Cyndi

I have IT Band flare ups if I try to run a farther distance than the average 10% increase over the last. My question is, knowing that, should I taper differently than the normal person would - meaning should I keep my mileage higher so the 26.2 does not aggravate my IT Band?

I am aiming for my first marathon again as the It Band left me off the starting line for my first attempt. In the process of starting all over. I am not too concerned with time, especially with the challenge of working with this injury. I am wondering if instead of dropping my long runs down to 12 and then single digits that I keep them upwards of 18 the weeks before the race. Thanks for your feedback!

You have to listen to your body. I would go out on some of the longer runs not with a predetermined distance in mind. Set aside a few hours. Run a loop where you are back at home at 12 miles. If you are still feeling good, go back out there for some more running. If you feel your IT-Band tightening up, stop the long run. You don't have to have a strict, regimented routine. The important part is to be in decent shape and feeling healthy by the time you get to race day.

Happy Trails - Coach Tief