Taper, Cranky, Bike Weekend Summary (Aug 14 - 20)

Was listening to Ironmantalk. Espidoe 9, Beaven and John talked about tapering. Tapering DOES NOT mean stopping. Keep the intensity and reduce the volume. This is the last mile and I have to focus. I did a run yesterday and my legs were tired. This means I ain't resting enough.

I got a new mp3 player last week and ever since then, I have been listening to all the Ironmantalk episodes. I really enjoy the fact that John and Beaven are at the competitive level of Ironman yet they are so easy going. With a commute of 2 hours in the car everyday. It is not hard to go through them. Next will be Get Your Geek On and SimplyStu's.

Been reading Going Long about tapering and this article about tapering for Half Ironman. They say the same thing. Do race simulation (bricks) every 72-96 hours. Those are the key sessions. So that's what I have in plan. I am going to stop drills. They are tiring me out. Focus on those key sessions. By the time I finish with them, I should be feeling like I can do more.

Lately I have been feeling cranky and tiring. I sleep avg 8-10 hours a day and still feel tired when I get up. My body needs more rest.

I have two job interviews before the race. I haven't even plan the logistics for my race yet. It turned out my race is on Saturday (Sept 2), not the 3rd. I am trying to go to Ottawa earlier on Friday just to rest up and recon the terrain....all these lead to crankiness.

When friends want to go out and don't want to plan...in my head "argh...take some action"....very tempted to think that ppl are lazy in general...just being proactive can take you so far ahead in life..wonder why ppl don't wanna take responsibility..even for fun stuff.

I know this type of thinking is from training and other life situation. After next week, it will all pass. (on another note, I am quite calm and very productive at work....)

I went to prayer meeting last night. I did not want to go. But I am glad I went. On the way to Church, there were tons of negative thoughts in my head. "Oh I have so much to do and I am so tired...blah blah blah."

Spent some time chatting away with other Brothers really take my mind off race day. I think that's a good thing. As always..feel great after prayer meeting.

Lastly, my Bike Focus Week Summary. Will do an analyst of my past 3 weeks training soon. It is good to see those in numbers. 11 hours on the saddle....sweet :D

Mon
Yoga Stretch - 10'
Hill Run - 45'
Swim - 30'

Tues
Weights - 45'
Swim - 20'
Stretch - 15'

Wed
Long Brick - 321' Bike + 60' Run
Stretch - 20'

Thurs
Bike Trainer (recovery ride) - 60'
Stretch 5'
Bike Trainer - 43'

Fri
Open water swim - 45'

Sat
Long Brick - 188' Bike + 55' Run (race pace)
Stretch - 5'

Sun
Recovery Ride - 67'
Stretch - 5'

Run total = 160' (2.67 hours)
Bike total = 679' (11.32 hours)
Swim total = 95' (1.58 hours)
Weight = 45' (0.75 hours)
Stretch = 55' (0.92 hours)
Total hours = 17.24 hours
Total aerobic hours (less stretch + weight) = 15.57 hours