on the train to taper town

By | February 13, 2022

sort of? Not really?

It’s been no secret that I have no idea whether I’m actually training for the Central Park half.ย  Background: I was supposed to run the Frozen Penguin in early January, but it was cancelled due to Park construction and rather than run a 5K in January, I took a deferral to one of two they offered: the Central Park Half on 2/27. NYCRuns does a few Central Park halfs, but I’ve never run it because while I love Lebow as my first Half, two+ loops around Central Park is no one’s idea of fun (and *look* at the ups and downs!). Why was I doing the Penguin? Well, it’s my first race, skipping it just felt wrong, so when they dropped the 10K, added the Half and moved it from Riverside I said why not?

When NYCRuns announced the Penguin cancellation in November, I dropped my mileage way back to heal after the wear and tear of my highest mileage year by far. It was absolutely the right decision. I knew it meant this Half’s training would be compromised, which is most of the reason I decided I was focusing on Brooklyn. While it isn’t flat, it’s much more conducive to a good race and a whole bunch of friends are running it and it was much easier to get excited about.ย  I wasn’t sure if I was going to taper ahead of CP, but I decided midway through Saturday’s run that I was mentally ready to taper. I feel physically good with just the expected ramp up niggles. Last Saturday’s toast was a one day thing/reminder to keep nutrition in mind, and I have two 9s and a 10 in my pocket and I don’t think another attempt at ten next week is worth it. I earned the taper. It will hopefully also mean I can jump right back in as I have Cherry Blossom five weeks later.

Getting ahead of myself, so here’s the weekly Run Down with Kim and Deborah:

snow kissed

  • never miss a Monday: the only cold day of a very mild week. Unclear if this was snow, sleet or both, but the birds seemed to enjoy it. I recall nothing of this run but if I took a pic I was probably pretty happy.
  • Tuesday: this was a busy week. I’m sure I did something wonderfully exciting, but couldn’t begin to tell you what it was beyond a strength class since that streak is still going strong

what a change from Monday

  • Wednesday: beginning of a trend where it was too warm for hat and gloves. This is looking north toward where I took Monday’s photo. I wished I’d gotten out sooner as I could have run forever. Utter perfection.

it really is

  • Thursday: mild mild office run group. Almost too warm in a long sleeve tee shirt, but it was a shirt I was so excited to wear. Not that it helps with the lack of red for July 4th nor did I have a Valentine’s Day race planned, but I had to buy it when I saw it. Especially because part of the reason behind the office run group and one of the things I love the most is a non-alcohol way of socializing. Give me an hour in the park over an hour in a bar (even pre-COVID) any day. With slightly longer daylight, can stretch the 5.5 mile route to six and say hi to Fred.

my shadow and I waiting for the ferry

  • Friday: off work and headed to Brooklyn for lunch withย  a friend. I got to the Ferry early since it was way too nice to be indoors, and noticed this fun shadow puppetry. When I got back from lunch the wind had kicked up, but there was still enough daylight and warmth for a Central Park walk.

something about an air craft carrier makes you feel even tinier than 5’2

bRUNch crew

  • Saturday: the schedule said 12. The plan was 10 and I’d mapped a good route to brunch. However I realized about a half mile in that the backpack, which works well at other distances, had my center of gravity off and ten wasn’t going to happen on time to get me to a shower before brunch. (Isn’t it nice to have socialization scheduling “problems” again?) So I recalibrated and moved to a route that would get me 8-9. Gorgeous sun-kissed blue skies and I was definitely too warm in a long sleeve shirt. Rookie February mistake to not have a backup especially since I was carrying a backpack! I had enough time at the end and looped Pier 45 to come in at 9 before heading for a shower and to meet my friends. Comfortable outdoor dining in February on Hudson Clearwater’s patio and lots of running chatter as four of the five of us are running the Brooklyn Half at the end of April.ย  I love running friends! After brunch we meandered around the village, saw the utterly insane line for 818/Blank Street coffee (Kendall Jenner’s fashion week collaboration) and settled for Chip City cookies at Partners Coffee. An excellent day all around.
  • Sunday: nearly 60 yesterday, so of course we wake to snow. Will go for a walk in the Park before the Super Bowl. I always love to play outside, but especially when it’s snowing.

