Mini taper

Last night Graeme and I went out in the car to drive our route for Saturday. He will be doing 20 miles, and I will be doing 24. My reasoning for this really lies with the prospect of the Fife 50K. I think if I build up to 26 (the 26 being London) then hopefully I will feel not too bad afterwards and will be ready to run 31.25 miles 2 weeks later.
The 22 miler has left me feeling fine, which has surprised me as it really was a hilly course. The 24 miler is fairly flat for most of it, however it is very open for around 16 miles and can be subjected to the elements more so than other routes. I have done part of this run twice... the second time I had to phone for help after 12 miles as I was nearly in tears when the wind blew grit into my face and me into oncoming traffic.

It is the prospect of this that has made me rethink this weeks mileage plans. I feel I would do better on Saturday if I do a sort of mini taper. I did have it in my head I wanted to reach 70 miles pre-taper for London, however on reflection, I feel I have done very well with the 64 last week. What would be better.... a 70 mile week with a knackered 24 miler, or a lower mileage week and a more confident 24 miles at the end? I personally think the latter.

They say all of your training is "the money miles" and for the first time ever I actually feel like I've done enough to this point. I'm still not that bothered about the time I do it in, I just hope I finish VLM less knackered than I finished my last 2 marathons. (Notice I left out Marrakech there) ;-)