Ironman is less than two weeks away. My taper is going very well. Every day that passes, I am feeling stronger. My workouts seem very minimal and almost relaxing. This morning I did an easy 8-mile run, and I didn't even feel warmed up until mile 5 since I'm used to doing so much more work. So physically, it's going very well and I seem to be exactly where I need to be.
Mentally, however, the nerves are starting to set in. With additional energy and time, I have more time to get myself worked up anticipating the race. The Ironman Athlete Guide (the schedule and rulebook for Ironman Lake Placid) came via email yesterday and reality hit me. This race is happening. It's easy to brush it off when you have months and months ahead to train. Ironman got real very, very fast.
I'm starting to second-guess myself (which I know is normal), wondering if I should be doing more workouts, even though I KNOW I should not. So it's been very difficult to sit on my hands and follow the careful taper plan that I have laid out for myself.
I already have my equipment list prepared for next week -- things I need to gather and pack, last-minute gear checks, etc. I've got my nutrition dialed in and am adjusting it according to my lower activity level so I don't gain additional weight during my taper.
Just gotta stay the course and not go stir-crazy in the meantime!
