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My first ever (Sprint) tri is next Sunday! I've been training consistently and feel ready mentally.
Unfortunately, I caught a cold, and it hit me hard this morning. So I'm looking for advise on how to taper, and how much I need to? And, what do others do when they get sick the week before a race?
Thanks.
Rest.
I'd spend as much time in bed with hot tea or in the bathtub as I can, and not worry about exercise. If you feel ok the morning of the race, warm up a bit.
If you feel ok earlier, go for a quick jog or swim maybe thursday. Maybe a swim Saturday, just for the feel of the water.
If you're not sick, the last day you should be doing anything significant would probably be Thu or Fri.
Thanks! I did not expect to be this excited for the race. My Mom told me it reminds her of when I was a kid, waiting for Christmas :D.
Iris, you'll have fun! You're already as trained as you're gonna be. It'll all be okay.
You will be better served resting than working out. The cold came at the perfect moment as you will be ready to go by next Sunday!
Good luck and have fun! Enjoy the experience!
Let your body rest this week, and just do the mental work. Maybe go through your transitions in your mind so you are more confident about them.
You will do GREAT! Good Luck and let us know how it goes!
+1 to what everyone has said.
Rest, fluids. Remember to have fun. And tell us all what your first tri was like!
I got a cold 1 wk before my last scheduled tri which was to be 7 Sept. I was less than pleased. Ironically I may have caught it doing a last outdoor pool swim before they closed the outdoor pool for the summer, but after which I was freezing.
For me, I was not ready by race day; chose to not go since it would have proven uncomfortable (particularly on swim). I wanted to have a fun last event for the year... My cold was about a two week event in total. Seems I average 2-3 a year despite my efforts to avoid them, and I haven't had much luck with trying to exercise while congested.
IMO the best thing you can do is sleep a lot, and drink as many fluids as possible this week and see how you feel Saturday afternoon.
It will be a day before decision - if you don't feel ready in terms of energy levels, congestion, and such, it is ok to pass. Believe me, I know you would be disappointed, so I hope this does not happen to you, but there are other races... be safe and sound. And if you are feeling psyched and good, by all means go have a great time and have an awesome race!
As a silver lining I did a metric century yesterday so I feel a little consoled!
You've worked hard; hope you're feeling better by race day.
Take good care of yourself this week and have fun!
Sleep.
Hot tea, or alternative (the hot part is the important bit).
Keep on top of your nutrition (maybe get some fresh fruit, and make sure to eat - don't want to drain your reserves)
Water, water, water.
Maybe not the way we all like to taper before a race, but if you listen to your body and take it easy, you should be back in shape for Sunday. All your training is behind you, now it's just putting the plan in action!
Thanks for all the support and advise. I took it easy yesterday, and didn't go out this morning, so I'll see how I feel tonight for a short run. I'm sure I'll be fine by Sunday!!
I'm soo sad. I was packing and getting ready to leave for Cape Cod for this race, then checked my emails. The Buzzards Bay Tri that I was registered for has been cancelled, due to weather. I'm trying to keep it in perspective, but right now, I'm really dissappointed.
Oh no! I am so sorry! Big letdown for you. Oog. Maybe in a few days you can think of this---that you'll be ahead of the game training-wise for next tri season.
I am really sorry, Iris616.
Ditto what Salsa said. That is a bummer! :(
Sorry you didn't get to do your first tri.
I was planning on doing this race, too. It was the second one that got cancelled this month. Craigville was to have been my second OWS tri 3 weeks ago, but was cancelled at the last minute because of hurricane Hannah. I signed up for Buzzards Bay to put my training to the test. Too bad that they got scrapped, but I'm glad the RDs put safety first.
I plan to keep training...Moving on to cyclocross next weekend!
Maybe I'll see you at one of the races next season!
Linda