Wednesday, April 20, 2016

5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies

In case you didn't know, I'm running a marathon this weekend. Not just any marathon, but the Big Sur Marathon! My training is wrapped up and I'm hoping that what I did is enough to get me across the finish line. After all, there was very little running the last 6 weeks. Thank you very much, plantar fasciitis! I'm feeling a little restless without having much training on the plan this final week. I've got all this nervous energy and I've been buzzing around the house like the energizer bunny! I won't lie, even though I'm anxious, it feels good to have more time in my day to focus on other things besides training.

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?

5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies

What to do with all that nervous energy besides worry? What's a runner to do?

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.
5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies
KB swings
You text wacky selfies to your friend who is running Boston alone. The selfies have all the marathon signs that drove you crazy the last time you ran one. But secretly, you hope to see some of these signs at your race. Because even though they sometimes annoy you, you appreciate the efforts. And they always make you smile. And smiling makes running feel a little bit easier.
5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies
I know it's a lion, but that's all I had at work.
5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies
Headstand? Running a marathon? Growing out your bangs?
5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies
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.

5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies
From Georgetown Cupcakes
You obsess about hurting yourself or becoming ill before the marathon. Washing your hands becomes more than hygiene, it becomes a mission. You avoid sidewalk cracks, not only because you are superstitious but also because you don't want to trip. You also avoid any people who look sick. Which is kind of hard to do when you work in the medical profession. Your mind screams with possibilities. Every sneeze is potential for pneumonia. Every creak, every niggle, every twinge is a potential DNS.

5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies

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!

5 Signs that You Have the Taper Crazies
weather.com
And away I go! This isn't my first marathon, but it's my first destination marathon! Funny thing, even after 3 marathons, I still get nervous and excited. I can't wait to start and I can't wait to be done. It's all part of the process. No matter what, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I won't be blogging the rest of the week. I'll be taking a little time off this week to enjoy my time away with my husband. You can stalk me on my Facebook Page or Instagram for race updates. My race recap will be up next Sunday.

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?




101 comments :

  1. 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!

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  2. Oh 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!

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    1. The forecast keeps changing! But the temps are looking to be in my favor.

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  3. I 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?

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    1. They do have a tracking app--it's in the app store for both android and iPhone.

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  4. We are away for an overnight and I'be not checked f/b. Just getting to your
    Post 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 ❤️����

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    1. Thank you! Looking forward to the whole experience!

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    2. (Sorry for the multiple typos. I'm on my phone.) 😉

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  5. I'm so excited for you. YOU'VE GOT THIS!

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  6. Haha 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.

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  7. Best wishes this weekend, you are going to do great. You are a beast.

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  8. I am really excited for you! Have a wonderful time this weekend and show that PF who's boss :)

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  9. You will Rock this Marathon! Way to go Wendy!

    I'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!

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    1. Good luck to you too! Just think, a week from now we'll be so thrilled and relieved!

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  10. Well 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!

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    1. Oh, they were every bit as amazing as they looked. Truly the best thing I've ever won from a blogger!

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  11. This is all so true. There's an outbreak of the flu at my workplace and I am SOO paranoid of catching it.

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    1. Some kid was breathing on me yesterday when I was doing his exam. I wanted to run out of the room! Yikes!

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  12. Wow! Cannot believe we're already here. Like how I include myself in your training journey. ;)
    Mostly 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

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    1. 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!

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  13. I'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!!

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  14. I can't believe it's almost here. I hate to taper. For a half, I don't really.

    Can't wait to hear how you rock 26.2 awesome miles.

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    1. 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!

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  15. Have a great runcation and enjoy the race!

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    1. I have not, but I've ridden my mountain bike on part of that stretch getting back to our car from the trail.

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  16. Taper crazies right here too! Good luck!! My marathon is this Sunday as well:)

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  17. Your 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.

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  18. Those cupcakes look incredible! I don't run so I've never had to taper... but I still sometimes just get the crazies! LOL!

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    1. Well, yes, there's that... and that's what the cupcakes are for!

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  19. Um 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!

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  20. I was writing my comment and this time the power went out! What is it about your blog?

    I'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. :)

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    1. 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.

      I'm not looking for anything but a finish and a good time!

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  21. 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 :)

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  22. Good luck! Run safe and have fun!

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  23. OMG 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 !

    Looks like the weather is going to be warm... enjoy the race and the break. You have deserved it !

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  24. So 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!!!!

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    1. Right? I didn't even go to yoga class, playing it safe at home on my mat!

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  25. I'm so excited for you! You'll do great. And heck to the yes with being obsessive about getting sick. Ack!!

    GET IT!!!

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  26. 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.

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  27. GO GET IT, WENDY!!!! Can we track you?

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    1. You can, altho it won't be very exciting! I"m thinking 5 hours? LOL

      There is an app in the app store for both Android and iPhone.

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  28. Wow, those cupcakes are sure one heck of a great giveaway!!!

    I 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!

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  29. I 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!!

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    1. I cleaned out the fridge today...LOL. Getting a lot of things done, which is keeping me occupied!

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  30. uhhh... 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!

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  31. I 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!

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    1. I'm really excited, and yep, I can't run a marathon without talking about it! Because it's a marathon!

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  32. So exciting! It's crazy how taper makes you crazy. Best of luck. Very excited for you.

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  33. '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!

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    1. The 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.

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  34. Eeek! It's almost time!

    I 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!

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    1. 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!

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  35. I'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!

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    1. I 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.

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  36. Enjoy 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!

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    1. I think those challenging distances make us the most nervous!

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  37. Love your taper style. It took me forever but I have learned to actually embrace the taper. It's a mental game.

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    1. I won't lie, I like the easier workouts. But my anxiety always makes me a little crazy!

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  38. Those cupcakes look amazing! Love all your taper crazies! Good luck with the marathon!

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  39. Good 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!

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    1. Oh, I tried those monovision contacts and I thought I was going to vomit. Now I have the multifocal. Much better.

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  40. I 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!

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    1. Hopefully it won't rain at your race. It's still a week away! Good luck!

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  41. I 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!

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    1. You 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

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  42. I 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!

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  43. HA - I remember the taper crazies from my long ago swimming days! So much punchy energy!

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  44. I 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!

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    1. I don't know how I missed all these comments on this post but it sure is fun to read them after the fact!

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  45. I 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!!

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  46. Good 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.

    Thanks for linking up, Wendy!

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    1. 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!

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  47. sending you good vibes..... this moment in California.

    You GOt this.!

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  48. Ha hahaaaaa too funny! I love your signs!

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    1. Hey, she was there alone, it was the least I could do, right?

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  49. I am dying to read your race recap! I saw the pictures on Facebook and you looked so strong and powerful!!! Travel safe back home!!!

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    1. I felt pretty good except for those few middle miles when I felt sick. But once that passed, I was on my way again.

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  50. I 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!

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    1. What are friends for, right? If nothing else, I figured she would just laugh and we all know laughing lessens stress!

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