It's TAPER TIME

i am going to try to chronicle my thoughts in the last 2 weeks of my journey to the start line, check back often these next two weeks.

well, after a long 10 months of training, it is time to put the machine into autopilot and pull back on the intensity. time to focus more on rest, stretching, relaxing, and less on destroying my body. i remember back in highschool when i swam that we would always look forward to the taper, probably because it meant that after a season a hard work we would not have to work as hard. now it is just the last step along the journey.

i think a lot of theory of tapering comes from the idea that very little aerobic benefit will be obtained from anything that is done in the two weeks (or so) preceding a big race. instead much greater benefit will be obtained through allowing the body to get enough rest.

the ultimate goal for the next 2 weeks... to show up to the start line feeling refreshed, rested, loose, pain free, and ready for a great race.

the bike is going into the shop this week, this will serve two purposes. first, it needs a tune-up. need to fine tune the rear der shifting, and fix a little on the front as well. a nice cleaning of the drive train will make it even more shiny. second, it will keep me off my bike for a little.

i think the best part of the taper is that i have earned it. i have worked hard for 10 months, i have endured the long work-outs, the long days, going home early from bars to get up early the next morning to work-out, or go back to work and then work-out.

but the next 2 weeks will not be easy, my work schedule will keep me busy, and it will be a challenge to really pull the throttle back on the intensity. in the end if there is a decision between sleeping late and training the answer will be to sleep.

i will be rested, i will be loose, i will be ready to go in 15 days.