Sunday, September 30, 2007

Not really tapering

Last week I was chatting with my Tues/Thurs running partner, Janet, about my upcoming race schedule. I've planned it out so that each race is the long run for the next race. I started with the Timberline Marathon, then 3 weeks to the Portland Marathon, then 2 weeks to the Sisters Poker Run and then 2 weeks to Autumn Leave. So all I need to do is taper to the next race. But, I was sure to add, "I'm not really tapering." Janet pointed out that seemed to be a common theme in my training lately. And I guess she's right. Actually, I spent most of the first half of the year not really tapering and I did all right. It was when I tapered that I got into trouble.

That said, I did taper my total mileage this past week, ending up with 31. However I increased my midweek total mileage back up to 20 where I like it. I took yesterday off and ran 11 today out on the far end of Wildwood with Monika. This was the first time we've run together. She's quicker than me, so let me set the pace. We had a good time chatting and hopefully we'll have a chance to run together again. It also marked my first run in the rain since summer ended. And was it ever raining. The trail was wet (but not too muddy yet) and we were soaked by the end. I liked Monika's comment, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear!" So true! You can't let a little rain, wind, hail, snow, ice, etc., keep you home.

Welcome to fall/winter/spring running in Oregon!

13 comments:

onepinkfuzzy said...

ooo, rainy run, what fun!

Unknown said...

I think I may be overtapered for Portland, but they say it's better to be undertrained than overtrained. I hope they're right. See you in a week.

Backofpack said...

Turns out this didn't really count as too much of a taper for me either - right about 30 for the week. This coming week I'm going really light - around 15. We ran in pouring rain this morning too - it's lovely isn't it?

Adelyn said...

Glad you enjoyed the rain out there! Question, what do you usually wear in the rain? Especially if its on the colder side. As of yet, I have no rain gear, but I'm thinking I might want to get some....

Your 'tapering or not' plan sounds good :)

Joe said...

I'm coming to think there is a LOT to be said for a decent long race every 3 wseks or so. Your sequence over the next couple of months will tell a lot...thanks for sharing.

So will the Portland Marathon lose its streak of 30 some consecutive years w/o rain?? Nathan told me how rainy it is all of a sudden there!!!

psbowe said...

Running in the rain is refreshing too, racing in it is a whole another story! Looks like Portland is gonna be wet this year...we'll see.

wendy said...

"just bad gear," I love it! - I'm going to have to talk Beau into getting me more running gear. We ran in the rain, 10 yesterday, and it wasn't too bad, but I definitely could have been a bit dryer.

Best wishes for Portland!

Olga said...

Glad you hooked up with Monika! Adrien loves running in the rain...psycho:) I just don't mind it. And I am ready to get out right now!

matt said...

i envy your fall/winter/spring running conditions :) do you wear a differnt shoe for the muddy trails?

Rick Gaston said...

Raining already! It's in the air here too but not quite raining yet. I enjoy a good rain run myself. I'm all for getting soaked and just changing after. I find the rain resistant/proof jackets to be too hot and I end up soaking in my own sweat anyway. It's the wind that makes me want to stay home:)

Darrell said...

that doesn't leave much dry weather running, now does it?

Bret said...

Sarah, here is our meeting plan for the marathon...join us if you want.

I'm looking at the new start for the marathon and it looks like the Elk will be blocked off, or might be until after the race...so lets meet at the Elk at 0630 which is on Main street between 4th and 3rd street. Now, if the Elk is blocked we will meet 1.5 blocks east (Detour, thats towards the Willamette River) at SW Main and 2nd Avenue in the middle of the street.

wendy said...

Sarah,

Who is Monika? I used her comment about weather/gear for an article, wanted to make sure that was okay. =)