Boston, The Dreaded Taper & My Chiropractor...

   Last week was a tough one for us runners. The events of the Boston Marathon bombings, as they've been come to be known, have changed the face of our sport forever. It was our worst nightmare. Our version of 9-11. 

   I must admit that I was a little surprised at the texts, calls and posts on Facebook asking if I was safe. If I was running Boston. If I was Ok. Never thought I would say that I was fortunate to not be running Boston. Thank you everybody for your concern.

   As a runner I felt so much despair for the runners and spectators who were either killed or injured during the bombing. I just couldn't take my eyes off the videos or news broadcasts covering the event. I watched in horror again and again as the bombs went off. As some of you know, qualifying for Boston is an extremely difficult accomplishment. Some runners have trained two years or more to get the chance to run. Boston is the pinnacle of our sport. Some of the runners were fast enough to finish before the bombs went off. Only to have the joy of their race overshadowed by the tragic events. Some of the runners were still on the course when the bombs went off. They were forced off the course. Told that they wouldn't be able to finish their race. Their dream was over. It's been difficult wading through the Facebook running community's comments, pictures and posts. It's been difficult listening to the first hand accounts on our running podcasts.     

   As a member of the law enforcement community I watched throughout the week in interest as the Boston PD and FBI chased down the final suspect. In a way the bombers picked their target quite well. I haven't been fortunate enough to run Boston yet. But if the crowds were anything like the NYC marathon that I've run twice, then people were packed five or more deep on either side of the finish line. Perfect, organized targets. But the bombers were naive in their selection too. I don't think they realized how much video and photographs are taken at an event like Boston. Thankfully they didn't remain hidden for long. Boston's law enforcement and the FBI were not going to let these cowards escape. They did their job well and eventually managed to capture the lone surviving bomber as he lay wounded in a boat. I cheered when I heard the news. No more casualties. No more fellow officers fallen in the line of duty or innocents killed. 

   As a community we, mourned. But we are a different breed us runners. We continue on where most would simply sit down and give up. We endure. We run on. I along with many of you didn't let this single event define our sport. We got up and ran all week for Boston. Some of us wore race shirts, running shoes to work and posted pictures on Facebook of groups of runners that were Boston marathoners for a day. I was so overcome with emotion and have never felt more proud to call myself a runner. The week moves on and so will we. People will try to search for answers why. There are no answers why for an act like this. 

   This event hasn't struck fear into our hearts. It has united a nation behind the city of Boston. It has strengthened the bonds of our running community. It will even motivate people to get out there on the roads to discover the joy of running. Cowards, you have failed. 

   It was a hell of a week. But life continues. On Sunday I ran eight miles which was my last long run before the Flower City Half Marathon this Sunday. I'm now fully into the dreaded taper. If you want to make a distance runner cranky, then tell him he needs to rest and then cut his mileage down. After doing this for so long you'd think that I'd get used to the idea of the taper. But each time I go through one, I go freaking stir crazy. Self doubts begin to creep into my brain. Did I train hard enough? Did I run enough? Did I do enough cross-training? Enough stretching? But there's nothing I could do this week to make any drastic improvements to help me during my race. So, today I ran six miles easy. By midweek I plan on just doing a couple of miles to keep the project going and to stay loose. I'll be thoroughly chomping at the bit come Sunday morning. I'm really nervous about this race. Last year's race was amazing and I would love to be able to break that 8:00 mile PR pace. But I don't honestly know if I can. I'm about five pounds lighter than last year. Maybe that'll give me the extra edge that I need. Picked up my race bib and shirt today. Stocked up on some Heed electrolyte drink and Hammer gels. The nice girl at the running store even managed to find me some espresso flavored ones with caffeine in the back room! PR or not, I will enjoy the hell out of that race. 

   Went to see a chiropractor for the first time today. I've been having this nagging lower back pain for about six months now. Some of the runners at my gym recommended that I give this guy a try. He's even a triathlete and knows his stuff. I've always been a little dubious about chiropractors. But I need to resolve this issue. He was really great! I liked his approach and he's confident that we can resolve my issues within a week or little more! Sometimes it's good to go out there and try something different! 

   With all the added rest time this week I plan on doing some spring cleaning to keep my mind off not running. The warmer weather is finally starting to arrive! You may even get a few bonus 366 posts! I hope that life finds you hopeful, happy and Boston Strong my friends! Run for your lives...