3 weeks and the taper begins

The taper begins!

I find myself at a familiar place. The heavy volume begins to subside. The freshness begins to return. The irony of relief that the hard training is ending and the feeling of closeness to race day. Along with that feeling of closeness comes the slow building of excited butterflies for the race. 

Iron distance tapering really doesn't look like much of a taper, with the exception of the bike volume. That discipline tends to back off, but most other areas keep up the pace until about 10 days out. The hard part is reducing the training and the food intake (my favourite part!) to ensure I can minimize the slight loss of fitness that happens with a taper.  

This passed week went well. Some really good sessions, along with a hard long bike. Came in straight from work and headed out for a four hour ride. That was hard to do and very tiring, especially with the 4am wake up at the start of the day. 

Went out on a trail ride, totally free of the roads, which was a liberating experience. Yet, also a lonely one, which was one of the goals, to gain the experience of being out there by yourself for long periods of time, exactly like race day. 

Running seems to be really coming along. The calf problems from before appear to be concluded. Had a great long run up in Northern Wisconsin on the south shore of Lake Superior. First half was completed with my lovely wife and the went on a long straight 45 minute stretch by my lonesome. Good practice. Slow and steady. Slow and steady. 

Now comes the first week of taper. Going to be tough to juggle the training. Busy work week, coupled with family visits. Lots of sneaking out early before everyone wakes up! 

Leave for the UK in two weeks with my support crew of Neal. I suspect he may well be coming for just the pub experience, but having anyone along for support will be invaluable! Can't wait to get over there and settle in. 

Good luck to us all!