The Build Is Over. Taper Time Is Here!

A Few Random Thoughts From My Scrambled Brain...

I had to look at my training schedule more than once over the past week. No, it wasn't because I the number of hours for my bike ride was so high. It wasn't because I saw my schedule and knew that I would be a stranger to my wife and puppy for yet another weekend. It was because the "long" weekend training sessions weren't that long anymore. Then I looked ahead to the following weekend's schedule. Same result. That could only mean one thing: Taper time had officially arrived.

I've heard some people talk about going through "taper-tantrums" and feeling increased anxiety during the slow reduction in training volume that leads up to a long distance race. Thankfully, I have experienced none of this. I have instead viewed this time as an opportunity to recover, rest, reconnect, and mentally prepare for the monumental task that lies only 13 days from now. 13 days. That number seems so low when I think about the first time I counted how far away this race was.

During my down time I have found myself reflecting on the journey up to this point. Rarely do questions like --

"Did I train enough?".... "Have I forgotten something I need for race day?".... (and my favorite) "What can go wrong on race day?"

-- pop into my head, but once they do I simply reach into my memory over the past 6 months and recall instances where I know those questions have already been answered. If I don't find an answer I just throw it into the category of "beyond my control" and move on.

Day after day passes. Race day gets closer. And much to my surprise, the more excited I get. This is what it's all about. The hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears, the absence from family, and the dollars invested. It's all leading up to race day and I couldn't be more ready to jump in that water, start swimming, and finish this journey that at first glance seemed impossible.

I've made so many friends along the way, seen many of them go through hardships, and some of them not be able to make the starting line due to injuries. We have all been united in our struggles and triumphs throughout training, and it will be no different on race day. Everyone has earned the right to race. To dream. To try. I consider it a privilege to have taken this journey with you all, and I can't wait to high-five, hug, and bask in the feeling of accomplishment with you at the finish line.

See you all soon.