Ruby,

You are going thru what most marathoners experience during training. You have completed your longest run and now you're not sure what the benefit is of keeping on the training schedule.

It's common to feel that you have already achieved your 2nd main goal and almost accept it as a huge accomplishment. Just realize that your body does need these remaining miles to complete the training cycle.

Get out there and run those miles, girl! Trust me, you'll thank yourself for every mile you complete come race day.

Good Luck!

+1 on what Mike said.

Ruby, you know that missing a few days, particularly during the taper, does not kill your training plan or your marathon.  Calm down, settle back, and realize that you've done the training.  Maybe you won't set a PR, but you can do the race.  You'll probably beat me.  BTW, I once skipped almost the entire taper because of shin splints, running a couple 3-milers in the last week just to prove to myself I could still run.  I ran a little slower than I had hoped, but I did it.

Len

Rubes, I've been pretty cranky about running lately too (with the exception of two pretty decent half-marathons) so these are for you from me. Hands off the green one, it's mine!

Either you'll make the bridge or you can ride the trebuchet; you can't lose this year!  Taper madness has different manifestations; just consider your funk a variant, and remember the cure comes on Halloween!

Ruby, just a little tale, I didn't run at all since Monday before the marathon, no time, too much family stuff, etc.  I was nervous Sunday morning, started and did just fine and so will you.  Actually, my legs felt good for most of the way, and you know, that by mile 23 they're going to hurt regardless.  Girl, I can't wait to see you at the finish line.  Now just suck it up and run.