I wrote yesterday about my struggles over the weekend with my right foot, and after 6 GREAT miles this morning (8:00/mile), I don’t think I have to worry. That doesn’t mean that i’ll stop icing it, using iburpofen and being careful, but it means I don’t have to worry so much …

The run today was so good, it was like (and I quote Dave Matthews from a concert) … “when you’re at the barbecue and someone makes great chicken, and you say ‘DAMN, thats some good chicken’ ..” thats how good it was today …

It is hard to cut the miles back after doing so many for so long, but I know I need to rest. Just by taking an easy weekend (only 14 miles this weekend compared to 34 miles per weekend in the past 5-6 weekends), I ran great today, so we’ll do a couple 8 milers the next 2 days, then an easy run thursday morning and take Friday off. Saturday like always we’ll do just a warmup run of 2-3 miles, just to keep the legs fresh…

I always write my tips on what NOT to do when tapering for a marathon whenever i’m in the taper, so let me share them again:

1. stress over things you cannot control (the weather will be what it is…prepare for it and make the most of whatever is thrown at you)

2. try anything new. (that means food, shoes, supplements, drugs, etc.)

3. walk around the house barefoot in the dark. (you don’t want to break a toe or get a major bruise or fall down the steps or something)

4. think that your “race day magic” will allow you to run 20-30 seconds per mile faster for the entire 26.2 miles. (it won’t happen, stick to your plan)

5. forget to take some time to be objective about your fitness and be prepared to adjust to race day conditions. (Remember that it will be what it will be, so be flexible. Not every race is the perfect race as much as you want it to be)

6. fail to thoroughly plan logistics, this includes travel, packing for the race, etc. Know where you are going, how to get there, the packet pickup time, where bag dropoff is, etc … (Running around at the last minute only makes the nerves worse)

7. think negative thoughts. Remember that you DID the training, and you have to remember to TRUST your training always. You did the miles and the workouts, you’ll be fine!

9. Obsess over those aches and twinges that seem to be coming out of nowhere for no reason. You’re body is in repair mode during taper, repairing all the muscles and ligaments for many weeks of pounding the pavement, its natural to feel achey.

10. go on a diet thinking that you can lose a couple pounds in time for the race. Remember that you still need calories for recovery during this time, and its too late to lose those pounds!

I really think that the above tips work for me, although I know there are others. The most important tip throughout all of training, is to stick to your goal. I found that in the times when I was training without a specific goal in mind, it didn’t go quite as well .. make a plan, and STICK TO IT!

Anyway, i’m feeling more confident about the weekend, as i was really rattled by the foot pain over the weekend. This was more than just an ache and pain though, it was something new I never felt, and probably over reacted in the end, but it was better to be safe than sorry ….