Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Houston, we have the start of a problem...

From Wikipedia:

"Tapering, in the context of sports, refers to the practice of reducing, or tapering off, exercise in the days just before an important competition. Tapering is customary in many endurance sports, such as the marathon, athletics and swimming. For many athletes, a significant period of tapering is essential for optimal performance. The tapering period frequently lasts as much as a week or more."

Hmmmm, I don't think tapering off means NOT working out since the long run on Sunday. Especially as it is two weeks out from the race. My schedule is messed up this week and with the added bonus of the time change I am just out of whack. This is definitely not part of my planned taper which is really next week and still involves some short runs and bootcamp.

But I am trying not to sweat it. (Ha, I haven't been have I?) I am just going to pick it up today and make it a priority to get a run in and ensure I do the last longer run this weekend. I have to trust my training that I've done that I'm ready, but the mental aspect of this upcoming race is looming out there.

I can feel this underlying stress inside of me from a number of things---the half is just an added stresser right now. It's also reflected in my eating, which while not horrible, hasn't been particularly good either since about Saturday. In hindsight, I realize that I have been eating when I am not really hungry and having more treats. It's not the end of the world, but it's important that I call myself out on this trend so it doesn't continue. It's funny, but while I know it's not possible by what I have eaten, I feel like I am 10 lbs heavier and just blah. Proof that for me eating well does a body good!

1 comment:

Beth Ann said...

Sorry you have gotten a little of track, but kudos to you for recognizing it. Each day is a new day! You pick up and go which is exactly what you are doing. Awesome!