May 3rd Preview

We're down to this: one last training run, lasting one hour. The by-time run serves two purposes: (1) it takes the emphasis off of distance and pace so you'll relax and let whatever happens, happen, and (2) it lets everyone finish close together in this final run as a team.

Eight o'clock start from the Eugene Running Company. Bring your team shirt for group photos.

The route: Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge and don't cross. Turn left onto bike path, to Alton Baker restrooms. Onto Pre's Trail and follow water for a half-hour. Turn around and come back the same way. I can't keep you from checking distance/pace, but none I'll record none.

Bring a drink for delivery at Autzen Stadium (wooden footbridge) in both directions. Weather forecast:  starting temperature in 40s and sunny.

WEEK 8 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.