Monday, October 06, 2008


So last week was taper week number one..I got a txt msg from a friend telling me to take it nice and easy :).

I have been fairly busy for the past week and didn't get as much run in as I wanted. Also perhaps I pushed a bit too hard on the week before. The thought of putting on my runners and going out in the cold was not fun.

Last night, after a bit of procrasination, I went out for a long run. As fall is coming, the sun is setting much earlier. I set out at 6:45 for a 2 hour run. My plan was to run down a trail and then head back. As the sun is setting, I realize that I would be running in the dark for a bit.

I've been running at this trail many times. This is the first time that I would be running at dusk. Since I haven't run for a bit, I decided to let run at a faster pace. I was running at 4-5 hear beats faster than my normal long runs. The trail seemed to fly by.

As the sun continued to set, the trail got darker. There is no lights on the trail. It was pretty neat. The fall season is in the air and the trees were changing color. I saw two deers and they both were startled as I zoom by. A number of rabbits dart across the path.

As it got darker and darker, the trail and its surrounding continued to blur. For a while, it felt like I was in a dream. Because of my familiarity with the trail, I didn't mind it at all. I wasn't alone as there were a number of fisherman along the river trying to catch a few salmons.

I stopped off at a University gym, got some water and turned around. My legs were aching me a bit.

I was thinking a lot of things on the run. Even though I have run a marathon before and did an Ironman, there is still a lot of doubts. Can I hold this pace? I have to 21 km after 21 km? That's a lot. What if I blow up? What if my legs cannot handle the distance?

When I did the half marathon with my friend, I told her that to remember the reason why she signed up and kept that reason in her mind during the race. I figure I better tell myself that.

Today, after work, I went out for a quick stroll. My legs were feeling the run from yesterday. I took it easy. It was really chilly outside to be in shorts. But I felt pretty good. The legs loosen up after a few minutes on the road. As I run around my neighborhood, which I have done for the past years, I recollected as to why I run. Why I signed up for this marathon.

The moon was out and I ended the night looking at the stars before heading home....

The race is on the 19th...and I have to remind myself that I have done everything I can for this race. I did not do the hill repeats or the long runs or the tempo runs to quit. I am grateful for being able to run. A liver transplant does not come very often.

The training is complete. I found a lot of reassurance from reading other people's blog. I realize I am not the only one going through this. Now I just need to sit back and enjoy the ride...


WildWill said...


im looking forward to reading you race report, enjoy the race

Unknown said...

Sounds like that was a really neat run, Cliff!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a lovely morning trail run. My kind of run!!

Hope you have a good marathon. You are blessed to be able to run. It's a gift. Enjoy it. :-)

ShirleyPerly said...

Good thoughts, Cliff. I admire your ability to run on a dark trail. Just don't trip on anything and injure yourself the week before your race :-)

Steven said...

You'll do great, Cliff.
Just kick back a bit now and let the hard work of training soak into the muscles.

I'm looking forward to the RR.

brendaj said...

You always do a nice job of reflecting.

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

Funny how we can sometimes advise others and forget to take our own advice. Trail running truly is the best.

Sara Cox Landolt said...

What a fun trail run. I enjoyed reading about it.

Best to you in the rest of your taper!


Aaron said...

I'm with you Cliff - trail runs are my favourite - why dodge cars and suck on exhaust fumes if you don't have to.

Now, less than one week to go - too late for anything good to come from any more training. It's time to "seal the deal".