Shhh..TRIgirl 40 Something is in a Little Denial

More often than not, I've been eerily calm about the quickly approaching IMUSA date.

I am pretty sure it is some kind of denial. At best it is acceptance.

Yep, I've panicked here or there when completing some type of race preparation, like ordering nutrition or scheduling a bike tune-up. The hardest moments have been when someone has asked me if I am ready.

And I sigh or shrug. I can't say I am or am not. I am not thrilled with what that means either way, but I do know I've worked hard, struggling through the most challenging workouts I've ever attempted.

The shoulder is still feeling good. I had an incredible opportunity to swim at Guppy AS's Lake Gaston's paradise - a "not so torturefest" few days with Ironwoman Canada and several great training buddies - helping me to believe I could have a solid swim (for me) at Placid if I can overcome the claustrophobia of 2000 plus swimmers hitting tiny Mirror Lake (and if I could bribe the Real Deal to be a bandit and let me draft of him).

While I wish I had more time to work on climbing, I also know that too many more long mountainous bike rides without a bunch more good fun ones thrown in between might break my spirit.

After beginning to stabilize on new asthma meds, running is on the upswing. It is not anywhere near where it was at its best, but it is a heck of lot better than where it was even a few weeks ago. I could kick myself for not recognizing what was going on and dealing with it sooner, but am grateful that something finally clicked in my stubborn brain.

And in this non denial moment, I've let it register that in exactly a week, I'll be in the Peloton SUV with the Barracudas and the hubby.

But I'm still plugging my ears with my fingers about the following four days after our arrival in Lake Placid.

"la, la, la, la, la, la, la..."

The Taper

I first learned about “the taper” when joining TRIgirls a few years ago. After hearing the promises of reduced training, I remember being surprised to see workouts on the schedule during the days leading up to those initial sprint triathlons or 10Ks. My visions of lounging on the couch for two weeks with Ben & Jerry as my main training companions were quickly replaced with preperation planning, hydrating - and runs, bikes, swims.

Obviously, I didn’t “get it.”

For Eagleman, the taper was a little more noticeable – on paper anyway. But I was so worked up with nerves and excitement, that though I conceptually understood the idea, I still wasn't getting it.

IMFL gave me my first real taste of the taper. The week or two before the race, I felt energized. I wished for a few more longer workouts – but resisted because it was taper time. And it worked, I had a great race (for me).

With White Lake just a week and half-away, I am doing better recognizing the signs that the taper is near. I was pleased with how I did during Ironwoman Canada's last Masters class – 14 100s on tough intervals interspersed throughout the workout – and I actually hit them all. This past weekend’s long bike with TRIgirls SS, SD, MW and KB included a decent negative split for the last 38 of the 78 miles – and my legs felt strong afterwards (my shoulders and neck a little less so).

In the next few days, the workouts will begin easing off.

The only temptation causing me heartache is the Eastern Shore bike scheduled for this coming weekend. I loved this ride (other than the last 15-20 miles) last year and Saturday’s weather looks terrific. After this past weekend’s great ride, I can’t wait for the next longer excursion with Patriot Sangria. Some of my team mates training for Brazil will be cycling 100 miles. I’ve resigned myself to not being able to join them for the entire distance, but was really hoping for a 50 mile ride.

Unfortunately, a half century distance is not on my schedule and I’ve been hearing some “feedback” about my plans. I’m trying to figure out ways it could work (what if the last 25 miles were leisurely?).

But the verdict is still out.

And Now, We Bring You…The Taper

Almost a year has gone by since sitting at the computer with butterflies in my stomach, waiting for my IMFL registration to go through.

Months have passed – so many incredible experiences and so many lessons learned – which may be good to reflect upon during blog entries over the next two weeks.

But right now, the taper is about ready to begin.

The IMFL athletes guide has been posted. Race numbers should be coming in the next few days.

I’ve ordered my nutrition for Florida – tried and true.

I’ve tested various training clothes to determine the best choices for each stage at IMFL. I’ll be completely changing for each leg of the race – being comfortable and dry will hopefully make up for the extra few minutes of dressing time. Still deciding on the bike vs. tri short option.

I’ve seen signs that indicate that I’m not too far off where I should be physically. Most of the last few workouts these past couple weeks have gone well. I’ve recovered from the super long weekend training sessions to feel pretty good during weekday workouts. I’m wishing there were a few more weeks of crazy distance bikes and runs.

And other than a generalized sense of “something big is on the horizon,” like Christmas when you were a kid, I am not overly anxious or panicking, too much...

Not yet.

So If I Don't Finish...

...Eagleman, will it be because I did not get in my 12 mile bike workout this week as part of our taper?

Illogical, I know, but it is bothering me. I could do it Friday morning, but I think it would be better to take the day off.

Thank goodness (?) it has been an incredibly stressful and busy week at work, distracting me from panicking too much about Eagleman.

Until Friday, when I am supposed to be off for traveling to Cambridge with the TRIgirl caravan.