April 30th Preview

Everybody runs as one this Sunday, and nobody runs by distance. (I know, of course, that you’ll check, but I won’t record.) This will be our traditional one-hour run to end the training cycle. Two reasons: By-time runs remove the pressure of pace; an hour takes 60 minutes no matter how easily you run… And unlike all other runs, you all will finish close together; that’s important because you’ll see few of your teammates on race day.

This run will not be the Eugene Running Company. Instead we’ll meet at the new Mill Race Path in Springfield for an 8:00 start. If you haven’t been there, you’re in for a real treat. (Directions are coming by email.)

The route: go east from trailhead to intersection with Middle Fork Path, then left until your 30-minute mark. Turn around there and come back the same way.

Bring a drink for delivery at Jasper trailhead, in both directions. Weather forecast: starting temperature in 40s with rain possible.

WEEK EIGHT LESSON: YOUR TAPER

Question: How much should I run the last week before the race?

Answer: Run as little as your conscience will allow. It’s too late now, with the half-marathon just days away, to do anything that will make the race go better. But it’s never too late to make a mistake – most commonly running too far or too fast – that will come back to bite you on race day. Take at least as many rest days as you would before a weekly training run. Take nothing longer than you would on a normal week’s easy run, and ideally shorter. You won’t forget how to run this week, and you’ll race better the more rested you are.