Tapering makes me crazy
I have been tapering 4 of the last 5 weeks. (Here’s why.)
The shorter distances are definitely making my body go crazy. I feel antsy, restless, bloated, and heavy. All I want to do is run fast and far.
But I have to wait because I’m tapering. So I just get to sit here on my butt and dream about better days when I can push myself without repercussions.
Sometimes, though, I just can’t help myself. I had an easy 5k scheduled for today. I ran the first mile at 8:30 pace and could not take it anymore. I needed to run fast. So, I ran the last 2.1 miles a little faster than expected.
Final stats were 3.1 miles at 7:55 pace. Oops.
Since the workout was so short, it didn’t do much for my restlessness. So I went to the computer and searched for races.
This happened:
And this:
And this almost happened but my husband stopped me… this time 
It looks as if I'm running an 8k on Thanksgiving, a marathon next March, and possibly a half Ironman next May. I obviously have a problem.
Are you impulsive?
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October 25th, 2010 - 20:04
LOL! too funny. the turkey trot looks fun. You can so do a half ironman, I just know it! I hope Jeff comes around
October 25th, 2010 - 20:24
Ha! That’s what happens when you’ve got time to think, right?. I’m not the slightest bit impulsive, but after running the Army 10 Miler yesterday, I’m already jonesing to run another DC race. I’m contemplating the National half because I already have a marathon in January. Who knows?
Best of luck in all your upcoming races. At least you won’t be bored!
October 25th, 2010 - 20:25
Woohoo! You go girl! And just so you know, I have NO CLUE how you keep up the pace that you do for as long as you do! You really are awesome!!!
October 25th, 2010 - 21:33
wow! that’s ambitious and impulsive! I understand though. Personally, I plan things out, almost too much, and haven’t signed up for any of the races I have on my mind yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Just remember though, if you don’t take care of yourself now, you risk not making it to the starting line of those races!! it’s hard, but it’s worth it in the long run!
October 25th, 2010 - 21:42
super speedy speedster! watch out world, cause those legs wanna move fast! and, i think that it’s 100% acceptable to have some speed during the taper, as long as the legs have time to recover and restore all the energy they need for the long run.
you’re going to do so awesome! can’t wait to hear about your victory lap.
i do compulsively sign up for things…luckily i’ve put myself on a “running allowance” that i only get once a month, so that puts the breaks on my racing. usually i have it all spent in my mind before it gets deposited in my bank
October 25th, 2010 - 22:10
LOL way to plan ahead. Can you live life without multiple races in your future?
October 25th, 2010 - 22:47
I do that all the time. Early registration is cheaper (about $2.5 cheaper, really; you see typical race fee here is about $12-$18, yeah, US Dollars, maybe you should consider a racing vacay in Argentina), so I register early, always.
On the other hand, I’m trying to get pregnant so there’s always that: hey, maybe I’m just throwing money away in races I won’t -hopefully- be able to run.
My husband also put the brake down on an 11.11 km race in a steep incline and 400 km away. But darling, you see, it’s 11.11!!! I never ran an 11.11 race!!!
October 26th, 2010 - 06:58
Tapering is the worst. The recovery after is not a whole lot better, but worth it. Just means you can get that much stronger for the next one!
I am officially registered! Now I just need speedsters like you to help me out with some speed work.
October 26th, 2010 - 07:42
Haha….I think maybe you already were crazy. Tapering is just bringing it out.
But as Becky said yesterday – it’s the best kind of crazy! I love how driven and motivated you are and I think it’s awesome that you haven’t lost any of that racing spark (actually, looks like it’s only burning brighter at the moment!)
Keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be running National Marathon with you!!
Oh, and congrats on the speedy 5K! The fact that your legs feel great and want to move is a good sign! Mine just feel so sluggish and heavy. I’m ready to trade them in for a fresh pair
October 26th, 2010 - 09:01
Impulsive is my middle name! I am constantly looking for the next race and sign up for more than I should. A real sickness
I am thinking 70.3 next year too but have not fully committed to that idea just yet…
October 26th, 2010 - 09:36
HAHA you are hilarious with all those races. I did the same thing when I got a stress fracture and couldn’t run – I signed up for my first tri and the MCM, so that’s part of the reason I’m trying to keep away from race sites for the next week
You (and your husband) are welcome to stay with us for the National Marathon! That is the race I trained for last winter but had to drop out because of the stress fracture. I’ll be doing the half this year though so I’ll be able to cheer you on at the finish line!
October 26th, 2010 - 09:44
I’m definitely NOT impulsive with races – in fact, I’m running a half mary on Nov 21st and I STILL haven’t signed up for it! (I better get cracking!)
Funny that you almost signed up for a half-ironman. I was thinking of looking for one to participate in yesterday! But I’ve decided I need to step back and try an olympic distance first!
So glad to see you’re already eying more marathons – I think I live vicariously through you since I have basically no desire to try another one any time soon!
October 26th, 2010 - 11:40
I love the local 5k here on Thanksgiving morning. It brings out the dedicated runners, the families, the non runners. And it makes eating that feast later totally worth it!
October 26th, 2010 - 13:04
Haha too funny. I will make impulsive decisions (or purchases) once in a while, and a couple times I have decided to race the day before – sometimes its better without the pressure leading up to it
October 26th, 2010 - 13:06
The National Marathon is going to be my first marathon ever! I’m so excited! And impulsive? Yes, much to my husband’s dismay sometimes. But with races I see it as a way to keep motivated and reward myself for all the running I do!
October 26th, 2010 - 14:06
Hi- your name is jen & you are a racing addict.
but I <3 you just the same.
October 26th, 2010 - 16:09
i do the same thing! i see so many great races and just have to register.
October 27th, 2010 - 12:38
I am terribly impulsive, but knowing this has helped me sit back and think before I act. I need to register for that 8K too. I talked Brad into running it with me!
We have never actually ran a race before. Can you believe that?
October 27th, 2010 - 12:38
Haha! I type before I think. We have never ran a race TOGETHER before. whoops.
October 27th, 2010 - 17:20
You are too funny. I’m the opposite- I should sign up for more races!!! But I’m a one race at a time kind of girl. Can’t wait to hear about your marathon!!!
October 27th, 2010 - 17:58
I’ve been doing lots of searches for upcoming races also, but I can’t quite hit “go” yet. Still too tired…