Taper??

[JoyfullySo]

Hey there everyone!!!

Before I post my newbie question, just wanted to say thanks for all inspiration! Often times, when I am running, I think of y'all- it really gets me through. May the upcoming week be great for you all!

Here is my question:

I am doing a sprint on Mother's Day (Yeah!!!) The distance is 400m swim
9 mile bike 2 mile run.

How much should I taper? Do I do it at all?? Of course, I am getting nervous and really trying to make sure my distances are good. This is my first tri, so I have focused on just building my endurance base, with a smidge of speed work ( did I say a teeny smidge?) So, how much recovery time do I need before the race?

Waiting anxiously for your wisdom and humor.....

[Running Mommy]

With a sprint I'd say just take the day before off, and maybe a light run or ride two days before. IMO you really don't need much of a taper for the shorter events. Just make sure you eat really well, and I see your in GA, so be sure to drink a bit more gatorade in the days leading up to the race. Thats just to top off the electrolytes you'll need in the heat. Hydration is key in all events- no matter the length!
And ENJOY!!! Are you a mom? If so, what a great present to give to yourself!
Kick some butt and let us know how ya did!!
denise

[KSH]

Yep. What Iron-Mommy said... with short events you really don't need to taper that much.

I know for my last event... I did a ride (22 miles)/run (1 mile)/swim (800 yards) combo on Wednesday... took Thursday and Friday off, and raced on Saturday. It was fine.

In fact, for me... if I take too much time off... it hurts more when I start working out again. So, tapers are bad for me. 2 days off before the event, is enough for me.

You will do great! Best of luck!

[JoyfullySo]

Yes, I am a Mom.... three kiddos so far. We are trying to decide about having a fourth. The race is the Danskin tri in Orlando, the land of the Mouse. Our bedtime story tonight was the Birnbaum guide to WDW. What a hoot..

Two days off will probably work well because of the drive to Orlando, doing a few of the parks, etc. BTW, Anthony Travel was in charge of all the hotel details and discount tickets to the park. They did a great job!!

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions, and the encouragement. I am making sure that I drink plenty of H2O during the day. I keep getting coupons for free gatorade Endurance formula, but can't find it in the store. Hopefully, I will find some between here and Mouseville...

I am just as excited about taking my 10 year old daughter to meet Sally Edwards as I am about the race. I want her to see all the awesome women and what they can do!!! Girls really do rock!!!

[Lise]

Have a great time! I agree with the others about not fretting about tapering. It'll be over pretty fast.

My sister, her DH, and their 6 & 2 year olds went to Mouseland a month or two ago. This weekend, the subject of the "It's A Small World" ride came up (why ). Anyhoo, my sister informed us that my nephew, who's been reading on his own since he was 4, had refused to go on the ride because he had read in a guide book that the song would get stuck in his head. ... he's right. I went on that ride 31 years ago, and I still can't get the song out of my head!

Have a blast. Looking forward to the stories! Lise

[JoyfullySo]

Many moons ago, when my Hubby and I were first engaged, we went to Mouseland.

I will never forget hopping in the boat for the "Its a Small World"

I am sitting there, looking around and singing, and my honey says, "Shhhh, listen..."

We had gotten a boat that was almost all kids, and we could hear all the little voices singing the song. That's when I knew that I was going to marry the right guy for sure...

[DirtDiva]

Heh. I went on that ride when I was two and point blank refused to get off. They had to let me go aound again.