The Taper

Tapering can make a runner lose their mind. Literally.

Everything is challenged during the taper. Each run gets shorter and harder. It is the most odd thing to experience. You ask yourself continuously....can I even complete this run? Let alone a marathon?

There really is no way to truly explain it. It plays awful tricks on the mind, makes you doubt yourself. You can only sit back and HOPE that all the preparation BEFORE this taper will get you through. My mantra's of late....

*One mile at a time*

*Things I learned about life from running.....*

The later tends to help take the thoughts away from internally focusing on aches and pains.

This Sunday will mark one week before I run Lake Tahoe. E-mail after e-mail keeps saying NOT to expect a PR, just go and have fun as the run is very tough.

My goal, above all....to finish both runs.

These will be the first runs I have done where Mom and/or Dad will not be there. It will be hard for that reason, but I know.......in a way.....this is another lesson from these marathons.

I can easily close my eyes and have the vision of Bubba at the end of the Seattle Marathon....what he was wearing, the look on his face.....or running past Lindsey's house and seeing George, the signs and balloons out front, when I needed the extra push to finish, not to mention having Vicki at the finish line to tell me, "I am SO proud of you!"

I can see Mom and Dad standing in the rain with Bella cheering me on at the Napa Valley Marathon....Hearing Dad say "You can do THIS", my PC hollering at me at the end of Napa to "Hurry Up!!!" These memories are strong and will carry me through these races.

Those of you who read my blog....you will be with me.

Believe me....I have 26.2 miles to think of each of you, and truthfully I will!