And yes, my wacky sense of humor has returned. Is it because I'm glad to be done with training or is it the taper crazies?
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You sing out loud on your final training runs. Because they are shorter. Because there are no paces to hit. Because you just get to run. But then you worry that you aren't running enough. You remind yourself to trust your training. You remember all those deadlifts and squats Becky had you do and that is what will power you up those hills. You remember how much you love running. Your runs feel easy right now. You think maybe you didn't do enough to get ready. You remind yourself that you did enough to get ready. You try to forget that you still have to run 26.2 miles.
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KB swings |
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I know it's a lion, but that's all I had at work. |
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Headstand? Running a marathon? Growing out your bangs? |
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Yes, they do. BQ, baby. |
You eat all the food. Including these yummy cupcakes that I won from another blogger, Sana. Oh yes, that happened. It's probably the best prize I've ever won from a blog giveaway. No hemp hearts in these babies. Just sugar, butter, and yummy goodness. I won't lie, though. I shared them with my boys. Because otherwise, I'm just a glutton.
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From Georgetown Cupcakes |
You read all the information you can find about your race and review the course map so much that you feel that you've already run the race. You know every mile marker, every uphill and downhill. You anticipate the guy playing the grand piano at mile 13. That big hill that starts at mile 9 and ends at mile 11. You start stalking the weather. Maybe you have more than one weather app on your phone. Maybe you have 4 weather apps and you check them all, favoring the app that has the best forecast. Every day the forecast changes and you imagine the worst. Looks like it's going to be windy. There's been plenty of wind here in Chicago. I can do this!
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weather.com |
How about you? What happens to you during your taper? Do you go crazy? Do you have a ton of nervous energy? What do you do to burn it off?
Thanks to everyone for following me through my training, my injury, and everything else. It really does take a village to train a marathoner. I will run with all of you in my heart!
I'm linking up with Deb Runs for Wednesday Word. Today's word is energetic. Who me?
Yes, temper crazies! A million thoughts go through my head and even more emotions, if possible. I watch a lot of stand up comedy to take my mind off of it. Good luck at the race!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Just trying to get through this final week!
DeleteOh yes, the taper crazies! I definitely over analyze the weather and check it way more than I should. Can't wait to cheer you on this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe forecast keeps changing! But the temps are looking to be in my favor.
DeleteI have all the same crazy taper stuff. Funny thing (?) about marathons, now that I've conquered the beast (so to speak), I'm not afraid of conquering another. Of course, I'm not one of those who strives for a BQ (yet), so I don't have that extra stress. Although I'd like to PR, more importantly I also want to enjoy the experience of being there. Good luck!! Do they have tracking for Big Sur?
ReplyDeleteThey do have a tracking app--it's in the app store for both android and iPhone.
DeleteWe are away for an overnight and I'be not checked f/b. Just getting to your
ReplyDeletePost but want to take a moment to send you a last message of good luck. I hope you and Keistina have the best day ever, that the weather is perfect, and that every minute, every step, every mile brings you JOY JOY JOYI!!! And that the signs along the way make you smile.
I can wait to see your posts. Love, Connie ❤️����
Thank you! Looking forward to the whole experience!
Delete(Sorry for the multiple typos. I'm on my phone.) 😉
DeleteI'm so excited for you. YOU'VE GOT THIS!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Excited and yes, nervous!
DeleteHaha love this post! I have only ever experienced taper crazies once when tapering for my first (and only so far) marathon but they were real and I did go a little loco.
ReplyDeleteI'm just ready to do this thing!
DeleteBest wishes this weekend, you are going to do great. You are a beast.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ivanna!!
DeleteI am really excited for you! Have a wonderful time this weekend and show that PF who's boss :)
ReplyDeleteThat's the goal! I'm so happy that I get to do this.