22 thoughts on “on the train to taper town

  1. Chocolaterunsjudy

    Glad you had such a nice week! Warmer here (for a while, not now obviously but also not snowing presently) but not that warm, and definitely not in the early mornings.

    As a person who doesn’t drink, I’m with you on not wanting to celebrate in a bar! Too cold here for outdoor dining though. ๐Ÿ™

    Definitely sounds like you’re ready!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      In the sun was fine. Without it we were grateful for a heater. More like surprisingly warm for February vs. actually comfortable outdoor dining if that makes sense.
      Momma N is confused all over the state

      Reply
  2. Kimberly Hatting

    Sounds like a great week, Cari ๐Ÿ˜‰ Running with a backpack is awkward, at best (at least it is for me). I tried runnign to Barb’s house, a couple months ago, to pick up something. I had a drawstring backpack with me, and wound up taking it off and carrying it in my hand because it wasn’t “heavy” enough to stay on my back and the bouncing was really annoying. Call me high maintenance….

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      It was a great week.
      Not high maintenance unless we both are ๐Ÿ˜€ I like this backpack in general – it’s one Jessie recommended a few years ago – but I think it was two fold. I’ve never worn it for more than ~ 3 miles and haven’t worn it at all since early December. Planning to run ten in it was… ambitious, and the lack of weight v. my usual with my laptop was likely also a factor.

      Reply
  3. Liz Dexter

    Backpack running can be really tricky, I’ve gone through so many in my time and have two that fit OK (but one’s tiny and has now perished and needs replacing). What a varied week of weather and, well, you’ve seen my damp and cold photo from today. All fun, right?! Happy tapering …

    Reply
  4. Wendy

    Sounds like you had a really good week! Especially with those warmer temperatures. We could use a little of that here. Enjoy your taper!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I’d send them, but they already left. Maybe they’re headed your way ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
  5. Coco

    Yeah, our weather was all over the place. Technically we did get snow today, but only enough to leave the trees looking like theyโ€™ve been dipped in frosting.

    So when is the Half? Next weekend?

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Dipped in frosting. That is perfect description. And same. Nothing stuck to pavement because it was too warm.
      Two weeks from today it will be done. Yay.

      Reply
  6. Deborah Brooks

    yes, it is nice to have social plans starting to happen again. I think you are ready to do a half if you choose to either way I will be excited to see you for Cherry Blossom!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Can’t wait to see you too!
      What I love about Central Park is there’s zero pressure. Absent something crazy, I’ll start and finish. I’m healthier than Bermuda and can’t get swept in CP.

      Reply
  7. Jenny

    Ooh, that sounds like a fun half. It’s on the 27th? You’ll be ready! Sounds like you had a nice week of running and socializing. Enjoy your taper!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I am, and then ~ 24 hours post race I’ll be walking off post race stiffness on the beach. Hope we can find a time to catch up

      Reply
  8. Darlene

    Running friends are the best.

    Iโ€™m not sure I could run with a backpack.

    After todays effort Iโ€™m not taking Central Park seriously. Just another weekend in NYC.

    Iโ€™m planning bringing some sunshine home.

    Reply
  9. Jessie

    I see your comment that its a backpack I use- I have a Patagonia one and an Ultimate Direction one, neither is perfect, but I used to run commute in both quite a bit! I plan to start that up again soon! Sorry it didn’t work out for you!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Oh no worries, it’s fine for the run commute, which isn’t nine miles. This was poor planning to think it would work for 11 It’s the Ultimate Direction and is 99% fine. And it’s purple ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
  10. Marcia

    We had a day this week when it hit 40 but overall we’ve got polar temps still. 60 sounds divine, even if it comes with a snow chaser. I too am all for socializing in the absence of alcohol!

    Reply
  11. Kim G

    Two loops around Central Park is rough! Although I’ve done a few halfs and longer races in Central Park, I’m not sure if I could do it again because of the hills and inclines, although it is very pretty!

    Reply
  12. Debbie @ Deb Runs

    Same here – Sunday’s snow was quite the shock to the system after Saturday’s beautiful weather. The pictures you posted to IG from your snowy walk through Central Park were so pretty.

    Reply
  13. Michelle

    A great week indeed!

    Two loops of CP is challenging for sure – oh those hills!

    You are definitely ready for your half. Enjoy your taper ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply

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