In theory, the taper before your big race should be a rewarding time. But more often than not, I’ve found it to be a challenging couple of weeks. After all, running isn’t just a means to an end for me — it’s how I cope with stress, help myself feel healthy, and it’s even how I socialize a lot of the time! So when taper time rolls around and I’m being told to ‘cool it’ with running, I get a little ansty. And anxious. And in the past, I’ve panicked.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve run 12 marathons and countless other races and triathlons in my life — the taper period is always a struggle for me! The good news is, there are a lot of things you can do not only make your taper period easier, but also to help make your actual race a success.
Since it’s taper time for those running the 2017 New York City Marathon, I decided to share some insight into how to survive (and win!) your taper period.
I registered for the 2017 Chicago Marathon on a post-race high following the 2016 Philadelphia Marathon. My summer spent ironman training more than prepared me to take on 26.2 miles in Philly, despite not doing a ton of training in between the October 1st triathlon and the November 20th race date. Nearly two months of squashing my sorrows in food and beer after a disappointing race experience (more about that here) had me weighing about 15 pounds heavier than my normal weight, and not in the “look how much muscle mass I gained”-way. Yet I surprised myself by running a 3:24:33 — my second-best marathon time (second to a 3:21:16 in the 2014 New York Marathon).
A few days after returning from Philly (or, more likely, the next day) a friend told me he planned to use his qualifying time in Philadelphia to enter the Chicago Marathon. I decided to join him, and, in my post-race stupor, was excited to work for an ambitious goal: a PR.
Unfortunately, a few weeks later — and most likely due to those 15 pounds — I found myself diagnosed with a stress fracture in my foot, and unable to run for more for than two months. I had to reevaluate my life, and later, my running goals. I decided not to run the Boston Marathon in April, and declared that my goal for Chicago would simply to be to finish pain-free.
The good news is, I succeeded! Here’s how it all went down:
THE TRIP
I’ve run 12 marathons, but the only other race I’ve had to get on an airplane for was my very first marathon, the Nashville Country Music Marathon in April of 2012. I remember that trip being full of anticipation — my friends and I were giggling nervously and filled with genuine excitement to explore Nashville. In retrospect, I should have been more excited than I was for my trip to Chicago. I honestly think that after a winter of injuries (my friends experienced their fair share of injuries as well), a summer spent focusing on a difficult calculus class, and the complexities of coordinating accommodations for eight people, I wasn’t feeling the ‘journey’ at all, but rather just wanted to arrive at my destination unscathed.
The good news: flying out of Newark was seamless and easy; NJ Transit got us to the airport for $13, we got through security in a breeze, there were delicious margaritas and beers at the terminal restaurant, and I got to sit with my friends for the duration of the flight.
Welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.
THE RUNDOWN
Name: Cara Enright Location: New York, New York Age: 26 Training for: Chicago Marathon 2017 Training plan: Following Nikes Project Moonshot a 16-week training program with Nike. I incorporate 1-2 strength sessions a week (either boxing or HIIT). Part of any running communities/clubs? Nike’s Project Moonshot, Electric Flight Crew. How long you’ve been a “runner”? I started running in high school. I moved onto longer distance running when I moved to New York City in 2013, after I graduated from college. Weekly mileage: It ranges from 25-35 miles per week
RUNNER’S STATEMENT
I grew up running around tracks in North Carolina, and now I’m loving running through the streets of New York City. I was involved in many sports as a kid: cheerleading, dance, competitive jump rope, soccer, and basketball. I ran the 400m and 800m in high school, then the 400m hurdles in college. I didn’t fall in love with distance running until I relocated in NYC after graduation.
The fitness/running community has become everything to me. It made NYC feel smaller, more like home, and less lonely. I completed my first marathon in 2015, the New York City Marathon. I loved every second of it. The next day I told myself I’d never run another marathon ever again. And here I am! My ultimate goal is to break 3:35 for the marathon. I’m hoping to break 3:45 in Chicago, and I’m already lining up which other marathons I want to run after this!
Tuesday | Day 1
7:30am – Pick up my laundry next door. I moved to a new apartment building and can’t figure out how to work our machine in the building, so I did a wash-and-fold for $15. SO worth it.
7:50am – Coffee, two eggs with broccoli, spinach and peppers, avocado, and orange juice for breakfast.
8:30am – Just walked into the office. I fill up my water bottle to make sure I stay hydrated throughout the day — I have my workout tonight with Brooklyn Track Club x Nike Run Club!
10am – Trader Joe’s trail mix packet chocolate cashews, almonds, dried cherries and an apple.
12pm – I can’t wait any longer for lunch. I made chicken, and some veggies and sweet potatoes and add Sriracha. I drink another water.
1:50pm – I’m swamped at work today. I work for a Staffing Agency called Green Key Resources located in Midtown. We partner with Pharmaceutical companies and Clinical Research organizations all over the United States — I basically try to help these companies fill their open positions. It’s a fun job because I get to talk to smart and exciting people all day on the phone, and every day is something a little different. The only downside is that I sit all day. Luckily, I have the most incredible boss who is very supportive of my fitness goals. So if I need to come in a little later or leave a little earlier for a workout, it’s OK.
