Simmer Down Now

Generally speaking, I have a hard time winding down. It’s a trait that has haunted me my entire life.  Whether it’s relinquishing what's left of the day and getting ready for bed --- or making the transition from the hectic workday in order to enjoy an evening with family and friends --- I have long struggled with the delicate transition from 90mph to the resting position.

I suppose I identify with Newton's Law: “A body in motion stays in motion. A body at rest stays at rest.” I fear that if I stop, I’ll mess up the momentum.

And so goes my philosophy on Marathon training.

I have found it incredibly difficult to “taper down” on my training runs in the last few days and weeks leading up to this weekend's Marathon. The way I see it, as Runners we spend months building up to a Marathon. Spending blood, sweat and sometimes tears seeing just how far we can push ourselves. So, it seems odd to me – almost counter-intuitive – to suddenly start going in the opposite direction. After all, if a body in motion truly stays in motion, isn’t that the kind of forward momentum we want leading into race day?

But the experts know better. They say that tapering down your runs (such as reducing your running distance by 20-25% each week for three weeks leading up to a Marathon, according to RunnersWorld) will give your muscles the time and rest they need to repair and recharge for the big day.

Equipped with this knowledge, I began channeling my inner Nadeen – you know, the quirky, beehived, Southern character played by Cheri O’Teri on Saturday Night Live – who made a living (or at least her Saturday nights) running around telling everyone to “Simmer Down Now.” It was her way of telling people to relax, calm down, and let the expert in charge (usually, Nadeen) handle the situation.

So, I am chill. I am trusting the experts. I’m allowing the process to work. Just the other day, even though I desperately wanted to squeeze in "just one last run" on Friday, I  resisted the temptation.

I have to admit, now that my muscles have had a few days of rest and a few good nights of sleep, I feel wholly prepared to take on the race. Piece of cake.

Maybe Nadeen was onto something.