Race Day

Well that race ended up going okay. Amazing what a decent taper can do for you.

The paddling race today was looking like it could be a fairly unpleasant affair 24 hours ago. The forecast was for very hot conditions and not particularly favourable winds, However, once we got going today the conditions weren't all that bad at all. Not perfect by any means, but not horrendous either. All around a pretty fun way to spend 70 minutes on a Sunday. Just goes to show you never know what you are going to get on race day, and you should never write off a race based on predictions.

The other big take away from today was the value of a good taper. This obviously isn't news to me, but it is good to have a reminder every now and then. The taper going into today's event was probably one of the better ones I have put together for myself, maintaining fitness while also reducing fatigue. Sort of the point really. I think often over train in my tapers but life stepped in and prevented me from training too much this time and I think it probably worked out for the best. Perhaps a lesson to take forward.

As is often the case with tapering, I didn't feel that great heading into the race, but the real value of it became obvious once I got paddling, I felt good at the start and that feeling hung around for longer. Fatigue set in for sure, but no where near as much as it usually does in training which meant I was able to hold speed further into the race. I often tell athletes that a good taper won't save you if you haven't done the work. There is no point being well rested if you aren't fit. The training comes first and the taper is just the last little 3% on top. That is certainly true, but that 3% can sure be handy when you get it right.

Very happy with how it all worked out today.

Now, on that note, something unusual for the rest of this week. I have been called away for work for the rest of this week and my internet status for the period is a bit of an unknown. I think it is probably safest to say I may not be online until Thursday or Friday. I will be posting blogs if it works out that way, but I think there is a better than even chance that it won't.

Assuming I don't get back online for a few days. train well and have a good week. Talk to everyone again once I am back.