IN THE ARENA

No matter how many of these things I train for, I’m not sure I’ll ever understand why I feel so lethargic during the taper. I suppose any change to your routine is going to cause some change in how you feel. However, if I cut mileage and get more rest, shouldn’t I feel refreshed? I’m sure I will in a day or two, but the last 3 days have been more sluggish than anything.

Overall, I think I eat pretty healthy. But I have no problem grabbing a cookie or three when the opportunity arises. With less than a week to go, I do try to cut out more junk and avoid some of the empty calories. Well it appears someone is testing my willpower at work. This morning there were 2 boxes of doughnuts, 2 big blocks of fudge that must weigh a pound each, and a box full of saltwater taffy at the office. Plus, a gal stopped by and said to save room for chocolate cake this afternoon to celebrate a co-worker’s birthday. And tomorrow is her birthday, so I’m sure they’ll have more sweets then. So far I’ve been able to avoid everything, but if I’m still at my fighting weight on Saturday, I’ll be lucky.

Training-wise, if anyone cares, I ran 11 miles on Saturday, which gave me 48 miles for the week. Sunday was a day off. For some reason Pfitz has two runs scheduled for today totaling 9 miles. I’m not sure how that would really differ from just have a single 9 mile run. Maybe it’s his way of keeping from eating all night long – if I’m out running, I won’t be snacking.

I’m sure I’ve used this QOD before, but it seems appropriate anytime a big race draws near.

Quote of the Day;

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt