Its been a few days since i’ve written, and i’ve made much progress as I continue into my taper for the Steamtown Marathon next week. I completed the final ‘higher mileage’ taper week and now this week will cut the miles back significantly to rest up for the race. I also start my new job tomorrow, which as I know from the spring, means that my schedule is going to get screwed up, but its a good time since i’ll be finishing one marathon and heading into the final weeks for another one.

I did complete just over 46 miles this week in the first real week of taper … i know, thats still a lot of miles, but its about 25% less miles than my max week two weeks ago, and about 10% from last week… this week I plan on getting out for a 2.5 miler on Monday, a 6 miler on Tuesday and a 7 miler on Thursday before taking Thursday and Friday off. I’ll just do a 3 miler on Saturday to freshen up the legs and stay loose in prep for Sunday..

Carb loading starts on Thursday, carbs and water, I’ll be sick of both of them by Saturday night, but I know i need to do it.

I was able to keep the intensity up somewhat during the week, despite the back/hip pain earlier in the week. I was tired by the end of the 14 miler today, which is okay, since I do find myself more tired since I’ve caught up on my sleep. it makes me wonder if catching up on my sleep is a good thing, I really feel that I run and train better when i’m tired and being crazy with my workouts.

So just one week to go until the first fall marathon … i’m getting excited and getting the final arrangements together for race day. I know it’ll be a tough week to plan with the job change and all, but I’m sure i’ll do fine. I’m also not sure what kind of updates I can get in this week also, but i’ll see what I can do ….