Taper tantrum

[Decker]

In taper mode now and having to miss the group interval run both this week and next. Feels a bit like cheating :). I know. At least there is a 13k on the weekend. Still wonder if I should’ve done the full distance once. Well we’re doing it one way or the other. Pic is from last Saturday’s long run with the group to a spot nicknamed Graffitti Alley for mysterious reasons. 🤔

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

You've done all the prep work, you are ready. There will be added buzz and support on the day that will carry you through. I don't know anyone except me and GoGo_JoJo who have done the distance solo and for fun but I do know that most of the guys don't cover the whole marathon before the big day. That's all good, you'll be fine! 👍

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to mrrun]

Thanks mate. Yeah it should be fine.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Love the pictures! It might be graffiti, but it is pretty.

I know going into my walking marathon a few years ago, it felt odd not to do the distance first but the recovery is too long to cover the distance first especially as a first marathon. If I remember correctly, I was somewhere in the low 30k in my final long training walk. The last few km on race day were tough and I was muttering a lot of f-bombs under my breath (it became my mantra 🤷‍♀️) but you get it done. You’ve put the training in and will nail it in race day, I know it!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks Sask. Yes logically I know all this is true. Its just a matter of convincing my brain

Also yeah the alley was really cool. Now I want to paint a wall

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

It must feel weird missing your group runs but necessary for the big day. The graffiti is very colourful. I like the group photo with the cool wall behind you.

Are you running the Toronto Waterfront marathon? That will be great! All your hard work will pay off. You’ll do well!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lavender1962]

Yes Lav it is the Waterfront marathon. Its a bit weird not to run the same way but its only for a couple of weeks. Thanks also

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

Some of your group must be running the race too!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lavender1962]

Yes at least 4 others are doing the full and another 10 or so doing the half!

[Lordi Marathon]

I only went up to 32km longest run before my marathon. Enjoy the taper, your legs will feel like coiled steel springs after the rest! On race day, around 30km in don't start thinking to yourself "This marathon business is not too hard after all! I feel great!" ...you are about to get a giant kick up the backside between 35-40km as your leg muscles run out of glycogen! You're a bit more hardcore than me these days though Decker, so you'll be fine.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lordi]

I know exactly what you mean Lordi. I felt that happen on both the 32 and 34 runs over the last few weeks. Like hitting a wall

[Lordi Marathon in reply to Decker]

Yep - 0-35km -> legs, 35k-> guts, grim determination and bloody-mindedness! One thing that helped me around the "I want to die' 40,5 km point was the realisation that I could probably crawl from there to the end before the cut-off

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lordi]

Haha you are really selling it now 🤣! Just curious did you do one or two weeks of taper?

[Lordi Marathon in reply to Decker]

About 10 days, that included just one 5k and a long walk 17k. Probably too much of a taper tbh, more like bugger all

[Tbae Metric Marathon]

Every good wish Roger.💥

Belated congratulations.💥

Brillant badge, Brillant choice.💥💥

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Tbae]

Thanks very kindly Tbae

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

I'm sure you'll be fine. Can't help much on the taper front, I did 22 the fortnight before my 1st and did my 2nd the fortnight after the 1st, but mine are slower trail runs anyway.

You've worked really hard on the training so it will stand you in good stead.

You've been watching and taking inspiration from others and that helps. I know the first time I just kept telling myself that if that fella could do 50 ironmans in 50 days I could do 5k more at the end!

You've also got friends doing it which will be a huge boost. I'm looking forward to seeing your report! 😁👍🏻

[Tbae Metric Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Love it Jo.

James Lawerence the Iron Cowboy.50:50:50 fella.

Fantastic 🏃‍♀️you are also and with that new badge.

👊💥🏃‍♀️⭐️👏👏

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Tbae]

That's the fella! Thank you Bob 💕

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

It’s true Jo, others have done far more difficult feats, so may as well just go for it. I think I will benefit from the rest to repair some of the niggles that have come up on the last few runs.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

You are one of the most dilligent and consistent runners I see on here. you work hard on your prep and always seem to enjoy your running. You will, as always, do great!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thank you my friend. I will certainly do my best.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Love this! Your collage has brightened up my morning a treat 😊😊😊

Enjoy your taper xxx

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

You would love this area, so much colour! And thank you 😊

[Hidden]

The nearest I’ve got to my half marathon is just short of 17k back in the summer. Because my training has been mostly slow running and by time, not distance, I haven’t got anywhere near HM before or since - and only did the long run by adding another 10k to a training run. It’s worried me on and off, but I’m putting my faith in the training plan and keeping my fingers crossed

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

You will be great Flick. You are training wisely and consistently. My last 10k is uncharted territory as well, but that’s part of the fun too, isn’t it? 👍🏼🙂

[Hidden in reply to Decker]

Hopefully lol

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Think positive and we will do this 👍🏼👊💪

[Tbae Metric Marathon in reply to Decker]

Flick is a given, you will be great too Roger,hope you remember to have your cap 🧢 pointing in its correct direction and full blast in the opposite one.⭐️⭐️’s on the move.☄️☄️

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Thank you for your faith in me. I’m having words with my knee about Sunday

[Tbae Metric Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Take good care of yourself Flick.❤️👏👏

No heroics required.Youv’e long been a hero on here.🏃‍♀️⭐️👏👏☄️

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Thank you. I shall do my best on Sunday to justify all the support I’ve received x

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Tbae]

Always Tbae! It is scientifically proven to increase speed and lower wind resistance 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Decker]

I hope so. My knee is the deciding factor. I’m determined to get round but with the knee still swelling when I run, it won’t be very fast. But I have every faith that you will smash it.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Take your time and do what you need to. That is my plan too. We can do this.

[backintime 10 Miles]

good luck - enjoy your taper

I can't wait to read the reports, I love reading the race reports

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to backintime]

Thank you I will try to enjoy this time for what it is. And I will be sure to put together a report for you when its all said and done. 🙂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Great pics as usual Decker. Don't let the taper mess with your head - 'you got this, remember?! 😉🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes of course you are right Sandra, thank you - Easy to preach, harder to practice sometimes :). I stuck to just 5k this morning as per the plan

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

..definitely easy to preach!😄

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon]

Rest and believe. You can do it. X

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Clairecandothis]

Thanks Claire 🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Enjoy your taper. You earned it Your legs will thank you 😃👍

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

I am starting to enjoy it now. Ran an easy 5 and went out for lunch yesterday. Tomorrow is a slow 13. As long as I don't enjoy it too much, I should be good

[misswobble Marathon]

Keep the speed way down 🙂