July 10th Preview

It’s taper time for the Coburg Half. This Sunday’s run will be our traditional one-hour, mostly on Pre’s Trail. Running by time instead of distance removes the pressure of going fast when you don’t need a hard run. It also allows everyone to finish close together.

We start at eight o’clock from the Eugene Running Company. The route: Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge and don’t cross. Turn left onto bike path, to Pre’s near Alton Baker restrooms. Follow the water to Autzen Stadium and cross wooden footbridge. Turn left and stay beside canal until 30 minutes has passed. Turn AROUND then and come back the same way.

If you insist on knowing your distance, the I-5 underpass and back is close to 6.0 miles.

Bring a drink for delivery at Autzen Stadium, going out and coming back. Weather forecast: cloudy with chance of showers and starting temperature in 50s.

Again this week, the streets and trail will be busier than usual as the Trials wrap up on Sunday. You might have famous-athletes sightings, even if you don't know exactly who they are.

WEEK 9 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.