Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Just don't feel like running today

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Just don't feel like running today

I planned to run 3 or 4 miles today but driving home I just didn't feel like it. So I won't.
After the hill running work out yesterday I can afford a day off.
I have trained as best as possible for the Possum Kingdom 55K I am running Saturday so this week I can slack off. I should slack off. But how much? Tapering is always the most difficult period leading into a race. How much or how little should I run? It's a burning question we all struggle with. I will run tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday but only a little bit. Friday? I don't know, maybe. I ran the day before a race for the first time this year. The day before the Austin Marathon two months ago I put in a bit over a couple of miles and I PR'd the next day! Never before had I even thought of doing that. Training with my good friend Lalo changed that.
I'd heard other runners, those in better condition than I, speak of running the day before a race. I thought I needed all the rest I could get and would rest the two days before a race. Apparently, if you train properly, running the day before a race helps keep you loose.
I'm comfortable with my training and feel I am prepared to have a good day Saturday. It will be a good day because my brother and grandson will accompany me to the race. knowing they will be at the half way turn around and at the finish line will keep me motivated.
Watch out Possums, Here I come.

1 comment:

Lalo said...: So they were wrong.....u can teach an old dog some new tricks! :-)))

We all worry about the taper and everyone does it differently; however, u probably could have done whatever during that last week and still PR'ed. You put in the hard work and no taper can ruin that.

Go get it on Saturday! Have a great race!; April 24, 2013 at 1:29 AM

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Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Just don't feel like running today

1 comment:

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon