Boston Marathon Week 17: It’s Showtime!

I am now deep in the depths of taper time. Week 17 of my Boston Marathon training was all about taking it easy. I reduced the distance of my runs, told myself it was ok not to push, and generally tried to take care of myself as I began to feel symptoms of a cold (terrible timing, self!).

With only a week left to go before the marathon, my nerves are kicking in. I go back and forth between feeling confident and excited, and feeling anxious. It’s been exciting to see the city start preparing for the marathon. The metal barricades for spectators are waiting to be set up, the banners and advertisements have been hung, and they’re preparing the area for the finish line grandstand in front of the Boston Public Library. Sometime this week they will freshen the finish line (which I recently learned is not painted, but actually a giant sticker; I was surprised because it really looks painted. In fact, I am skeptical that it’s a decal.).

Midweek Runs

My midweek runs this week felt so short! I did 5 miles Monday, 4 miles Tuesday, and 3 miles Wednesday. On Tuesday and Wednesday I was in Philadelphia, so I got to enjoy slightly warmer weather and running along the Schuylkill River.

During the taper, you’re supposed to reduce the distance of your runs but maintain roughly the same intensity. Just because you’re going shorter doesn’t mean you sprint. I struggled with this, and found that I ran my 3 mile run about a minute per mile faster than I’ve been training. Whoops. It didn’t feel bad, but I will need to watch out for this in my last week of taper to ensure I don’t tired the ol’ legs out.

I’m a little concerned about how my face appears to be melting in all my terrible selfies.

Cross-Training

After a few weeks of not doing cardio cross-training, I went back to Flywheel for a spin class on Thursday morning. It was . . . sweaty.

On Friday morning, I hit BURN Fitness for my favorite Power Burn class.

Weekend Long Run

DFMC did schedule one final group long run, but since my planned mileage was only 8, I decided to go solo instead. Besides the camaraderie, one of the benefits of the group runs is course support (water and fuel). I can finish an 8 mile run without needing that, so it didn’t seem worth the extra effort and time to head out to Newton for the run. I missed my teammates but luxuriated in my extra hours.

I ran a loop around the river that just a few weeks ago was a mid-week run for me. It was very weird to have it be my long run.

Exciting Singlet Update!

Maybe it’s only exciting for me, but my singlet is ready! I was able to pick it up from the printers (QRSTs, who did a wonderful job for very little money). I had my first name put on the front so people can cheer me on, and on the back I have the names of people in whose honor I am running arranged into a heart design, courtesy of my sister-in-law Missy.

I had to laugh at how big my name came out. The printer makes all the first names exactly as wide as the “DFMC” printed above. Having a short name means really big letters. I don’t think anyone will have trouble making out my name!

Fundraising Update

In amazing, fantastic news, I have raised over $20,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I’m so excited about this, and so grateful for the incredible support from friends, family, and coworkers. As you know, every dollar raised through the Marathon Challenge goes to the Barr Program which funds innovative basic cancer research.

There’s just one week to go before the marathon, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to donate. I appreciate any contributions to my Dana-Farber page at rundfmc.org/2015/amybucher; they will make a difference in the fight against cancer.

One week to go!