Tapering

Having completed my 4 days of serious triathlon training, I have now begun my taper for the race this weekend.

Yes, I know that the general philosophy of tapering usually includes a LONG period of high-workload training, followed by a gradual reduction in workout durations. Therefore, my plan of a half-week of moderate training followed by a near-total cessation of activity may seem an unlikely recipe for racing success. But I am completely confident that my performance at TriRock this weekend will convince the world that training and actual preparation are over-rated.

Or not.

Actually, the truth is that I expect to give it a pretty good effort, despite my last-minute entry into the competition. I'm even planning to practice a transition or two on Friday, just to make sure I remember how to do it. (Putting socks on wet feet is the most challenging part of it. But I'm simply not tough enough to go sockless; sorry.) I'm also making a list of the stuff I need that more stoic triathletes may skip...like Chapstick, a transition campstool, and a shoe horn. (Some guys will lock their empty biking shoes into the pedals and wriggle their toes in there while already riding. I admire such skill, but am certain I'd crash and burst into flames if I were to attempt it. I'll sit on a dorky campstool while donning my footwear, thank you.)

As for the race itself, well, I have to say I'll be disappointed if I'm not the first in my age group to exit the water. And while I know that some of them will pass me, I would expect my cycling effort to keep me within a few minutes of my age group's leaders. But once I'm off the bike, the challenge becomes trying to keep from finishing dead last.

My swimming and biking speeds are reasonably easy to predict. But there's a wide range of "slow" that could describe my running. I would love it if I could get the 10K done in under an hour -- and if the stars align, it should be possible. But if my ankle and hamstring decide to be belligerent, there could be a lot of walking (and/or crawling), too. Who knows?

That's why they have the race, though, right? And of course, I have no control over my competitors...and at the moment I have no idea how many people will be in this race. My usual strategy for attaining the podium is to enter races where there will only be three guys my age, but I doubt that's going to be the case here.

Anyway, I do appreciate the support and encouragement I'm getting from all of you, and I'll try to do my best. I'll provide a detailed race report on Monday.

For now, I'll just throw out the photos I had from the baseball game fireworks display. Because the rockets were launched from behind the scoreboard, they first had to empty the stands (including the Rockpile) and have the fans from that side move onto the field. It was an impressive procession.



They sent up a TON of bright, loud, and spectacular explosives.



There was music playing, though it didn't seem to have any relationship to the timing of the rocketry. It was a rather eclectic mix, with some rap, country, and whiny girl complaint songs intertwined with the traditionally inspiring Ray Charles and Sousa stuff.





It sure was pretty. And at least for me, it provided a nice chance to reflect on my own patriotic feelings. Despite my frequent disagreements with elected officials who clearly do not represent me and my view of the world, I am still intensely proud to be an American. There were tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat at the end of the pyrotechnics. Even though the Rockies lost, I went home with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

And now I get to rest and relax for the next few days. Whoo hoo! I'm looking forward to a fun triathlon on Saturday, and will enjoy sharing the details with you next week. Whatever you have planned for the next few days, I hope you enjoy it all immensely. Have a great day!