It’s taper time

It’s taper time here at EatDrinkBreatheSweat!

(side note – when you hear the word “taper” does it automatically remind you of tapered jeans and pegged pants circa 1990? Just me?)

I gotta admit, I’m facing this week with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I’m honest-to-God excited that the half marathon is almost here. I feel strong and ready to take on all 13.1

On the other hand, I can’t help but be slightly wistful that this week includes far fewer miles than the last few weeks have (kind of proud that I topped out at 30 or so miles last week!) – because it signals the “end” of something I’ve grown to love. Yes, I admit – I actually *do* love half marathon training. I love working towards a goal, I love the feeling of accomplishment every time I hit another training milestone, or just the sheer joy of a really good run, regardless of miles, just a good, runners-high-worthy run.

This week, though, also reminds me to enjoy running outside as long as I possibly can. I gotta tell ya – I am dreading this winter. Not just the freezing cold temps, but those early mornings of pitch blackness until 7am which equates to lots of early morning treadmill jaunts (we are not BFFs). I have grown to love, love, love those early, cool, crisp morning runs – and even those mornings that were far too muggy for my liking, I still enjoyed them because it was my time to get my head on straight for the day, just me and my thoughts, feet hitting the pavement, fresh air, and great company (the hubs!).

So – slightly tangential way of saying: this half marathon training cycle has reminded me that running (especially outdoors) is always at the top of my “To Enjoy” list. And if that means learning to love the treadmill this winter, gosh darn it, I’m going to find a way to befriend her, even if we aren’t quite on speaking terms right now. It has also reminded me and shown me, especially in the last few weeks of double-digit running, that I have grown by leaps and bounds as a runner this summer. I love how strong and solid my running feels lately. I feel confident and at ease when I run. And I dig it. So much.

So this week? Yeah, it’s a taper week and a taper week I’ll enjoy, regardless of the miles. I’ll embrace it, using it as a final boost of confidence leading into next weekend’s race.

And if you’re wondering, here’s how this week’s taper looks…
Sunday – rest
Monday – barre n9ne method
Tuesday – 6.5 miler; barre n9ne lean & tone
Wednesday – 4.5 miler
Thursday – barre n9ne legs and barre n9ne fusion
Friday – 5k
Saturday – rest (and carb-loading Sutera pizza style!)
Sunday – RACE DAY!!