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Do you feel that?
That almost rhythmic bounce? A rapid, nervous hammering?
Do you feel it?
Do you know what it is?
It baffles scientists every year around this time. It’s in the air, it’s in the ground, it’s in the pit of our stomachs.
I finally figured out what is causing it.
It’s the up-and-down movement of over 27,000 knees as runners preparing for the Boston Marathon enter their taper*.
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Despite this being my 6th marathon in 18 months, I can already tell this taper is going to be the hardest yet. I’ve trained harder and run longer than any other training cycle – I just want Boston to get here.
What do you do to deal with the taper?
*For the uninitiated – the taper is the last 2 – 3 weeks of training for a marathon. During this time, runners reduce their weekly miles somewhat dramatically, leading to what many call Taper Madness – an overflow of nervous energy where runner don’t know what to do with themselves and often get a little grumpy.
Run Luau Run 
I go out of my friggin’ mind and drive everyone (including my coach) absolutely NUTS! I begin to doubt everything and completely lose perspective on the last 6 months.
I don’t think I can try this method at home.
Had my last 22 miler last weekend and my first marathon anxiety dream Sunday night. It’s going to be a loooooong taper. I just try to stay busy and distracted. Best of luck to you in the taper. See you in Hopkinton!
Looking forward to it!
How about “See you in Boston!?!” Will you be able to make it out to the dailymile meetup Claire? Would love to meet you! http://www.dailymile.com/meetups/28-boston-marathon-hootenanny
Well, right now I worry about whether the nicked Achilles from my final long run will recover in time (coach says it will). After that I’ll start down the road that Doug laid out. Then the last several days I’ll totally throw perspective out the window and insist I can’t do anything that will make my legs tired (take out the trash, get the mail from the mailbox, get out of bed . . .). Then I’ll have a good pasta meal, fail to sleep and run the race. Doesn’t everyone do that?
That sounds about right!
Strong work Blaise! I’ve already freaked-out on my coach though, so I’m one-step ahead of you! 😉