My oasis before the poppies

I'm enjoying a lovely little oasis called "Tapering".  This is supposed to begin approximately two to three weeks before the marathon, so it might likened to the Calm Before the Storm.  Ironman Friend Mark offers this wise advice:
"From this point, no workouts will help you," he counsels.  "The training is done.  You need to go easy.  Stay loose (whatever THAT means); and get plenty of rest."

Really?  I don't have to cram in some last minute hill work?  No more head-to-head matches with Zimri?  No more long runs for added insurance?   I won't do any back-sliding or lose any ground?  (As if I HAD actual ground to lose ...!)
"Not in three weeks," Friend Mark mentors reassuringly.

I've read that some runners struggle with tapering.  They get antsy.  They have to restrain their urge to get out and sweat off some miles.  Not me!  I am the Queen of R&R!  I LOVE some well-deserved laziness.  Give me a barcalounger and a TV remote, and I am SO there!

The only problem with my oasis is that annoying storm cloud off in the distance.  A distance that is quickly shrinking.  It's the nagging reality that I've not quite reached Emerald City.  I still have that one last stretch across the poppy field.    

And that little jaunt .....  to the witch's castle ......  ("You're out of the woods, you're out of the dark, you're out of the niiiiiight" ......)