The Taper Continues...

Slowing down-way down. Taper is in full swing. Jen has scaled back her overall training volume to allow her body to repair itself from all of the hard work she has put it through in preparation for Ironman Wisconsin.

The taper phase of a training program can be difficult one. It requires the athlete to significantly lessen the time and distance that they have come accustomed to in training. While this much of the explanation may seem pretty easy to grasp, many athletes have trouble with it.

Slowing down requires one to readjust their mindset. It is common for athletes to become fatigued, and feel sluggish during the taper. They sometimes experience feelings of guilt as if they are losing the fitness condition that they've fought so tough for. Mentally and physically, the taper can take a toll. In Jen's case, she has come down with a cold with a sore throat and a congested head. She is headed to the doctor Tuesday to check it out.

Someone once explained the taper to me in terms of an automobile. To repair a car, you have to turn it off to tune it up for the big race. You obviously can't work on it while it is running! So for the rest of the week, Jen is focusing on her physical and mental health. Her workouts are much shorter and she is taking it easy. She is resisting the temptation to push it by sticking close to Coach Carla's plan.

More to come this week as Jen pursues her goal for Ironman glory!