With exactly two weeks to go, I have completed my last long run and now start what the professionals call a taper. I have been sticking to my training plan and today it says I should be doing a steady 90 min run (about 10 miles). The sun is shining, Alex is going to come out with me and I'm feeling relaxed. Oh and the shorts have made an appearance!!
Today I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I think it's because I know that I have done everything I can to train for the big day, I've done all my long runs and I can now rest and enjoy some shorter ones.
I take it steady and Alex and I have a little chat on the way out. The shorts and long socks seem to attract some strange (maybe they were admiring) looks but I feel comfortable and carry on regardless. I reach the top of the Greenway and do the habitual loop round the roundabout and turn back. I am suppose to be running easy but I feel so good that I pick up the pace a bit and besides Alex needs to get home for the match! As I am not listening to my Ipod today I try and be mindful about my running and listen carefully to my breathing and the sound of my footsteps. It has been reported that people who run mindfully i.e. don't distract themselves by listening to music are more efficient runners because they focus more on things like technique. It also helps with injury prevention and energy efficiency which means that you can run faster and farther with less effort. Which makes it a more pleasurable experience. This technique worked for me today because I felt great and I reckon I could have easily have run a sub 1:40 half marathon!
Anyway, I digress. I finish the run, don't bother with an ice bath because I wasn't running for long enough to need one. Two weeks to go............
P.s. I think the shorts and long socks are a winning combo...!!
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