It’s taper time and with taper come the tantrums, the doubts, the fears, the anxiety and of course the excitement!
I have fully tapered for 7 of my 8 marathons and it doesn’t get any easier. I still go through the classic signs of being overly emotional, tired, having ants in my pants, heavy legs, questioning my training and just being plain crazy. I even have a list of rules to help get me through this annoying time, but alas I still end up with taper tantrums.
I have had a good training cycle. Sure it hasn’t been perfect and there are things I would go back and do differently if I could, but overall it’s still been a very good cycle that I am proud of. Yet somehow, during these weeks of taper, runners seem to dwell on what we didn’t do, or what we should have done differently and we start questioning ourselves and how prepared we are for the race.
I can say “we” and “runners” because I know I am not alone, I see it all the time and I have caught myself doing it a lot this week.
I got an email today from a friend saying these same things. I can easily answer my friends questions, provide them support, tell them they are ready and know exactly how they are feeling. Most of the time when I think about what I just told my friends, it is exactly what I needed to hear as well.
Today I told my friend:
Don’t think about what you didn’t do, think about what you DID do.
And as I sat there reading those words I had just typed I told myself I need to believe the same thing.
So instead of thinking of those tempos runs I didn’t hit or that track workout I skipped, I am going to focus on what I DID do:
- I ran the most 20+ mile runs I have ever ran in a training cycle (6!).
- I ran the longest training run I ever have at 23 miles.
- I ran 5 consecutive weeks at over 60 miles.
- I ran more hilly long runs than I ever have.
- I had many great track workouts and saw big improvements along the way
I did a lot of things, and those things are what are going to let me have a successful race. Not thinking about what I didn’t do, not thinking about what I should have done, but finding confidence in myself from what I did do and knowing that will lead me to a great race.
I cannot promise you the taper tantrums will subside anytime soon, but I will promise you I am not going to doubt my training from here on out.
I did good things this cycle and good things will come from it.
Taper tantrums!! That’s awesome!! I totally throw taper tantrums!!!! Now I know what they are called!
You have most definitely put in the work…..now go enjoy!
I was literally writing a blog post when this popped up in my Google Reader. It’s kinda crazy how closely tied the two posts were, so I included you in my post!
http://irunlikeme.blogspot.com/2011/04/toughts-are-things.html
This is a great post Aron. Just seeing your listi of what you DID do is so impressive. This is BOSTON! You’ve already done the hard part. Now your only job is to take it in and revel in the excitment.
i had big doubts before shamrock…during training i knew i killed it but as soon as taper came, i started wondering if i did enough. push those thoughts aside b/c you’re ready and you know it. bring on boston!
Hmmmm….I wonder who that friend is
Thank you for being my savior and you are seriously going to KILL IT! You had an amazing training cycle and I can’t wait for the big day!
Heck yes you did!! Bring on Boston!
You Rock sister!!!! I am in the SAME mode, thank you for the reminder because I am in “I should have” mode right now..
You are a rockstar!!
I can’t wait to your read your “My First Boston” recap (I love those, by the way! They make me want to run Boston someday).
HA. I just read this and Page’s post back-to-back. Thanks for all the encouragement. As I just told Page…just being in Boston is the prize…less than 2 weeks…
I love your phrase – at first I was confused by the title of this post, but this made complete sense “Don’t think about what you didn’t do, think about what you DID do.” I’m not a fan of tapering! haha
It’s so funny how we can always dish out the advice but need to be reminded ourselves. Taper is such a mental game… hang in there, the big day is in sight!!!
Your blog is so motivating. I just started blogging but I read your blog every day. I am relatively new to running but I have learned so much from reading your blog. You will do great in Boston!
good crikey, your list of what you DID do is amazing. that many 60M weeks? that many 20+milers? whew. you are going to kick butt!
You are certainly not alone when it comes to taper time, and what a great question to bring all of us back into the positive, into the moment, but remember all the things we DID do. I know I will find myself borrowing that phrase come my next taper time! I, too, have created a list of how to deal with me during taper, during which time the frequency with which I “have a nutty” increases!
Best of luck!
Amy
http://www.amymoritz.com
Great post. So right on the mark. I haven’t gone through this is running, but the anxiety the same in my past competitive swimming experience. Very hard to believe you will hit your projected pace when the time comes while you are struggling through the most rudimentary of workouts during taper.
Good luck in Boston! I’m sure it will all come together for you.
you are one of the hardest working runners i “know”! i am the same way about dishing advice & having a hard time taking it yourself!
you are going to do superb at boston and absolutely crush the course.
so inspired by your dedication.
xoxox
You’ve done such a great job! 6 20+ mile runs is IMPRESSIVE! I know the self doubt that must be plaguing you right now, but you have put in SO much work, I know you can do this
Great post! I loved this. You had an amazing training cycle. I can’t wait to hear how Boston goes for you!
I’m so excited for you!!!
Taper is always so, so hard for me. I think your approach is right on though, especially letting your body re-charge after all of those 20-milers and 60-mile weeks! I find too that it’s fun to figure out other ways to fill the time, including getting more sleep, taking the pups to the park more often and enjoying normal dinners at home v. at 9pm after a workout.
Yay your button is working
You trained HARD for this. I am so freaking excited for you. I can’t wait to hear about how you rock Boston!
you are soooooo ready to kick ass at boston! and you have the best mindset going in. remind yourself about all of the reasons your training cycle was rocking for the next 12 days and at the start line!
Another great saying to add to my list of positive mantras!
Admitting you have a problem is the first step in taming the crazy
I have been reading your blog for quite some time and have been following your road to Boston. I was going to leave you a comment right before the race to tell you how inspiring your journey has been and how well I think you’re going to do in the race – but this post is so right-on that I think I’ll do it now: you have worked hard for this, you have earned it, you deserve it, and not only are you going to run Boston well, but you are going to have the time of your life! Enjoy!
very encouraging thanks
It’s always good to be reminded to think this way.
i’ve been trying to embrace this mentality but this has been a very less than ideal training cycle for me. so i’m more of the mindset that everything is so ridiculous that, well, what else could go wrong during taper?! haahahahha! can’t wait to meet you!
and i just ordered my jacket today. EXCITING!
Aron, you are a rockstar! I can’t believe you did SIX 20+ milers! You have this girl! I’m so excited for you
And I love that you said to focus on what you DID do. That can apply to so many things beyond running. Love it!
You have had a great training cycle and put so much hard work into it! I know it will pay off on race day and you can look back on all the things you DID do during those 26.2 miles
Good advice
Taper is always something I love and hate because I want the rest, but I’m anxious at the same time!
SO important to think about what you did and not what you could have done different, but we all do it. Taper Tantrums, I love it!
What do you think of the Boston jacket? I debated ordering one or just witing until the expo.
Its all about the positive mental attitude
You got it!
Yep. Taper tantrums, I represent that remark.
this post was just what i needed! i’m getting a little nervous about the fact that i’m running 50 miles in 3 days (ummmm what?!) but i have to trust my training, look back at what i DID do, move forward, and embrace the journey. but girl, reading everything that you did do i know you are going to blow boston out of the water!!!!!
Taper tantrums is so cute!!!
Great attitude thinking of all the work you DID instead of all the work you didn’t do!
I am SO impressed by your training cycle. You are totally ready to crush Boston.
And I will try to remember your positive thinking the next time I am tapering.
I usually need all the help I can get.