I hate Tapering for big races! (but like the results)

I guess it is because I am “Type A” and driven by my mind and will to train hard and heavy to prepare for important races. I love the training and the build up before a race, sometimes more than the race itself! It’s the taper once or twice a year for a big “A” race that I hate – with a passion!

For one thing – it is my mind that pushes, drives and organizes my training. When I taper – that whole section of my brain seems to shut off, and I forget to bring workout clothes to work or the gym… or find reasons not to train, etc. I end up tapering too low (like 40% of pre-taper volume instead of 60-70% step downs) and I feel FLAT! (Think of Eric Gibb’s blog about that – I totally agree!). Plus with the lack of training I’m used to, I can’t fall asleep well at night – so I short my self on sleep – and I feel even worse!

Not only that, but also I have found in a number of these tapers, that my heart rate starts doing weird things when I do work out. Usually it is up 10-15bpm versus normal for a given pace/intensity. I know my HR zones very well… and it always freaks me out! This week, 3 days before the big Rev 3 Full Ironman race… my coach sent me to have multiple blood pressure readings and nearly sent me to the ER to check my heart (he was worried about a blockage or some other defect that was causing the big HR elevation. I was + 25 on the systolic… but right on for the diastolic Friday. By Saturday – both were back to normal… so we think I was just keyed up and out of routine.

I love training! I love how it makes me feel during… after… and planning the next workouts. I HATE NOT DOING THAT – like it is part of my daily routine and psyche. Plus – my body is “addicted” to working out – so you take away the drug (both the activity and the euphoric hormones released after (AKA the runner’s high) and I’m like a junkie looking for a hit!

But on the plus side, I get a lot more time to focus on the family and make up for time I’ve spent off doing 6-7 hour bike rides (Saturdays) and 3-4 hours runs (Sundays) plus the recovery/ice baths / showers/etc afterwards.

My family has been the best this season! They supported me along the way with just enough complaining to let me know they miss and love me – but not so much to make it an issue. I must thank them for that since my volume is up 20%+ this year.

LOVE YOU AMY, ANDY, TOMMY!!! You are the best part of my taper (and life in general!!)!