27 WEEKS DOWN 2 TO GO

Wow.  I have finally reached taper time.  I thought the name of this post was fitting since the first post I wrote about training way back on January 15 was entitled "2 WEEKS DOWN 27 TO GO"!  I also think it is amazing that the amount of hours I put in those first two weeks is still less than what I did this week.  AND my legs are still attached.  YIPPEE.  As I mentioned I was pretty shocked when I saw my schedule for this week since I was expecting taper and what I got was UMMM WHAT??!!!!  I even emailed Jeff and said "Can I do this?", "Will I recover in time?".  Jeff gave the whys and hows and calmed my fears.  He said I do not need you recovered by Monday or next Saturday or even July 21st.  I need you rested and ready to go on July 22 and you will be.  Tapering is a fine balance of losing fitness in order to gain freshness.  I trust him so I pulled up those big girl panties and followed the plan.  Despite being barely out of that flat out tired box I had some pretty good confidence-building workouts this week.  Tuesday with Cindy's company I knocked out a 14 mile run.  I certainly wasn't speedy but for the first time in a few weeks I ran continuously without any walk breaks.  Friday was the biggest confidence booster.  I was going to meet Bonnie after work at Stiles Pond for a swim.  I was supposed to do the entire race distance(2.4 miles) but Bonnie wasn't going to be able to stay that long.  Swimming across the pond by myself was NOT an option and I couldn't really do it any other day of the week so I was a bit distraught.  Thanks to an understanding boss and slow day at work I got out early.  Bonnie and I swam once out and back and then headed across again.  Surprisingly I felt better the second time across.  I was so happy when we were done that I wanted to do a cartwell but A.  I have never done a cartwell in my life and 2.  I certainly am not trying to learn two weeks before the biggest day of my life.  Anyhow I have never even come close to swimming that distance before because I don't have that kind of time at the pool so I was thrilled.  THEN something weird happened.  We had been done for about 5 mins and were just talking in the shallow water when my world started to go fuzzy and black.  Bonnie's voice faded away and I thought "Oh crap I am going to pass out!!"  I quickly walked over and sat on the beach and waited for it to pass.  I felt fine after a few minutes but it was scary.  I think being horizontal so long screwed up my equilibrium.  It is also possible it has something to do with my head bashing from the accident.  Whatever the reason I am hoping that since Lake Placid is a two loop swim that won't happen.  We actually get out of the water and back in.  Saturday I was supposed to do 100 miles on the bike and a 2 mile run.  After spending $150 to get my bike fixed I was anxious to try it out.  It was better but not perfect as the chain came off twice. Kerry kept me company for 2.5 hrs then we got separated because she only had 4 hours to ride.  I actually only did 96.65 miles on the bike because it was raining again and I have had it.  Mother Nature clearly hates me and I was not riding in the rain for a little over three miles just to hit a magic number.  Screw you Mother Nature!!!  My two mile run went shockingly well.  Although my legs felt like they were barely moving and forgot how to run I actually averaged a 9:36 min/mile which is rather impressive for me after 6 hrs on the bike.  So onto today..another 60 miles on the bike.  Kerry had a run so I was on my own here.  The first 30 were tolerable although my legs certainly felt tired.  The next 30 were just flat out torture.  My legs were toast, my back was screaming and my ass and other parts were just flat out pissed off at me BUT I did it.  I am pretty sure when I walked in the house and put my helmet on the table I heard the angels and harps and hallelujiahs.  Or I could have just been delirious.  I made it through breakfast and a shower and then it hit me.  Overwhelming exhaustion.  OMG.  It was horrible.  I had a few things to do first but hung on for a few hours and finally made it to nap time.  Out like a light for an hour.  Other than my back I fell ok now.  Well until I try to stand on these wobbly legs.  Bring on the taper!!!!!!  Only 9.5 hours of training next week.  Stayed tuned this week and next as I have lots of race info to come but I am too tired right now.  847...my number.  Details coming soon on how to follow me race day.