I decide to have a snack to keep my pushing through. I have Chia Almond protein cold brew shake from Whole Foods and a GO MACRO bar. It’s gluten-free (GF) and delicious. Chocolate chip Peanut butter protein pleasure!
4pm – Realize I ate my snack too early. And I’m out of food at my desk. I buy a Cliff Blueberry bar from the vending machine and a can of seltzer water.
6:30pm – Meet at Spreadhouse for Nike x Brooklyn Running Co track workout. The workout is part of Nike’s Project Moonshot schedule for the Chicago Marathon.
I joined Project Moonshot back in July. It’s a pretty cool program for people training for a fall marathon that I applied for earlier this summer. And I got in! They accepted around 100 people. The idea is that Nike wanted to bring the “Breaking Two” moonshot (of breaking two hours in the marathon) to your everyday street athletes. Those accepted into the program were set up with coaches, pacers, training plans, Nike gear and some discounts to resources for healthy prepared food (Kettlebell Kitchen), strength training (The Fhitting Room) and Massage/Recovery (Finish Line Physical Therapy). We meet twice a week formally (Thursdays for speed, and Sunday morning for a group-led long run) and are broken up by our goal marathon pace. People in the group range from Elite Athletes, to first time marathoners. We have people running 5-minute miles and people running 12-minute miles. We were set up with two phenomenal coaches, Coach Finley and Coach Holder, and have had some guest coaches along the way — including Coach Stowe, Coach Tim, Coach Jess and Kevin Hart even stopped by! It’s been a tremendous help to have a team to train with.
Project Moonshot Orientation
7pm – The workout begins! I’m co-leading the 8-min/mile pace group. We have three sets of intervals in a 1-2-3-2-1 format (the number represent minutes!), with 60-seconds of jogging/active recovery between each interval, and a two-minute recovery jog between each set. It’s dark out and there are a ton of puddles. But we still managed to cruise at a 7:45 min/mile pace. My watch shows 7 miles total of running!
9pm – I hang out with the crew afterwards at Spreadhouse, and grab a chocolate milk before I hop on the subway.
11:30pm – I’m finally home. I’m exhausted, but not hungry. I eat a banana with peanut butter, shower and pass out.
Welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.
This week, we have 33-year-old Elizabeth Carey, a public relations guru and runner who just recently relocated to Seattle, Washington. The former Division I athlete and post-collegiate sub-elite is currently figuring out the best way to juggle her full-time job (and side gigs) with her new status as an age grouper and recreational runner, all while training for ultra marathons in the process.
THE RUNDOWN Name: Elizabeth Carey Location: Seattle, Washington Age: 33 Training for: Trail and ultra races—including Backcountry Rise Training plan: About eight months ago, I hired coach David Roche, whose, “Some Work All Play” philosophy and Trail Runner columns about training appealed to me. Although I have been a professional coach and worked with a range of athletes, I cannot coach myself. Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Oiselle Volée, SWAP Team How long you’ve been a “runner:” Since joining the high school track team in the spring 1999. Weekly mileage: 35-55 (ish)
RUNNER’S STATEMENT
Running is my lifeblood. It’s a constant, evolving presence in my life—one that introduced me to confidence, health, my best friends, a career, heartbreak, and hope. It’s become more ritual than routine—a daily spiritual practice, an exercise in self awareness, a river I revisit.
As a former Division I athlete and post-collegiate sub-elite, I’ve struggled with my identity as a current age-grouper and recreational yogger. This is a privileged, superfluous perspective. I cannot forget that running and racing is a gift. So I continue to chase both fitness and the confidence to compete wire-to-wire. With a focus on feel and flow, I’m exploring new trails and distances, ignoring splits.
Sunday | Day One
9:30 a.m. — Wake up to the sound of laughter and kids running down a hall. My husband and I stayed with friends after going to a season opener football game at the University of Oregon. The kids aren’t ours, but they are cute. We get up and hang with the family.
10 a.m. — Smoke from nearby wildfires is so dense I wonder if I should run the 8 miles that’s slated. I’ve run through this summer’s unprecedented smoke all over the Pacific Northwest, but this is the worst I’ve seen, and I can feel a burning taste at the back of my throat even as we just sit around. I’ve got a headache (half hangover, half need-a-coffee) anyway, so email my coach to see if I can swap today’s run for tomorrow’s rest day. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Elizabeth Carey”→
Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.
This week, we have Sabrina Wieser of New York City. The 31-year-old run coach and competitive runner balances a rigorous schedule of healthy eating, a digital marketing job, managing her own coaching clients, and training for the New York City Marathon — her first attempt at the 26.2-mile footrace!