DeleteYou will Rock this Marathon! Way to go Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI'm making a conscious decision to not think about the Marathon yet. It's hard, but if I want to be able to do anything, I need to block it out of my head. Yesterday I started thinking about the hill before mile one and everything in my stomach made a flip!
Instead I'm focusing on singing and dancing at random place and random times... like the breakroom at my office.
Will stalk... I mean follow your Intagram updates! have a great Runcation!
Good luck to you too! Just think, a week from now we'll be so thrilled and relieved!
DeleteWell I don't have the taper crazies because I am not a runner but... I do believe I am a little transfixed by those cupcakes!
ReplyDeleteOh, they were every bit as amazing as they looked. Truly the best thing I've ever won from a blogger!
DeleteThis is all so true. There's an outbreak of the flu at my workplace and I am SOO paranoid of catching it.
ReplyDeleteSome kid was breathing on me yesterday when I was doing his exam. I wanted to run out of the room! Yikes!
DeleteWow! Cannot believe we're already here. Like how I include myself in your training journey. ;)
ReplyDeleteMostly during taper I'm just so tired from the training I'm happy to be able to kick back a bit. But yes, one always wonders if it was "enough". So excited for you. You're going to be great. And when it gets hard you'll smile and maybe/probably swear and know that you are tougher. Go get it!xoxo
You have just been the best sounding board and friend through this tough training journey! I appreciate all your support and advice--I don't think I'd have the guts to line up without you by my side! Thank you friend! Looking forward to some shorter distances with you!
DeleteI'm jealous that you'll be running a full marathon in one of the most scenic places on earth! Anyway -> Go get 'em. You'll do awesome!!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be a blast! Some day you'll do this one, Pete!
DeleteI can't believe it's almost here. I hate to taper. For a half, I don't really.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear how you rock 26.2 awesome miles.
I'm with you, I don't really taper for a half. I actually don't really train for one either. A few long runs and I'm good. My last half, I didn't even do but one 10 miler in 6 weeks. I need to think about that for this marathon!
DeleteHave a great runcation and enjoy the race!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy! Have you run Big Sur?
DeleteI have not, but I've ridden my mountain bike on part of that stretch getting back to our car from the trail.
DeleteTaper crazies right here too! Good luck!! My marathon is this Sunday as well:)
ReplyDeleteSo glad I'm not the only one! Good luck Lauren!
DeleteThanks Wendy, you too!
DeleteYour lion/tiger picture made me laugh - your hair looks fabulous, btw! I'm so envious of you getting to do Big Sur - I had the best time there. I wish I bought more Big Sur merchandise at the expo...newbie runner, didn't appreciate all that they had to offer at the time.
ReplyDeleteI'll be racking up the credit card charges...
DeleteThose cupcakes look incredible! I don't run so I've never had to taper... but I still sometimes just get the crazies! LOL!
ReplyDeleteWell, yes, there's that... and that's what the cupcakes are for!
DeleteUm yes. I would also add to the list applying body glide starting now because you think that it will help to build up a base layer :D GOOD LUCK!
ReplyDeleteOh, geez, thanks! I hadn't thought about that!
DeleteI was writing my comment and this time the power went out! What is it about your blog?
ReplyDeleteI'm usually so busy getting ready to travel in my taper I have no time to be nervous -- I've actually already begun to get ready for my half in a month! Especially since I have a ton of appointments between now & then: chiro, sports massage, vets, going to my parents for mother's day just days before -- who has time to be nervous?
I actually don't usually get very nervous. A little the day of. More excited than nervous.
I am betting that all your alternative training + resting of the foot will may you have a great race. It may not be a PR (but who knows?), but pain free & enjoying it = winning.
Plus I like the signs in races. :)
It's mostly the logistics that have got me nervous. My parents are staying with the boys and just trying to get all that organized--my youngest has sports and my oldest doesn't have a car (since he wrecked his), so there's a lot of juggling to do. I know it will all fall into place, but instead I sit here blogging.
DeleteI'm not looking for anything but a finish and a good time!
