Taper

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”- Marcus Aurelius

Saturday was my last long run. This week is taper week to the fullest – a 2 and 3 mile and that’s it until marathon Sunday a week from today. Like many things in life, it took a long time and it came so fast. It’s a shift to dial it back. To accept that I’ve done the work and rest is what’s called of me this week. The only training I need to do is on my mind. Knowing that I put in the time and effort over the past four months and accepting that it’s enough, no matter what happens.

We do that to ourselves. We do the work and think we should do more, one more long run, lift some weights. We let our minds wander. What if I didn’t do enough? Will my ankles and calves loosen up or will they fail me, or me them? Enough – we are enough.

“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – Thomas Aquinas

It was fitting that on the last long run that it would rain. A few weeks ago, Jeanne and Linda offered to run with me by the river, on part of the path I’ll be on next week. The plan was to run in the afternoon. In the morning, the forecast was rain. I texted them and told them they didn’t need to join me if they didn’t want to – I completely understood. A few minutes later a text back – we’ll be there, and they were. That’s what friends do – they show up, even when it’s not sunny.

So as I prepare my body this week by getting rest, I will work hard on my mind and spirit, focusing on enjoying the journey. And while I may be running it alone, friends and family who have supported me in this endeavor will be in my heart and mind when my body gets weary, carrying me across the finish line.