Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Half marathon decision

Medical advice on the knee has been sought from 2 professionals.

They agreed.

I listened.

The taper has begun.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

The taper. Hmmm. You are taping the knee? You have a very thin, tall candle over which you are saying incantations? Or you are tapering off on your training for a while? Please do enlighten...

Sarah Elaine said...

"The taper" is when you back off on your training to let your body rest before the event. Normally I don't think most people would taper 2 weeks before a half marathon (maybe a full marathon?) but given the knee strain, that's what I was advised.

No more hill work. No more speed work. No more long runs before the race. Short runs OK. Cross-training OK (just don't go mental). Sleep and clean eating are recommended. But then again, when are they not recommended?

psbowe said...

All the best to you Miss Sarah. Bet you're excited to do the race!

Legs and Wings said...

"Knee strain", oh man! Sorry to hear that. How long?

Anonymous said...

So you got the green light to do the race provided you taper appropriately? Hope you have a great time.

Sarah Elaine said...

That is correct. One pro said, "I've seen people in way worse shape get through bigger events" (which is not a great reason to do a race, but it was comforting nevertheless).

The other pro said, "You're already trained. Any more you do at this point won't help you. Back off, rest and you'll be fine."

Turtle Guy said...

Where there is a will, there is a way.

It's no longer all-or-nothing, is it!?

Brava.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I'm glad that it wasn't all or nothing. You've been training very hard for it and I'm sure the much needed tapering will be sufficient to get things back on par. Good luck!

Unknown said...

I am glad that you got the go ahead from the docs, but am not glad to hear about the knee pain. Take care of yourself and I know you will be successful.

ipodmomma said...

well, sounds like good advice. thanks for clearing it up for running in our dreams types like me... :)))

and good luck! enjoy it!

Sarah said...

Take it easy and I'm sure you'll be fine by race day. Best of luck!

Downhillnut said...

*I*'ve tapered 2 weeks for half marathons. But then, you know what my priorities are in finishing: Upright, smiling, and enthusiastically coherent.

You will do fine in the race, and then you will recover. And then you will start back again, ever so slowly, and back off your mileage gently when your knee gives you trouble. And over time, your knee will get the hint, become stronger, and give you less trouble.

Chill. And no tequila 48 hours before the race.