Into the Introspection: Race Week Is Here Again!

Taper Week? What's That?

As I head into my last tune-up race before Ironman Chattanooga, I have mixed feelings. The past 2 weeks of increased training combined with spending my work days in our warehouse (this is our busiest season of the year and I'm pitching in at the warehouse instead of my normal "desk job") has definitely taken it's toll on my body. Every morning as I prepare to train, my legs are tired before I even begin. On the plus side, I've been sleeping amazingly well each night due to exhaustion.

Normally I would be tapering this week to prepare for my Olympic distance triathlon in Elberton, GA on Saturday, but since this is no where near being classified as my "A" race I'm treating it as just another training day. That being said, I got in a solid 45 minute open water swim at Red Top Mountain on Monday for some last minute sighting practice. Tuesday held a solid speedwork session on the bike indoors. The next 2 days were back to back runs with Thursday including a short indoor bike workout first to complete a brick workout.

Thankfully Friday is a rest day and I will be more than happy to follow those plans. I get the day off work and will start the morning off with my traditional breakfast at Ihop with my beautiful (and through this whole process, extremely patient) wife before loading up the car and heading to the race site with a couple of my buddies.

Goals for Race Day

My goals for the race are very simple. Maintain the same splits as last year when I did this race, but improve the run. I've had a habit in this race of letting my mind tell me I'm tired and need to walk well before I should. The goal is to pace myself better at the start of the run so I can maintain a faster pace and finish stronger. I know I'm in much better shape than I have ever been so I'm excited to see if my mind can be as strong as my body has become.

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend. Stay safe. Stay strong.