Uta Pippig is a marathon legend, the first woman to win three consecutive Boston marathons. As TODAY's Natalie Morales prepares to attempt her sixth marathon, and first run in Boston, on April 21, Pippig will be sharing her daily training tips with TODAY.com. Here's her second one:
By listening to your body you will give it the best chance for optimum results in your remaining training during your final days of the tapering period. Running less can improve your body’s ability to restore your energy and bring your glycogen and enzyme levels back to their peak, leaving you fully recovered and ready for your race. Be cautious: Even if you are anxious and might feel the need to train more — please resist the temptation and stay with your plan!
Some of you might still be healing from overused tendons or lingering minor muscle pain. Please listen to the signs your body is givingyou and address these issues carefully and with patience, and get help fast if your discomfort persists. Now is not the time to wait for help. Another tip: A massage can relieve you of muscle fatigue and lingering tightness.
Natalie Morales is running the Boston marathon to raise money for The One Fund, which supports victims of the 2013 Boston marathon bombing and their families, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps people with disabilities remain active in sports. Learn more and donate on Natalie's Crowdrise page.
Uta Pippig won the Boston Marathon three times, the New York City marathon once, and the Berlin marathon three times. Born in what was then East Germany, she is now an American citizen based in Boulder, Colo., where she coaches runners, has a health foundation called Take the Magic Step and does motivational speaking with her Running To Freedom series.