Taper time:Third Marathon

    Taper time: I have trained as much as I can. Now it is time to let my muscles rest/rebuild and get ready for the stress of running 26.2 miles of trails in a week and a half. I feel pretty good about it.This year has been way different than last year. Partly because I have been training mostly by myself. Occasionally have had some awesome runs with others...some great trail runs! And a good 20 miler with my friend Christy that helped me not only physically but the extra important mental boost. So the difference this year has been I have had to check in with myself on how I am handling the training as I haven't had others around to get a lot of feedback from. In a way that has been good for me but it makes it a little more stressful going into the big day. But it will happen. I will finish. Barring some injury I can't foresee I am sure I can do it.
   People say you run the first half of a marathon with your legs and the second part with your heart. I also will include the mind in that. I think anyone who runs distance can tell you that getting your mind in the right place can be the key to a good or difficult race. If you have trained the body well than it can go the distance. It might hurt some, be difficult in spots but the body can accomplish it. But if you go into it with a bad attitude or bad mental state you will be putting more pressure on yourself and it can be a very long 26.2 with lots of arguments with your inner critics. Spending time arguing with those pesky naysayers in your head can be exhausting and already a marathon is by definition exhausting.
   So during this taper period I will be reviewing my mental and emotional state as well as resting physically. I have a good book to read; I have started a new art piece to work on; I will remember I am loved, wanted, needed and surrounded by goodness. I will trust that I am safe and sound. I will try to get good rest, eat good food and engage in daily laughter therapy. I will hunt down those bad thoughts in my head and hard feelings in my heart and slay them with positive energy and the light of love.
    I will have patience...with myself, with the people around me and remember I am not in total control. Just prepare the best I can and wait.