so I really tried to not let it get to me. But it was hard. I decided that I needed to get the blood moving, and went to the gym Wednesday for some running and lifting. I only ran 3 miles, and did some easy ab and leg work (and relaxed in the sauna.) Imagine my surprise - and relief - when the aches seemed to vanish the next day! One of the best lessons I've learned this season is to really listen to my body...and do what it says!
I've been glued to October's issue of Runners World like white on rice...all about preparation for a marathon. My favorite article: using a tennis ball for a foot and butt massage. AHHH.... :)
This past Saturday, my team headed out in PV for our last team run before the race - a mere 6 miles. Naturally, summer officially ended the day before, and we set out in a crisp cool breeze. Once we reached the coast, the breeze turned into gales. As we cruised down a hill with the wind at our backs, the sore realization that we would have to turn and run up the same hill with the wind against us weighed down. The run up that hill was rediculous. The wind was pushing so hard that it felt like I was running in place. The howling in my ears, and the burning of cold air in my lungs. At the top of the hill I felt light headed. Definitely wasn't breathing right. But I ran it in strong, and got through it. It's a struggle not to let days like that get to me.
Sunday morning, Eric was getting up early for his Hermosa Beach Triathlon. I committed to my team fully, and went to Long Beach to watch some of my teammates take off the the Long Beach Half and Full Marathon. I parked kind of far, and walked for about 30 minutes to the start. I was worried about going, thinking maybe it might mess with my mentally. But I'd supported a lot of my teammates racing that day, why stop short? I was excited to see them geared up for the fight...and I think it surprised a few of them to see me too!
I hung out with my coaches for a few hours...we walked with two of our full marathon walkers, and cheered for other TNT participants.
I was really excited once I started seeing my teammates running somewhere around the 7 mile marker. I felt full of pride and just cheered my heart out for them. All the emotions I felt I was just trying to internalize, so I can harness it for my race next weekend. My legs made me go home before the end of the marathon, but not before I could cheer on ALL my teammates.
In between the athletic stuff, my weekend consisted of the USC game against ASU (a slaughter) with my mom, boyfriend and friends, the Dodger Game against Philly (a slaughter) with the boy, and making a tee shirt for Eric to wear at my race. :) It was a good weekend, and I am looking forward to the next with an open heart.