4 Day Taper to Victoria Marathon

…and counting.  What am I doing about nutrition?  One of the most important factors for me right now is not to eat too much.  I’m not running the distances I was, therefore not burning the same amount of calories.  This would be a very easy time for me to put on weight.  I certainly don’t need to carry extra pounds over 26.2 miles this weekend.

I’m going to make sure that I drink loads of water each day.  While I increase water, I will be decreasing wine (my vice).  Alcohol will affect my glycogen storage which I would like to be as full as it can be by the time next Sunday rolls around.  By the way, glycogen is what will provide you with the energy needed to go the distance.

Glycogen storage is a subject all on it’s own and can be complicated.  When we were participating in distance triathlons, we used to try suggested methods for increasing our glycogen stores, but these days, as an every day runner, we take the practical approach by increasing our carbohydrates about 3 or 4 days ahead of the race.  Again, I’m trying not to gain weight before the marathon.

Good sources of carbohydrates are potatoes, rice, grains, bread, pasta, oatmeal.  I believe the most important meal is lunch the day before the marathon.  Your body has enough time to process the carbohydrates into the much needed glycogen storage.  Dinner the night before the marathon won’t be big, spicy, high fat, high fibre or any other foods that my body may react to.  Since we will be out of town, we will probably go to a nice Italian Restaurant and indulge in pasta with a veggie/tomatoe sauce.

The morning of the marathon - my personal tried and true favorite race (or long run) breakfast - about 2 hours before the marathon, I will enjoy a bagel (hopefully toasted) and peanut butter.  A good “stick to your ribs” breakfast.

Tapering Strategy for the Victoria Marathon

Well, the big race day is clearly in sight now. On October 12, 2008 I will be running my second marathon of 2008. After 4 years without running any marathon, I must have been clearly mad when I agreed to a second marathon this year almost immediately after finishing the Vancouver Marathon.

With one month left before the marathon, we are running our last long-distance run tomorrow morning. I hope to complete a 3 hour and 45 minute run at least, and hopefully a bit longer. Weather’s looking great for our run and our route is mapped out.

With one month in my marathon training, what is my strategy?

Well, as I mentioned above our longest run will be taking place a month before. Typically, I like to do my longest run 3 weeks in advance to the marathon, but we were lucky enough to have a half marathon happening right in our own community - The Peace Arch Rotary Half Marathon in White Rock, BC which is taking place 3 weeks before the marathon. Needless to say, we’re in and will be racing next weekend. The half marathon will not only give me a chance to get some running in at race pace, but also allow me to have a race day rehearsal.

After the half marathon, the taper will begin. I will allow myself more rest if needed - keep my easy runs - easy. I feel that this is the time to take a couple days in a row off to get my body feeling strong again and get rid of any feelings of tiredness or exhaustion.

Figure out what I might like to wear on race day and take it for a test drive/run. I’m very comfortable with my tried and true running apparel that I will be sporting on marathon morning. However, I did just just purchase some brand new running shoes from Roadrunner Sports. Delivery will be in about 5 days - too late to try out on my long distance runs, but I will still have a couple of two hour runs in my marathon training which should give me a good indication of how they will feel. I would have liked to have had the runners sooner, but, call me cheap, but I was holding off for a sale. Which, by the way I got and saved over $30 on my new Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 10 s plus free shipping. If you are in need of new runner I suggest that you check it out at: Free Shipping and 15%off on all purchases through 12/13/2008 at Roadrunner Sports

On the final week before the marathon the things that I will be keeping check on is sleep, proper diet, stretching and drinking lots of water. Oh ya, very limited alcohol consumption. I do love my wine, but there isn’t alot of give in a marathon and I find that I need all my body has to give. The wine will be saved for the post-race celebrations!