Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Brutal

It's now just 11 days until Hawaii 70.3 race on the Big Island. Let the taper begin! Yeehaw! Mama's been training her brains out for months and it's finally time to kick back, put the legs up, and relax while reading a book.

Right, Jen?

This is the first time I'm being coached through a taper, which is nice. Because this time I don't have to question the heck out of everything I do... Is it enough? Is it too much? Did I go too hard? Did I go hard enough? This time I'm just doing what Jen tells me to do and believing that my body will respond appropriately on race day.

TRUST. It's all about TRUST. Got it. I trust. I swear.

Although a major difference between what she's having me do and what I've done in the past is that this time I'm getting "taper" workouts that include the word "Brutal" in the description. As in, go to the track and make it hurt like never before. "ALL OUT MAX EFFORT", it says. WRITTEN IN CAPITAL LETTERS SO I CAN'T MISS THE INSTRUCTIONS.

See, I never would have thought of that. In my (old) world taper = rest. But I guess the rest will come later. Stay tuned next weekend to find out how it works!

12 comments:

N.D. said...

That should be pretty cool to see the difference in the result! good luck! : )

X-Country2 said...

I really need a Jen in my life. I like the way she thinks!

Angela said...

Seriously, let me know how that works...although I like the rest. Maybe I'm just lazy.

GetBackJoJo said...

Three weeks out aren't you supposed to be getting super race specific? (I'm going Matt Fitz on you.) So yep, there should be LESS overall training, but MORE hurt.
I think at some point you rest a bit, though, don't you?

Sara said...

Yay, the countdown is on! :-)

Rebecca DeWire said...

How exciting that this taper will be different than anything you have done before. The plan I use keeps intensity in the taper, but administers it in small, hard sessions. Can't wait to hear all about Honu, you are totally going to rock it!!!!

Angela and David said...

The intensity will keep the "pop" in you so you are ready to kick some ass. Enjoy the taper!

cat. said...

i think i'm gettin' more excited for your race than i do for my own. you're gonna kill it!!!!

Jennifer Harrison said...

Ok, everyone, DO NOT FRET, Michelle is not running 10 miles ALL OUT.....that ALL OUT was for a 400 on the track after some 1600s!! :)) Right, Michelle! HAHA....you are SO ready. You have responded so well. The rest is in there....but keeping the body race ready with some tough bits is key. YOU ARE READYYYYYYYYYY! :))

Marit C-L said...

Hey Michelle - you ARE ready. It's been really fun, following along on your journey. And I totally agree that TRUST is very important. Hey - Jen knows what she's doing. We both know that. You'll do great! Enjoy the taper, work hard when the workouts say to WORK HARD, and take it easy on the easy :)

I'm already getting excited for you!!!

Charisa said...

Happy taper :) Can't wait to track you!!

Regina said...

I'm definitely sitting tight to see how that taper=brutal thing works out.

I'm new to your blog (only commented once before in your "10 years ago" post after it was already an "old" post.

I can't wait to read more! Good luck!!