Race Week

Hey there race fans. This is the big week. Sunday marks my return to triathlons after a long hiatus and I'm feeling really good. I've spent a lot of time in the water and finally feel like I've developed my technique, I have a few miles on the bike and my running has been coming along too.

So now comes my favorite part of all the preparation...Race Week.

Yes, now I get to relax, have my fill of carbohydrates, and get ready for race day. I'll get in three easy runs, one bike and one swim before the weekend, just to stay loose and to keep my mind in focus. This taper is necessary to allow my body to store the most muscle glycogen that it can so that I'll have all the energy I need for the two hour-plus race.

Mentally, a taper can be challenging. One gets used to a schedule of workouts that increase each week and the marked decrease in activity can make one antsy and anxious. Over years of racing, I have taken the approach of waiting for and looking forward to the rest, so I feel just fine kicking back.

Which reminds me of my taper before the Boston Marathon in 2006. We took a two week vacation to Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and I enjoyed lounging around in a hammock, sipping beers or fresh margaritas from the bar down the beach from us. I did so little running that my wife even began asking me if I was going to go out and run. "Nah," I said, "let's go for a swim."

The result was a strong marathon for me, despite the tough course.

So, taking it easy has become easy, so to speak.

My goals for this race are one, have a solid race physically, and two, to go sub-2:15:00. To do this, my transitions will have to be good and I'll need to race each discipline hard. So wish me well and stay tuned for the results...in another week.

Yee Haw!