Taper Time

Yaaay! The hard part of training is over, now it's time to recover and maintain until Boston. My mileage will be cut back from almost 57 miles per week to about 35.

In the last couple of days I've heard from some dear friends who had very kind and encouraging words for me. Trish, my friend from college who has seen me through many trials, tribulations and joys. Monica, my inspiring mentor from the Runner's World Forum who is also running Boston for the first time. Lisa, my dear and trusted friend from work who I ran the CIM with. My sister, Maxe, who is always an inspiration to me no matter what. Kay, who was like a second mom to me and who I still have a great deal of love and respect for. Their words coupled with all the nice, motivating comments I've received through the blog have been a Godsend. It feels like I've had friends with me on this training journey the whole time. Thank you so much! It will make my experience in Boston that much sweeter.

Yesterday when the baby and I took the kids to track practice, we did a 4 mile recovery jog on the track. It was soooooo windy that my body was at a 45-degree angle at times to try to push the stroller into the wind. I was smart to bring the rain cover so the dirt didn't bombard the baby's face like it did mine. My older kids waved and smiled at us every time we did a lap. They were having a blast doing plyometrics and other drills. Next month they will be doing more running.

Lastnight while watching Workout on Bravo, I did another series of core work: 3 sets of Samson Stretch for 10-15 seconds, 3 sets of 25 bicycle crunches, 5 sets of 15 back extensions and 3 sets of 12-15 dips.

Today I have 8 miles with 6 minutes total uphill time. Later I think I will give this CrossFit workout a go:

"Ms. Leslie" from CrossFit Santa Cruz
Complete 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps of:
Pull Ups
Back Squat (I'll use 10-15 lb. dumbells)
Shoulder Press (10-15 lb. dumbells)
Sit Ups

I'll report again later after it's all done. In the meantime, have a wonderful day!
TUESDAY'S TOTAL MILES: 4