Taper blues

I don't know if it's a part of the pre-marathon taper, or anxiety/nerves, or something physical, but I'm slowing down.

My last few workouts have been sluggish. I'd expect that halfway through the taper, I'd be feeling full of energy and having to concentrate on keeping my pace down... holding back. I'd assume that an easy gait would be at or below my race pace. Not so.

At the same time, I've had a back flare-up. So I'm thinking that my sore and stiff back has limited the flexibility of my hamstrings, thus shortening my stride.

So the plan is to be sure to stretch every morning and evening, as well as before and after every run. Other than that, it's a "see what happens on race day" thing.

Gulp.