I am grateful that taper is here, the Road to Canada has been a bit of a rocky one.
It’s not that things have been terrible, I really enjoyed my training when I could get it done. In the past I have had many more external issues with getting training done. My past job had a funky schedule a lot of time requiring that I work early and/or (usually and) late and many weekends. My current job is much more steady and flexible and I am very happy about that.
BUT the last couple of months of training for IM Canada has been marred by injury and setbacks. Most of these were stupid little things, like pulling my glute muscle.
Others were bigger, like crashing on my bike at mile 80 of a 100 mile ride. Bloody with a slightly broken bike I called for a ride home. I am still recovering from the crash two weeks later and just doing what I can.
I feel slightly under cooked for Canada but I also feel determined. I know it will be challenging but so much of an Ironman is being mentally tough and dealing with the pain the day hands you. Surprisingly I feel fairly calm, as they say the hay is in the barn. There is nothing to do now but rest up, eat well and show up ready to do my best.
So I go into this race ready to grit my teeth, especially on that last 20 mile climb. I am excited to get to whistler and happy to get to race another Ironman.
Ever gone into a race slightly under-prepared? What helped you get though?