Wednesday, January 13, 2016

WWU - Ahhh, Taper Week!

For those of you who don't run, taper week is when you get to run less right before your big race - and I'm finally there, woohoo!  We did our last longish run on Saturday; we had  5 - 7 miles on our schedule and honestly, I wasn't sure how far I was going to run.  Turns out, Julia ran with me, and we decided that 5.5 miles was the perfect distance.  We ran intervals, plus we threw in a couple of half-mile-without-stopping runs (the first one was when we were running uphill, into the wind, and no, I don't know why I thought that would be a good idea).  It was windy and cold, but considering that thunderstorms had rolled through the area in the middle of the night, the fact that it wasn't raining made the run good.

Afterward, we went to IHop for breakfast...what can I say, a lot of people had pancake/waffle cravings!  They seated all 8 of us in their back room; we were the only group in there for quite a while which was probably a good thing because we were a little loud and crazy - hey, it'd been about a month since we all were together, and we had a lot to catch up on!  Good food, good friends, hot coffee...you can't ask for much more to make it a great morning.

So, last year when we ran Houston, we signed up as a group.  Our quickly-chosen name at the time was the JFR Crew, and we made up matching shirts to wear.  Well, this year we evolved into the Renegade Running Club, and we made up a new logo and had shirts and sweatshirts printed - they were ready for us on Saturday, which was great considering how cold we were after the run.  Here's a picture of Cary, Julia and I in our sweet new sweatshirts:
Just some of the Renegades - our tagline, which is below the running shoe, is "But did you die?" - HA!

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I finally remembered to add up my running mileage total for 2015 - it was 507.  I added up the last four years of mileage and it averaged out to 506 per year, which, yep...that's my comfort zone.  On the one hand, it doesn't seem like a lot of miles, but on the other hand, if you'd told me 10 years ago that I'd be regularly running 500 miles a year, I'd have fallen down laughing at that ridiculousness.  So I'll happily accept this number!

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Continuing with taper week, we had an easy run yesterday - Jeff and I ran 2.5 miles, and I'll do another easy run tomorrow with Cary.  Then, it's race weekend!!!  We are going to run the ABB 5K on Saturday morning, and then the Aramco Houston Half Marathon on Sunday morning...and I'm sure we'll have many adventures along the way with our fellow Renegades.  We've practically been planning this weekend for a year, because we had such a good time last year doing these races, and we all signed up for Houston again just a day or so after the race ended.  I can't wait to get this party started!

32 comments:

  1. Enjoy Taper Week! I love the line you shared: "Good food, good friends, hot coffee...you can't ask for much more to make it a great morning." I could not agree more.

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  2. Enjoy your taper week, it's well deserved. You are ready for that half, you had a fantastic training for it.

    And 500 miles is a lot, that's what I think about it. It's my walking goal this year :)

    And I still love your group of running friends. It's so great to see how much fun you have with them.

    Good luck next Sunday, as said I will be cheering for you virtually.

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  3. I like your sweat shirts! Love the tag line but did you die?

    I thought you were supposed to rest the week before the big race..

    I walked right at 500 miles last year and most years I walked/ran that distance since I got started on fitness. I am proud of my accomplishment that is more than most people do. You should be proud too!

    Good luck on your race! You are ready! Trust your training and have fun!

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    1. You are supposed to run a little on the week before your race - otherwise, your legs would end up being stiff and after all the training, you don't want that!

      Good job walking 500 miles!!

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  4. Enjoy your taper and let those legs soak up all the rest!!! Good luck this weekend!

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    1. Thanks! Resting without guilt - it's a good thing. :)

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  5. Yay for the taper! Personally I think 5 miles is plenty long enough for a last long run before a half marathon. Good job.

    Can't wait to hear all about it - here's to perfect nutrition and weather and no aches or pains!

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  6. Love that tagline!!!
    When I added up my yearly miles it didn't seem that high compared to what others were logging but I had to remind myself that I was running "smarter" and most of my runs only took place on the weekends. You did great and I look forward to hearing about your race when you run it!

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    1. Running smarter is why I'm able to run, period. As I say to Jeff before every race, "It's not a race" which makes sense if you understand why you're out there...

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  7. I'm hoping to do 400 miles this year. ON MY BICYCLE. Can't imagine running it. Couldn't imagine riding it a few years ago. Have yourself some great races this weekend!

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    1. I think there's always someone who runs or rides more than you, but the very fact that we get out there and do something is fantastic, I say!

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  8. I can't believe it's finally race weekend! It always seems so far away, and bam, here it is.

    Love the sweatshirts!!

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    1. Believe me, when we started training in July, I never thought this weekend would get here, either!

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  9. Fantastic picture - two races in one weekend AND you can't wait????? Girl's got the bug! Have a BLAST!!! Can't wait to read about it.

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    1. I know, I know...it's crazy to be excited about running two races back-to-back. Just goes to show how much fun the Houston races are!

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  10. I can't wait for this race either! Especially since I've been in Houston recently and I might be able to picture some of the places you describe!

    I like your sweatshirts, and did you order hats too? Or is that just a coincidence? Anyway, you all look very cute in your sweatshirts and hats.

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    1. The hats are a coincidence - but OOH HATS!! Good idea... ;)

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  11. You are the best running friends. it makes things seem like so much fun. Can't wait to hear about your weekend. 2 races - you are a rock star!

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  12. LOVE the sweatshirts ... especially the "original" part!! :D :D SO FUN!! Houston will once again be a blast, I'm sure!

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  13. You are inspiring. I will have my first 5K in June so I am giving myself plenty of time to build up my strength and stamina. This weekend a friend and I are going to walk on an outside track as step 1.

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  14. 500 is a lot of miles! It does seem like you have been training for this one for a long time LOL.

    Those shirts are awesome :D

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  15. Yay! I am so excited for your half! Remember, you trained for this and you can do hard things! Have a great time!

    I love when I am with a group and get seated in a private room like that and can actually HEAR everyone (and be loud and obnoxious too, ha!).

    Love the sweatshirts! You guys look legit!

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    1. P.S. Over 500+ a few years in a row! That is hella awesome!

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  16. Best of luck with your races, Shelley!! Hope the weather cooperates, and, if there is a wind, it's at your back the whole way!

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  17. I love the "but did you die?"

    Welcome to taper week! In case I somehow miss telling you later this week.....good luck!!!!!

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