Definitely Tapering

I cleaned out my sock drawer last night.  Then, I organized my cycling gear and clothing. Signs A and B that I'm in a race taper.

Even though it was hard to wake up this morning for the 6 a.m. swim, I was excited to get in the pool. I didn't perform that well once I got there, but that's besides the point.  Same with my early evening bike ride (45 minutes featuring four, 90-second race-pace intervals and an easy cool down).  Loved being there, out in the surprisingly hot sun for 7 p.m., but didn't break any land-speed records.

From what Coach Gerardo has described, this sounds like a typical taper to me.  Right down to what I'm perceiving to be a heightened sense of edginess.  I'm almost cagey.  Definitely feeling more aggressive.

Out of the few races I've actually tapered for while training with Fortius Coaching, I feel the closest to that magical place called "race ready."  This is new for me, and I think it may be because I'm actually mentally open to the experience.  Just because I'm not training much doesn't mean I'm losing my fitness right now.  Quite the opposite.  I have more energy than I know what to do with, and yet I'm doing everything I can to stay rested and refreshed. That's probably my biggest challenge.  It's almost like having an unexpected energy boost throughout the day. I'm used to having to dig into reserves, but given my light schedule -- only a 45 minute run tomorrow followed by a lengthy Thai massage until I travel to Vineman -- I'm ready to bounce out of my shoes!

And my goodness, am I eating!  Today was insane, and I just ate a slice of vegan apple pie to hold me over into the morning.  Let's see, today I ate:

-- banana (pre-swim)

-- eggs, toast, berries and orange for breakfast

-- another piece of toast (PB and raisins)

-- apple

-- chicken and steak tossed salad with baby greens for lunch

-- Balance bar

-- carton of rasberries and two tangelos

-- lamb gyro, chicken, rice, salad and pita for dinner

-- vegan apple pie

AND I COULD STILL EAT!!!!

OK, it's 10 p.m. and I have too much energy.  Gonna go clean some more drawers, or do some laundry, or wash dishes, or torment the lady.

Maybe all of the above!

130 days and counting.