Taper Town!

Well that’s it. Hours and hours of training, months and months of work. The taper has officially begun and I even threw in an off day. Just one though, I feel as though and easy 2000 in the pool is more beneficial than doing nothing. I sat down today and wrote out the last 3 weeks of workout before IM. I was getting very excited. Already I feel rested, not sure why though. Since June I have been training from 17 to 22 hrs a week depending on time (and injury), the last 3 weeks I concentrated on long runs and bikes. Friday’s long run was cut short at 17 miles since my IT band was reminding that I’m only human and several 4+ hour workouts in one week is not a good idea. That’s fine I didn’t really mind. So what happens now?

Week 1 of 3 will be driven by the thought that I’m kind of on a downhill. I’m still training, just not as long. It’s really important to fully concentrate and streamline my diet. In the past week or so I let myself indulge in some chicken wings and a few beers. It was the only thing keeping me sane after 6+ hours on the bike and runs that last way into the dark. My swims will stay long. I can’t wait to feel the last mile!

Week 2 of 3 is dialing way way back on the distance but, ramping up intensity with lots of recovery time. Again the diet is crucial. Last weeks Diet Pepsi is this weeks water and green tea. I will be in bed before 10, maybe reading a mag or watching shark week reruns.

Week 3 of 3- The final days. A few hard efforts that are very short with nice recovery. I suspect I will be feeling very anxious and have nowhere to channel that energy. The biggest challenge will be staying calm. I will pack and repack my gear, just like I’ve done twice a week for a month now. My only setback was not renting some race wheels. That won’t keep me from the starting line though. I will be in bed at dark, just like the kids. Topping this tank off is vital

I am ready for Ironman. I know I will finish. I’ve been making deposits in the bank of hammer since September. 2 marathons, an ultra swim, a half iron and bunches of small events…all have been successful. As others were sleeping I was putting the time in. When others were training I was putting the time in. Everything feels strong and pain free. Natalie has worked wonders on everyday tightness and recovery while the good doc worked out the massive overuse junk. I never got the heat training I wanted, just lost about 10 lbs of fat to be sure. It’s all good from here, holding it together will be a small challenge compared to what has been done already. Just resting in the faith of my taper and I taper very well, I break way down and have an awesome gift of recovery…