Totally check the weather 500x before race day haha. Destination races are especially tricky because I get so nervous about forgetting to pack something! I love your Boston race sign selfies :)
ReplyDeleteThat wind is the scariest thing right now!
DeleteGood luck! Run safe and have fun!
ReplyDeleteOMG I so agree with the point about not getting sick. I must have washed my hands double the amount and disinfected everything. My daughter had a cough and I kept my distance !
ReplyDeleteLooks like the weather is going to be warm... enjoy the race and the break. You have deserved it !
I'm looking forward to going to California!
DeleteSo true about avoiding any possibility for injury and illness!!! I make sure to plan NOTHING remotely dangerous during taper week, and even 2 weeks out! Good luck and have fun!!!!
ReplyDeleteRight? I didn't even go to yoga class, playing it safe at home on my mat!
DeleteI'm so excited for you! You'll do great. And heck to the yes with being obsessive about getting sick. Ack!!
ReplyDeleteGET IT!!!
I get weather obsessed weeks out for no good reason! Best of luck and enjoy! I have done a couple destination marathons and definitely always am triple checking the logistics.
ReplyDeleteI'm still checking them!
DeleteGO GET IT, WENDY!!!! Can we track you?
ReplyDeleteYou can, altho it won't be very exciting! I"m thinking 5 hours? LOL
DeleteThere is an app in the app store for both Android and iPhone.
Wow, those cupcakes are sure one heck of a great giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever had the taper crazies! I was just so happy to be done marathon training. I was certainly excited for race day though! I am super excited for you!
I'm excited and nervous--but I can't wait!
DeleteI don't think I have ever really had the taper crazies, at lest not like others experience! I usually keep myself busy by getting ready for the race and catching up on things I didnt do while I was training. I can't wait to hear about your race! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI cleaned out the fridge today...LOL. Getting a lot of things done, which is keeping me occupied!
Deleteuhhh... you won cupcakes?! I can't even - they look SO amazing! I'm truly excited for you and Big Sur this weekend - hope all goes well and I'll definitely be stalking, er following along ;) Enjoy the remaining days of taper!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yep, best.prize.ever!
DeleteI hit the refresh button on the weather forecast for LA marathon every 2 seconds for a week, so I totally related to that!!! You know, you could just run a marathon without talking about it....LOL...but then what would be the point!! I'm SOOOOOO excited for you....I feel like you just ran Chicago...oh yeah, you did just run Chicago.... Have the BEST time... I can't wait for pics!
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited, and yep, I can't run a marathon without talking about it! Because it's a marathon!
DeleteSo exciting! It's crazy how taper makes you crazy. Best of luck. Very excited for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete'Can't wait to start and can't wait to finish' - love this line - this pretty much sums up the marathon jitters. It's a beautiful thing though. I find destination marathons hard - I'm always exhausting from the traveling the day before, but I would love to run this Marathon. Enjoy every mile! You'll be great!
ReplyDeleteThe traveling makes it that much more of a challenge, which keeps me out of my comfort zone. And that's what it's all about for me this year.
DeleteEeek! It's almost time!
ReplyDeleteI am a lunatic during the taper. It's not so bad for half marathons, but when I was getting ready for my marathon, I'm really not sure how anyone put up with me. I was a hypochondriac-y, anxious, ridiculous mess!
I'm not bad for half marathons at all! When I did Sarasota, I was only worried about my foot. But that distance doesn't scare me anymore!
DeleteI'm so excited that Big Sur is almost here! I hope you have a fantastic race! I bet the nervous energy is tough but it looks like you're enjoying the taper. I would love to win some cupcakes like that, yum!
ReplyDeleteI won't lie, I'm enjoying the easier workouts! I'll really be glad to be done with this, just to kick back a little bit.
DeleteEnjoy the race! I haven't run many races but I was definitely super nervous before each of my Spartan Trifecta race. I feel you! haha!
