Tapering

This photo is of the Grand River, which provides the backdrop for the start and finish of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon. One week away, my mind dances among thinking of my friends who are running the Chicago Marathon today, what the weather will be like for the GR Marathon next week, and tapering.

Tapering...it might as well just be called "a time for anxiety." This is normal, so I'm told. It seems that all the energy and fatigue runners build up from intentionally pushing hard for 12 weeks leaves us jittery with unused energy when we pull back on the miles.

I've built up to running between 36 and 51 miles per week. Now I have to be content with fewer than 20 miles this week. Some say don't run at all. It feels like withdrawal. And I'm sure it is. Running releases endorphins...chemicals in the brain that reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression. So drastically cutting back on miles may increase the likelihood of moodiness (which my partner will confirm).

Here are my goals for this week's taper:

1. Rest and sleep. Perhaps rest is most important, because sleep patterns, at least mine, are hard to change. I like getting up at 3:45 AM and enjoying the morning. With or without a run, I'll continue to get up early. But, I'll invest in some walking, some cross-training, and at least 20 minutes of meditation. Keep monkey mind at bay.
2. Eat well. A few more carbs, a little healthy fat, and a balance of protein. And cut back on the booze.
3. Stay social. I'm surrounded by such amazing runners and athletes. It's my nature to isolate when I get stressed. This week, I'm hitting the gym every day and soaking up the good energy. I'm also checking in with my other running buddies around the country.
4. Set post-race goals. Jeff and I have already made a pact to run Reeds Lake once a week throughout the winter. I'm also treating myself to some new shoes.

 Tapering is a part of this path. I'm gonna face it with as much commitment as I have the training plan.

Monkey Mind

The toxins multiply
For the insolent and negligent
Who reject what they should do
And do instead what they should not.
But the toxins come to an end
For those who are mindful and alert,
Who are constantly well-engaged
With mindfulness of the body,
Who don't resort to what they should not do
But persist in doing what they should.
(The Dhammapada, Gil Fronsdal's translation)

With the beginning of the new year, accompanied by the cold weather, resulting in more time inside, I find myself struggling with mindfulness. The passage above settles into my centeredness, reminding me that choice is part of the path. I abide by the perception that nothing is dichotomous...that I am always on the path; one cannot be "off the path." The path includes rocky terrain, and smooth warm sand, cool grass...just as in a race, one may be at times in the front and other times at the aid station. But one is never not in the race. And finishing first is not my goal--my goal is to be fully engaged and aware of the experience.

I am allowing my distractions some room on the path, but they will not deter my enlightenment.