Although this year we have mostly seasoned veterans running Boston, there is always room to learn a little more about preparing for a marathon. Although the general rule of “whatever works for you” will always apply, here’s a few things to consider in helping your body get ready for Boston.
If you’re thinking “what’s all this tapering talk about”, well I didn’t make it up. Research has shown that tapering your mileage so that your body can be recovered from training is beneficial on race day. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this article from BBC Sport. Read it with an English accent and it’ll sound too smart to ignore! While you’re there check out the article on Coping with marathon niggles and let me know what a niggle is.
For some specific information on how to taper read this Marathon Training Tapering page. Ignore the fact that they suggest a longer taper than we do and soak in all the other advice they have to offer.
At some point in the next week you’ll be doing something rather innocuous and you’ll feel a pinch or pull somewhere in your legs. After getting through roughly 175 miles of Sunday Runs this winter you’ll hurt something just sitting on the couch. If this hasn’t happened yet be prepared by reading about the “Taper Traps” highlighted in Runner’s World. If you’re worried about these little pains, the amount of food you’re suddenly eating, your legs feeling too tired or too energetic, or just the feeling of “how can I run that far!” or “how can I run that fast!” this article will let you know it’s all normal. Just breath into a paper bag, sit down on the couch (carefully) and relax.
Remember from now until the marathon reduce the mileage of your runs but keep to your normal pace for the shorter runs.Â
Eat, drink (water), sleep, and be merry… every day!Â
Don’t try to cram in any last minute training, that’ll only get you hurt. Our goal is to get you to the starting line and we’re almost there. This is what I call “don’t do anything stupid” time, so don’t!
Once we get you to the starting line its your job to get to the finish line. Taper right and you’ll make there with ease. (OK, it’s never easy, but you will make it)
Read em all Jim, and all corroborate prior reading-experience and/or update training strategy. wd
Where do you need water stops this week?
Hi Gloria,
Ed takes care of organizing the water stops, I’ll check in with him later this week but the main stop is at Highland Ave. After that we’ll have some runners adding on a version of the summer route. The extra help will be needed for those miles at various places, perhaps the knoll at the Middle School, along Lebanon, and near Pine Banks. All this will be solidified later in the week. If you could help we would be very grateful!
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Ed,
Please put me down for a water stop this week as well.
Thanks!
Margaret