ReplyDeleteI think those challenging distances make us the most nervous!
DeleteLove your taper style. It took me forever but I have learned to actually embrace the taper. It's a mental game.
ReplyDeleteI won't lie, I like the easier workouts. But my anxiety always makes me a little crazy!
DeleteThose cupcakes look amazing! Love all your taper crazies! Good luck with the marathon!
ReplyDeleteThe cupcakes made the taper that much better!
DeleteGood luck Wendy! I hope it's the experience of a lifetime. Oh, I don't have bangs now because growing them out ONCE was one of the hardest things I ever did. I went to mono vision contacts at the same time -- I seriously thought I was losing my mind! Anyway, rock it out Sista!
ReplyDeleteOh, I tried those monovision contacts and I thought I was going to vomit. Now I have the multifocal. Much better.
DeleteI couldn't agree more with the taper crazies. My marathon (New Jersey) is one week away and I've been super irritable and crabby this taper. Trying to stay positive. I'm also checking race day weather and disappointed that rain is in the forecast. drat. :/ It's still early enough that the weather could change so I'm hanging onto the hope for perfect weather conditions!
ReplyDeleteHopefully it won't rain at your race. It's still a week away! Good luck!
DeleteI love your selfies!! You are such a sweet friend! I did not get the taper crazies because I only made it 17 miles for training for my first (and only) marathon. I think I only ran a handful of times for nearly a month before I went to Nashville. I am really looking forward to training for Chicago. I want to do it the right way and actually be physically ready when I get to that starting line. In Nashville, my mind was ready, but my body failed me. I probably walked most the second half. It's time for redemption baby!
ReplyDeleteYou bet! My 2d marathon was my redemption run! You will be great in Chicago. The course is flat and the crowds are epic. I love this marathon. If it weren't for Big Sur, I'd be doing it again! I can't wait to follow your training and to meet you in person! <3
DeleteI am getting a little nervous too! I think you and I will have similar weather! Good luck to you, enjoy it and enjoy your hubby time too!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you do! Best of luck! <3
DeleteHA - I remember the taper crazies from my long ago swimming days! So much punchy energy!
ReplyDeleteSeriously....
DeleteI cannot wait to read your race recap! You are going to do amazing and this will be a kick ass race for you! You have done the training and are ready! Best of luck. Happy running!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed all these comments on this post but it sure is fun to read them after the fact!
DeleteI know we have to back off on our training to prepare for race day. But it's downright tormenting to have to cut back when you're full of that nervous energy on race week! I hope you have a wonderful time at your race - I know it's going to be an awesome experience. Enjoy those views!!
ReplyDeleteI did! Thank you!
DeleteGood luck and have fun! I hope you have as clear and beautiful of a day as I did at Big Sur many years ago. As you come to the top of Hurricane Point, smile and declare yourself a badass. Take the time to enjoy the sights, and be sure to take a selfie with the baby grand in the background as you cross Bixby Bridge.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up, Wendy!
That is pretty much how I felt at the top of Hurricane Point! Coming down to Bixby Bridge just completely overwhelmed me. What an experience!
Deletesending you good vibes..... this moment in California.
ReplyDeleteYou GOt this.!
Thank you! I got them!
DeleteHa hahaaaaa too funny! I love your signs!
ReplyDeleteHey, she was there alone, it was the least I could do, right?
DeleteI am dying to read your race recap! I saw the pictures on Facebook and you looked so strong and powerful!!! Travel safe back home!!!
ReplyDeleteI felt pretty good except for those few middle miles when I felt sick. But once that passed, I was on my way again.
DeleteI so loved all the selfies you did. I smile because as corny as some are you see on the race route, they do help! Even for that split second and make you forget about what mile you are on, how many more you have in front of you and many do make you smile! How sweet of you to do these for your friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat are friends for, right? If nothing else, I figured she would just laugh and we all know laughing lessens stress!
Delete