Half Way to Taper-Town!!

I sit here with a beer in hand (homemade porter from the tap in the garage, of course), a fire in the fireplace, snow starting to pick up, football on TV and I just put down "Born to Run" for the last time.  I dont read as much as I probably should, but for me, this was the greatest book I've ever read.....so far.  For anyone that knows me well, me saying this says a lot.  I typically hate reading.  Hell, I think almost every book report I did in school was either based off a movie, or I compiled by sampling the book, not actually reading.  Goosebumps/PeeWee Scouts for a 7th grade book report?  Sure!  I wish I could do a modern day "Reading Rainbow" on this book.....RIGHT NOW!!  "But don't take my word for it..."

I think, like a lot of things, experiences have a lot to do with "where your at" in life and that either makes them better or worse, or just more impactful.  Obviously that's why I chose to read a book about running while training for a marathon.  For those who haven't read this book and enjoy running, even a little, go get this book....now!!  I'll admit it takes a little bit to build, and shoots off into a myriad of different stories, but when it starts coming back together, it's amazing.  I've always scoffed at anyone that said they cried/laughed reading a book.....but I did both while reading this.  There's just something about running, and racing, and the environment it can create when a bunch of crazy runners get together, and this book captured it all so beautifully I couldn't help but get goosebumps and let my eyes water....just a little....while reading it.  It described so many things I love about running and what its given me better than I ever could....that was pretty cool.  It's educational, and emotional, and just a damn good book.  I'd love to post the "secret to running" on here but that won't do shit fot book sales and I'm trying to do my part in saving the economy so go BUY IT YOURSELF!!

Without spoiling the book I can say this.....humans were BORN TO RUN, it's that simple.  We have physical attributes that support that, and the human foot was designed for it...no shoes required.  I'm not saying to throw away your Nike's just yet....but as much as I said to myself "look at that D-bag in the Vibrams", I'm looking into a pair.....damn it.

Ok, soooooooooo on a training note, I'm half way to Taper-Town.  Taper town is a magical place where you lose your mind because you are now running less and less, and not more and more.   It feels weird and you wanna keep going, but you can't because you need rest. You need to let your body mend before the race, and most plans say 3 weeks is the best route. I can't believe I'm already half way there.  I'm officially registered for the race now, thank god it wasn't sold out...that'd be embarassing.   Running over the holidays was half good, half crappy.  First half, all I had to do was run and sleep and day drink.  Last half was filled with "gotta get this run outta the way so I can leave for (insert destination here)".  This lead to lots of anxiety filled dreams about running and not as much as enjoyment as I would have liked.  Oh well, I got through it and now have 3 days of running at home before normal life resumes.  Looks like I brought some snow with me for tomorrows 10 miler.....yay!!

Ando..OUT!