Name: Runningbrina (Sabrina Wieser) Location: New York City Age: 31 Goal race? The New York City Marathon (it’s my first) Following a training plan? As I running coach I have created my own based on tips and advices from local running coaches who ran the race before. How long you’ve been ‘a runner: I started running 4 years ago Goal weekly mileage: Increasing the mileage right now. I’m at 40 miles per week
Runner’s Statement:
I started running right before I got married to lose weight. I wasn’t athletic growing up, so physical activity was totally new to me. I fell in love with running and today I can’t picture myself without it anymore. I love running in New York City, breathing in the good vibes in Central Park surrounded by so many inspiring athletes. I do both bodybuilding and running which makes it even harder for me sometimes. Waking up at 4:30am to run and going to the gym at night is what makes me feel alive. We all need things in our lives that we enjoy and make us feel good — working out is exactly that for me.Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Sabrina Wieser”→
The days are getting shorter, the air is getting a bit cooler, and pumpkin spice-flavored products are starting to pop up everywhere. Your tan is at its peak, and Despacito is finally getting on your nerves.
That’s right: the end of summer is fast approaching.
That said, it seems only appropriate to celebrate the end of warm-weather sunset runs, weekend getaways and increased opportunities to day drink outside with something… monumental. And while a beer mile isn’t the only way to close out the summer, it’s certainly, IMO, the most appropriate way to do it.Continue reading “How To Run Your Best Beer Mile”→
Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.
This week, we have Corey Bellemore of Ontario, Canada. The accomplished track athlete holds the current Beer Mile World Record (4:34:35), and is training for the 2020 Olympics.
The Run Down
Name: Corey Bellemore Age: 22 Location: Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada Training for: 2020 Olympics for Track & Field
Runner’s Statement
My goals are to continue to train hard, enjoy the traveling aspect of the sport and keep progressing. This sport is unforgiving if you don’t put into it what you want out of it. You have to be relentless, consistent and constantly motivated.
The Beer Mile is something aside from track that I will participate in if it doesn’t affect my training. Winning prize money at those events also help my ability to travel to certain meets throughout the year, or attend specific training camps.
Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.
This week, we have 36-year-old Des Clarke — a full-time worker, mom and ultra runner who is training for her first 100-mile race.
The Run Down
Name: Deserae (Des) Clarke Location: Danville, PA Age: 36 Training For: Eastern States 100 Miler, the final race in the PA mountain running triple crown Occupation: Research and development manager for Geisinger Health System’s Institute for Advanced Application Goal race? Eastern States will be my first 100 mile race. Following a training plan? Yes. I’m an RRCA certified coach, so I reviewed some plans online and then tailored them to fit my goals Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Trail Sisters ambassador, RRCA Susquehanna Ridge runners How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Since 8th grade cross country way back in 1994. Goal weekly mileage: Varies, but during training 60-80 miles a week. I’d love to do more, but with family and work obligations it’s tough.
Runner’s Statement:
I’m a full-time worker, mom and ultra runner who constantly tries to find the balance in things. The week that I’m presenting here is a fairly typical weekday routine, with an additional running adventure on the weekend. Having a family makes those running adventures limited, but I wanted to be able to go and explore the course that I’ll be running in August for the Eastern States 100. It’s supposed to be a beast of a course, so I’m not sure if the preview will make me more or less nervous, but it will definitely make me more prepared. (Plus, going with a group helps to calm some of my husband’s fears about me getting lost in the woods alone.)
Day One
5:30am – Wake up and do some yoga. Usually I do strength training in the mornings, Monday through Thursday, but I’ve been having some plantar fasciitis issues in my left foot. After back-to-back long runs this weekend it’s feeling a little sore, so I decided to take today easy and focus on rehab. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Des Clarke”→
I feel like a lot of my athletes have asked me about “striders” before, and it doesn’t always occur to me that some people have never done them before! I think different people, coaches and runners have different interpretations of strides and/or striders, so I wanted to clarify what I mean when I assign them.
If you just can’t seem to ever see yourself getting excited about running a marathon — or just need a change of pace from those long, grueling, endurance runs that training for a longer race requires — here’s some good news: the mile race is making a comeback.
“The mile inspires the very best in all of us; it is incredibly accessible to all ages and ability levels,” says Matthew Rosetti, co-founder of Brooklyn Running Company, one of the sponsors of the inaugural Brooklyn Mile, a 1600-meter foot race that made its debut in Williamsburg in August of 2016.
From an entry point into the sport of running, to a thrilling race distance with a compelling history for competitive runners, the mile is an amped-up alternative to 5ks and 10ks, which seem to have reached a saturation point, Rosetti says. With over 900 registries (despite having just a month-long registration window), the Inaugural Brooklyn Mile wasn’t just a success: it’s a nod to the strong demand for this race distance. And thanks to organizations like Bring Back the Mile, an organization whose mission is to re-popularize and celebrate the mile distance in America, we can only expect mile distance events to continue to grow.
Want to toe the line of this trend? Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to improve your time, or a newbie runner excited to test their limits in their first race, here are nine expert-backed ways anyone can increase their speed at this distance. Continue reading “9 Tips To Run Your Fastest Mile Yet”→
Run From Your Problems 