Week 15 - last week of heavy training... then taper time

This was a good week with some variation in running paths and temperatures/humidity down a little bit in the mornings.  Afternoons have still been hot, but that's expected for mid to late September.

This week started out with a 7 mile run, followed by a 6 and a 5 mile. The 7 mile run was a little bit faster (10 mm) and the others about 10:30 mm.  Did some changes in my course to make it more interesting.  This will be my last 7 mile weekday run for a while because next week is taper.  Changed taper a little based on some new knowledge about not decreasing miles too much. 

The last run of the week was to be a 20 mile run.  Decided to do it on Sunday instead for just a change of pace, a chance to stay up a little later Friday night, sleep in a little Saturday morning.  Met up at 6am Sunday and the day was beautiful.  A little dark at 6am but we did bring our headlamps.  A few of the group wanted to start as early as 5am but I didn't feel like I could get up that early (plus the trail was a good 30 minutes from home) so I opted for 6.  When I got there, one of the two ladies continued with us and we stayed with her so she could finish her 20 and then we finished ours.  I never thought 20 miles could go that fast, but it did.  Even running at a slower pace.  I'm glad I ran it at a slower pace.  I feel like the "time on my feet" was better to estimate marathon feel.  It was all about the temperature and it finally felt good (55-65 degrees).  I really felt like I could have gone a few miles longer, even so I definitely can say I feel I've done my best in preparing for this marathon.  I head into taper feeling pretty pleased.  Now my goal is to try to rest up and hopefully do well with taper.  A little step down is sometimes good but there is something called the 'taper crazies' that many runners dread...

https://getgoing-getrunning.com/2015/01/31/the-causes-of-the-taper-crazies-and-how-to-get-over-them/

I'll have to read this later when they take full effect... for right now I'll enjoy the present moment.