Sunday Preview

We're down to this: one last run as a group before the Oregon Marathon and Half, one hour in length. We go by time to de-emphasize distance and pace on what should be relaxed running, and so everyone finishes close together.

The route, from the Eugene Running Company with a 7:30 start: Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge. Turn left onto bike path, to Alton Baker restroom and onto Pre's Trail. Follow woodchip path along water past Autzen Stadium and toward I-5 until 30-minute mark. Then turn AROUND and come back the same way.

Bring a drink for delivery at stadium footbridge, going out and coming back. Weather forecast: starting temperature in high 50s and sunny.

LESSON 6 (FOR HALF) & 17 (MARATHON): 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.