Running Off The Taper
Who wants to stand on the start line of a marathon feeling fresh? Not me.
16:07 3.5 miles 23:56
1 6:47 2 6:53 3 6.47 .5 3:29 (7:00 pace) Average 6:50 min/miles
Tapering is amazing. Even if it has been enforced by injury. I set off running today at what felt like 7:30 – 8:00 pace and it was actually about 6:30 pace. I didn’t feel like I was pushing things at all, the ankle (and the blisters) felt fine in road shoes, and I ran the whole run feeling great, struggling only with the wind. As Mrs pacepusher intends using me as a wind break tomorrow I’d better get used to that though!
So now that I have wasted my taper, I’ll stand on the start line tomorrow knowing that a PB is out of the question, and happily trot around the 26.2 miles with Mrs pacepusher. It’s ridiculous that the marathon distance currently holds no fear for me. I need to remember that it is still a long way, and not get too complacent. I’m still going to be on my feet for 3:59:59 (at least that’s what time Mrs pacepusher wants her pacemaker to aim for!) and there’ll be no carrot cake or chocolate milk stops… it’s just plain old running!
We went across to the expo yesterday. It wasn’t great, but then I’ve been a little spoilt with New York and 
London’s events recently. We did also shop at the Ocean Terminal though and discovered season 3 of Prison Break on DVD… result! So without much persuasion, whilst I’ve burnt off a bit of energy and spoilt my taper, Mrs pacepusher has hardly moved off the sofa as we’ve watched one episode after another. It’s great. I was supposed to run much sooner today, but each episode ends in such a way that another one just has to start ASAP! Perfect pre-race entertainment.
Finally, congratulations to JK who ran an excellent time of 1:25:56 in the Kirkcudbright Half Marathon today. The man’s on fine form right now, I think he might take some beating on June 21st.
If anyone’s watching the Edinburgh Marathon tomorrow, I’ll be wearing my WHWR Buff and carrying a big Saltire. Give the pacepushers a cheer as we pass.
