Uh-oh, I think I ticked off my coach... Ladies please help me with my 6 taper days!

[velogirl]

no tapering advice, but I'm a coach and I just thought I'd suggest you chat with your coach -- via email, phone, or in person -- whatever's most comfortable for you.

I don't know if you signed a contract with your coach when you began your coaching relationship, but many coaches ask for 30 days' notice if you terminate your agreement. if that was the case, you might want to clear it up with your coach.

good luck with your half IM.

[KSH]

OK, I'm a total worry wart. He tried to send my training plan, but the email bounced back. The email server at my job has been rejected emails the past couple of days so it makes sense.

Yea Denise... your coach is way worse than mine. He never really berates me or anything. He's a nice guy. I just need someone who is a bit more hands on. I need more attention than I thought I needed. Not my coach's fault at all.

Contract? 30-day notice? I don't think I signed a contract. I did ask him about only paying for one week and he did reply and said that I could. That is more than fair of him and I know it.

So, I'll stop being a worry wart and I'll stop freaking out. Time to taper.

[Running Mommy]

cool. So I'm curious... What did his taper week look like??

And Velo is right, talking things out is good. Unless of course your coach has an ego the size of Texas.

Can't wait for the race this weekend. I really think you are going to surprise yourself. I have good feelings about it.

[JmcG]

I agree to the above, I'd back off on the swimming - that's a lot just a few days out from the race. After doing several HIMs, (and my first IM in a month), I've learned that tapering and tapering correctly are the most important things before a big race. There is nothing you can gain by pushing yourself the week before a race. You've put in the time and effort, so back off and enjoy those last few days before the race. Ok, so here's my typical last taper week (say if the race is on a Sat):

Monday: Swim 1500yds, Run 30-40 min
Tuesday: Bike 20 miles
Wednesday: mini tri: swim 1000 yds, bike 15 miles, run 30 min
Thursday: off
Friday: check out expo, relax, maybe walk a little or easy swim, a beer before bed
Saturday: RACE!

I had my best HIM time this past June, even on a tougher course, because I really have learned to listen to my body - when I'm tired, I take a break, and I've learned that tapering is very important.

Good luck!

[KSH]

Thanks for the input ladies.

Here is what my taper has shaped up to be:

Monday- 2500 yards swimming
Tuesday- 20 mile bike ride
Wednesday- Rest (homework to do)
Thursday- Rest (after work function to attend to)
Friday- Walk 3 miles (I can't run due to my IT band)
Sat- Ride 20-30 minutes and walk 10-15 minutes.
Sun- RACE!

My coach pretty much gave me what I had already put together.