Rust Days

I've been comparing the last week of marathon training plans.  It's taper-time and I want to be clear on how much is enough and how much is too much rest.
For me it comes down to rest or rust.  I find overall that my legs are happier while regular runs but that days off tend to make me aware of tightness (IT Band) and pain (knees). 

This last week before the marathon looks like this:

Sat   1/28    10 miles (5 at marathon pace)
Sun  1/29   4.5 miles
Mon 1/30  2.7 miles (slowish pace)
Tues 1/31  6.1 miles (4 at marathon pace)
Wed 2/1    2 miles (maybe in the five fingers)
Thurs 2/2   3 miles (marathon pace)
Fri    2/3       2 miles (super easy)
Sat   2/4      DEATH VALLEY BORAX MARATHON!

So, I think I'll choose restful short runs over rust days this week. 

One Week 'til Death Valley

Woah, it's been a long time since I posted--I'll blame a combination of being really busy and forgetting my password (oops).
I am Tapering for Death Valley.  I finished the heart of my training with three 20 milers and a 21 miler.  I have averaged about 7 more miles per week this training cycle and feel like that's going to be a help on Saturday. 
Yesterday I completed my last double-digit run.  I did 10 miles with about half of that at marathon pace.
I'm thankful to be relatively healthy and am ready to see what marathon #2 holds in six more days.