September 27th Preview

You'll come way down, to six miles, this Sunday, while our half-new marathoners move up to six. It's the only time you'll all run the same distance on the same day.

The route: Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge and don't cross. Turn left onto bike path, then connect to Pre's Trail near Alton Baker restrooms. Follow the wood-chip trail along the water, past Autzen Stadium, to I-5. Turn AROUND there and come back the same way. Distance is slightly longer than 6.0 miles.

Bring a drink for delivery at about 1.5 and 4.5 miles (Autzen Stadium). Weather forecast: starting temperature in 40s and sunny.

WEEK 17 LESSON: YOUR TAPER

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

Answer: You’ve already been tapering since the longest run. In the final week, run as little as your conscience will allow. It’s too late now, with the 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 now, and you’ll race better the more rested you are.