November 16th Preview

We're down to this -- the traditional training-ending one-hour run on Pre's Trail. Running by minutes instead of miles reduces pressure to push the pace as your taper begins. Different turnaround points give you all a chance to finish close together instead of widely scattered. 

The route (from the Eugene Running Company at 8:00): Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge and turn left onto bike path. Connect to the chip trail near Alton Baker restrooms. Follow waterway past Autzen Stadium and on eastward until your 30-minute mark. Turn AROUND there and come back the same way.

Bring a drink for delivery at wooden footbridge beside stadium. Weather forecast: starting temperature below freezing and sunny.

WEEK 8 LESSON: YOUR TAPER

Question: How much should I run the last week before the race?

Answer: Run as little as your conscience will allow. It’s too late now, with the half-marathon just days away, to do anything that will make the race go better. But it’s never too late to make a mistake – most commonly running too far or too fast – that will come back to bite you on race day. Take at least as many rest days as you would before a weekly training run. Take nothing longer than you would on a normal week’s easy run, and ideally shorter. You won’t forget how to run this week, and you’ll race better the more rested you are.