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April 14, 2006
Tapering to the Extreme
I think I have taken this taper to the extreme! I am on a consisten diet of 4 milers. I ran 5 miles on Tuesday, 4 miles on Thursday, and 4.4 this morning. I struggled to fight off a fever at the beginning of the week so I decided to take 2 rest days instead of pushing it. I really do not think a few 30-40 minute runs at this point will make much of a difference.
Today's run went really well - it provided the final confidence boost that I needed (especially since I have been feeling a little under the weather and out of it this week). I met up with my friend, Corvette, and we took the first 3 miles really easy. Then we hit the light that signifies one mile to go and Corvette said, "Why don't you run this last mile at marathon race pace and get your legs moving a bit." I thought that was brilliant. I hit a smooth stride pretty quickly and took off. I felt comfortable and the pace felt pretty good. I knew I was moving slightly faster than marathon race pace - I thought somewhere around 6:35-6:40. When I hit the mile it was 5:50 . . . so I ran to the second possible 1 mile marker and it was 6:19. I think the true 1 mile marker falls somewhere in between. I was shocked - I can't remember the last time I ran a mile that fast and it felt like a 6:35 effort! My glute behaved wonderfully too . . . I am keeping my fingers crossed that the stars are aligned and all is going to go well on Monday.
Other than my exciting mile time, I have been busy all week. I am a little concerned at my complete lack of sleep, but I am going to take a nap this afternoon and go to bed early. I had trouble falling asleep last night (at 1AM) and then I got up at 5AM. I am hoping tonight will be less restless. I leave for Boston tomorrow morning at 8AM - B. and I have a connecting flight so we will not arrive in Boston until 2PM. Once I get there, I am planning to meet up with a friend for an EASY 4 miler and then I am off to the GBTC fundraiser for Margaret L. Bradley. I cannot wait to see Margaret's mom and my old GBTC teammates!
I also need to give a shout out to my sister, Katie. She sent me a $25.00 Starbucks card as a good luck wish for Monday! My sisters and my brother are such amazing and spirited individuals. I am lucky to be part of the clan. My senior year of college I was supposed to run Boston, but I got injured. My sister, Katie, had planned to fly out to watch me run . . . she came anyway and decided to watch the race with me. We spent the Sunday before the race pulling an all-nighter as I put the final touches on my senior thesis. We literally ran from BC down to Beacon Street to Kinkos on Monday morning. We dropped off my thesis and stationed ourselves at mile 21. It's one of my fondest memories of living in Boston and watching the race. My dad also came out one year to watch the marathon with me . . . the two of us were the last spectators standing on mile 21. My dad, quite an athlete himself, has a tremendous respect for athletes. He proclaimed that we would not move until we were sure that every runner had passed us. Around 5PM a lone runner with a crinkled bib number came limping up heartbreak hill. My father took off his University of St. Francis sweatshirt and gave it the runner. And that, in my mind, is what this is all about . . . there is such a beautiful and unspoken bond that exists among those who push their physical bodies to the limit.
I am feeling fit and ready.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ARE RUNNING ON MONDAY! I plan to update my blog tomorrow, Sunday, and late on Monday.
Posted by bridget at April 14, 2006 09:47 AM
Comments
Wow, your happiness just pours off the page recently. :) You are clearly 'fit and ready' to have a great run Monday!
Posted by: Paige at April 14, 2006 10:32 AM
Good luck on Monday!! I hope you run really fast and have a great time in Boston.
Posted by: barb at April 14, 2006 10:58 AM
AHHH!!! Great story about you and your Dad. Good luck!! I'll be at mile 18.6 (30K) cheering everyone on!
Posted by: Audrey at April 14, 2006 11:23 AM
Good LUCK BRIDGET....I will be watching the race with Grandma....I LOVE YOU>..HUGS...MOM
Posted by: Mom at April 14, 2006 01:54 PM
ALSO, just fyi, it's a water stop. look for a table (the running club will have a giant banner out). so if you need water it'll be there. i'm not sure exactly what else we'll have. also, if you need/want anything special i can provide it. just let me know. for example, i am giving one friend a shot of espresso and some GU. and becky might need special things or she might not. she is still crafting her strategy :)
anyway, how exciting!! good luck!
-audrey-
Posted by: Audrey at April 14, 2006 05:27 PM
good luck on Monday! Have a great race!
Posted by: katiek9 at April 14, 2006 05:57 PM
I was just telling Becky on a run yesterday or today that you have no idea how fit you are. However, as fit as you might be, please don't go out between 5:50 and 6:19 and report that it felt like 7:30 pace! :-) If you want to run 5:50 for your last mile, though, go for it!
I'll see you tomorrow night!
Posted by: Alison at April 14, 2006 07:41 PM
Good luck on Monday! Alison is right--you truly are fit! Thank you for sharing the stories about your sister and father. You definitely have a loving, supportive family. I'll be thinking of you...
Posted by: Caitlin at April 14, 2006 10:11 PM
You got your wish, the weather is ideal for a fast marathon and your training has been right on. Good luck. Take some names.
BC is returning a lot of great next year and will be able to make another run at the NCAA championship :)
Posted by: ryan at April 17, 2006 10:19 AM
Great job Bridget!! Can't wait to hear about everything.
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at April 17, 2006 02:25 PM
Good job Bridget!!! I second Blondie -- can't wait to hear all about it.
Posted by: alweiss at April 17, 2006 04:51 PM