I am in full taper mode for Grandma’s Marathon on Saturday, and I am loving every minute of it. Those of you out there who don’t like to taper. . . . .you’re crazy!
A lot of the things I love about tapering revolve around the extra time to be able to do things I don’t normally have time to do, and here are some of those things.
- I can sleep more. Since my runs haven’t been more than about an hour, I don’t have to get up as early to run. Plus I have time to take daily naps when Cullen naps.
- I actually take the time to foam roll and stretch. My muscles are notoriously tight, and they are finally loosening up.
- Since I am staying at my parent’s right now, I don’t have to be on my feet as much chasing Cullen around and picking up after him because Grandma and Grandpa like spending time with him too.
- It is nice to have a break from intense training. After nine months of very intense training, I’m ready for a break. This break helps me reset for the next training cycle.
- We have more time to do things such as: go to the water park, splash in water puddles, go to the library, and see animals at the zoo. (Actually this is probably more due to being in Minnesota with Grandma and Grandpa.)
- Usually when I have shorter workouts I spend more time in the kitchen. I haven’t done that at my parent’s, but I have been bookmarking many recipes to make when I get back home. Currently on my to-make list is: an amped up banana bread recipe, Healthy Mayo-free Tuna Salad, and Spring Roll Bowls.
- I get to eat all-the-carbs! Normally I continue eating the way I usually do, but I am trying something new this time. For this marathon I did a carb deplete followed by a carb-load. I’ll be sure to write another blog post on how this goes after I complete it.
- I have more time to read some of my favorite blogs: A Foodie Stays Fit, Carrots ‘n’ Cake, and Hungry Runner Girl.
- I also have time to read books! I haven’t gotten into anything yet, but the fact I was able to check out some books from the library and sit down and read them hasn’t happened in a long time. I did watch the movie Unbroken, but I didn’t like it; it was too sad.
In other news. . . .this is what Cullen and I have been up to!
Hanging out on the farm and enjoying the picture-perfect summer weather. . .sunny and 80 degrees, now that’s what I’m talking about! The water in the field is not supposed to be there. We got 4 inches of rain, and my dad wasn’t too happy about it.
I’ve also gotten to experience the summer storms such as thunder and lightening! We have thunder and lightening maybe once a year in Alaska, and it is usually pretty mild. My sister and I drove into this rainstorm the other day. After being in it for a few minutes, we realized we were driving towards a tornado and hail, so we turned around!
We also had lunch with Great-grandma at The Daily Grind–my favorite cafe in town.
Only two more days until the marathon! You can sign up to track my progress but not until the day of, I guess. My bib number is: 6849
ahhhh I’m so flattered!!!! 🙂
I love hearing what you are doing with your taper time and I’m super interested in hearing more about the carb deplete/carb load? I’m assuming you’re trying to train your body to burn fat on empty glycogen stores and then dumping carbs into is gonna make you feel amazing? Can’t wait to read that post!!
And thunderstorms are the BEST. We get some amazing ones.
You really need to sign up for a race in NC – you’d love it here!
I’m traveling this weekend so in case I don’t have another chance to tell you – GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!! I know you’ll do amazing!! I’ll be stalking your social media for results. 🙂
I DO love NC!! My sister lived in Raleigh for a year, and I visited her twice. It was gorgeous, and I loved the mild winter!!
Good Luck at Grandma’s! We’ll follow online.:)
Thank you!
Good luck this weekend!! 🙂
Thanks!
GOOD LUCK this weekend!!!! It’s been fun to track your training; you are incredibly strong and in amazing shape to blow this sub-3 out of the water. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!!!!!!!
Aww. . .you are too sweet! Thank you!
Michelle! Good luck tomorrow in your sub-three hour marathon quest. I know you can do it, you looked so strong at the Trent Whatever-the-name-is Half-Marathon last month. You looked as if you were merely gliding, and not running (!!). Take care; we’re all rooting for you.
P.S. You’re missing the “hot” Alaska weather, lol.
P.S.S. Good luck, good luck, good luck.
Thank you! I did hear you cheer for me at the Trent/Waldron half!
P.S. I’m enjoying even hotter weather in MN. 😉
I was googling running stuff and your blog popped up I started reading and I was like hey, that’s the girl that won Moose’s Tooth…I was 2nd 😉 BEST of luck tomorrow, you’re gonna smash the sub 3!! I dream of being able to run the times you do!! Very inspiring!
P.S. if you ever want long run company, I live in the valley 🙂
Haha! Too funny! I usually do my long runs Saturday morning. We have a group that meets at Skinny Raven at 8 a.m. on Saturdays if you are interested!