I’m Calling This a Taper

Yes, there I was again…going through a taper (of sorts).

With DAM to DSM happening on Saturday, this week was all about prepping my body and mind for the start line. As most know, this was my 19th time taking part, and it kind of felt more like an annual holiday  (as opposed to the half marathon that it actually was).

Nonetheless, I still needed to respect the race itself, and (most of) the tapering protocol that entails running those 13.1 miles…

Before I get into the deets from the week, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!  

I love hosting this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner)! If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 8:00AM (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blog as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Anyways, here’s what went down in my little corner of the “tapering” universe:

Sunday - recovery day!

After the previous day’s 10-mile run, 13-mile bike ride, and a rather late night, Sunday was all about rest and recovery. I got out for a 2-mile walk in the morning, met some friends for a late lunch and snuck in a late afternoon nap. Yowza.

 

Monday - an action-packed Memorial Day!

With plans for a late-morning bike ride, I wanted to get in a short recovery run upon wake-up. The temps were fabulous, the wind was mild (hold that thought), and the sunshine was beautiful.

I met-up with Sandy at 10:00 at the trailhead (a quick 1-mile ride from my driveway). We headed east on the Chichaqua Valley Trail, towards Mingo. Sandy is a dear friend from my former town. Although we stay in contact, there’s nothing like talking in person, even on a bike ride. We made it to the turn-around in Mingo (about 14-1/2 miles) and took a brief pitstop. When we got back on the bikes, though, the wind had picked up considerably…and now we had it directly in our faces. Oof! Even though it was a warm breeze, fighting 14mph wind is tough on a bike!

 

Tuesday - Opt Outside Day-2,000! 

How about an early morning sunrise walk to start the monumental day? Yes, my friends it was the 2,000th day of getting outside for fitness and fresh air. The day included this 2-mile pre-workday walk, a 2-mile lunch walk (also outside), a short walk with Max (after work) and an upper-body strength session. 

Wednesday - woot woot, more outdoor action!

The 4:45AM group reunited for the weekly 3-mile run, and I stuck around for a bonus mile amidst the sunrise. We probably would have been fine without our lighted vests, as we had noticeable daylight after the first mile. Afterwards, I took Max for a quick walk, then did a short workout before getting ready work. 

Thursday - lots to be thankful for!

The weighted vest saw more action during the weekly cardio hour with Deb. I walked 4-1/2 miles while chatting while she cranked out several miles on her bike.

After we parted ways, I did some chest and shoulder work. Holy DOMS! There were several flies,  shoulder presses, and chest presses…and, holy ouch! 

Then, the fun continued with a 2-mile walk at work and a 14-mile ride after work. 

Friday - low-impact fitness or the win!

Nothing too crazy or fancy on the roster. I threw on the weighted vest (for the third time this week!) and did a quick walk through the ‘hood before heading to work. There was another walk, over lunch (two miles through the skywalk) and a short walk with Max after work. Then it was feet-up and rest. 

Saturday - DAM to DSM!

After my week of tapering, race day was here! I was up and moving by 4:15, left the house at 5:00 and was on the shuttle by 5:30, en route to the Saylorville Dam. The forecast was showing 30% chance of rain, and it appeared briefly at the 9-1/2 mile mark, and then returned in full force almost exactly two miles later and rayed with me to the finish line. The temps were balmy (mid-70F’s), and there were a lot of walkers in the final miles. I lost probably a good 10 minutes of “race time,” due to photo ops and a couple of fuel malfunctions (I blame the sweaty side pockets on my shorts, LOL). Nonetheless, it still was a fun morning, and my 19th D2D finish line was crossed (recap coming!). I also got out for a scenic (almost) 14-mile ride, in the afternoon, which felt great on the legs!

…and what’s on-deck for Sunday?

I’ve got nothing specific on the roster, but the odds are good there will be a morning ride and/or a walk. Stay tuned!

So, not a bad week. I kept the running at the minimum to save the legs for race day (19.2 miles, most of which happened Saturday morning). Walking was strong, with 26 miles logged. Biking was decent as well, showing 58 miles for the week.

In case you missed our, here’s what went down on the blog:

Consistency

Reunited with the Flock - 2026 Market-to-Market Relay Recap

Shall We MAYfess?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair! The warm weather called for cool and breezy options, such as this favorite Aztec-print high-low skirt. A pop of turquoise, and some sparkly sandals, and I was ready for the day.

So, that’s the latest and greatest! A week of taper, multiple low-impact workouts, and a fun morning on a favorite race course. 

How did your week play out? Any races?  Warm weather? 

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