It's Taper Madness!

Ironman number 2 is 13 days away.  But before I get to that, Ironman Louisville 2012 was yesterday and I had a big weekend of activities planned.

First were some IAmTri events on Friday:  a short ride, driving some people around the bike course who had never seen it and the big gathering at the finish line area.  It was great to hook up with some friends I hadn't seen since last August.

The next was my last big run before my event, a 2 hour run.  Ended up at about 11.5 miles at a nice easy pace.  I also had a 60/70 mile bike ride planned but that would be postponed until Monday morning as I was booked solid on Sunday for IMKY.  

After the 2 hour run, it was time for one of the most fun events around IMKY, the annual Underpants Run.  As I discussed last year, it's a way to make fun of people who love to train in very little clothes and raise some money for charity at the same time. 

My friend, the volunteer director, was desperate for some help in bike and gear check-in on Saturday afternoon so after a quick lunch, a few friends and I headed over to help.  So after 2 runs, and being up early, when I got home, I was beat. 

I was asked by the same friend to assist and act as the bike catch captain.  Essentially I would put together a volunteer group who would take bikes from the athletes and put them on the bike racks for the athletes to collect them after the race.  My day started at about 9 am and I was also signed up to catch athletes at the finish so I finished up about midnight.  It was a long, hot day but so worth it when you get the thanks from the athletes. 

I got to see so many friends who were racing and even catch a few at the finish.  It was a rough day for the athletes and it wasn't just about the heat and wind.  Some idiot decided to throw carpet tacks on the course, causing many many flat tires and quite possibly causing more than a few DNFs. 

My planned 60/70 mile ride this morning ended up being about 45 and a 1 mile brick run.  I estimate I spent 27 hours working hard over the weekend between my runs, running around as a volunteer and so on.  So I think 45 will suffice.  Now begins the taper!

I have some relativey short runs, rides, and swim sessions over the next 2 weeks but nothing of a huge distance.  I'm absolutely pooped today but given what I just wrote, I guess that's to be expected.  The point of the taper is to recharge after all the hard work so that you'll be ready for the big day.

I'll be following up with an event preview early next week!