I'm with Jimmy (mostly). So...there really isn't anything to compare against. Nothing against you, of course Jesse, but I just feel like what you do and the results aren't something that the vast majority of people would find beneficial in order to run their best marathon. I would also be shocked if you didn't set a large PR for a marathon if you trained exclusively for it for 3 or 4 months, including speedwork.
Jesse wouldn't do any better, he already does what works for him AND he's set large PR's. Don't forget he races a lot and gets his occasional share of higher end aerobic work. Take him at his word on this one. If you look back to Bill Rodgers and some of his stunning best years, he wasn't tapering much, if at all. Joan Benoit, same. Tapering is an "all depends" choice based on self-knowledge. --Jimmy P.S. You're with me? I don't see you. You're scaring me--please don't stalk me.
run-easy-race-hard
Max McMaffelow Esq.
Wow, I think I'll injure my calf.
StacyI make no apologies for my liberal use of smiley icons. http://www.BlakeHillHouse.com
Future running partner.
And Gebrsellasie breaks the world record after taking a week off during the "taper" period due to a calf injury.