April...is DONE

Not my most voluminous month, due to the taper and recovery from New Orleans, but I did increase my bike volume by 1 mile over last month!

Swim: 18,300 yards
Bike: 393 miles
Run: 59 miles

These numbers mean WHAT this time around? I am worried that the low swim yardage and run miles might hurt me long term, but more importantly how scheduling your races can affect volume between races during the season.

With a two week taper, race, and one week recovery, that is three weeks of lowering the volume for one, high intense day of racing. Is it worth it? I think so if you have a good day of racing!

I think tapering for two weeks was a bit much for a half ironman this time around FOR ME. I tapered for two weeks for Timberman last August, and I felt like I needed it. This time, since last time worked so well, I figured two weeks would work again. It did!, but I felt like I could have done the race a week earlier. I PR'ed (by a LOT) in a 4 mile run race exactly one week out from New Orleans and I had a great 36 mile ride the day before that 4 mile race. That one week was enough time out to let my body recover. I secretly had wished that I did the race that weekend, which means I was worried that I peaked a week too early. Maybe I did? I will never know, but that is all part of the learning process!

So for Mooseman in June, I will be tapering for at least a week, but definately NOT a full 2 weeks.

Now for post race recovery, barring any freak injuries such as blisters or sunburns, I wish I had gotten into the pool at least twice following New Orleans, even if it was for 500 yards each time to maintain my "feel" for the water. I was only able to run once (4 miles), but that was mostly due to blisters and a sore right leg. Biking: Same as swimming. Just do something, not hard or long, but at least something 2x during the week following the race. Even the trainer would be an option!

I am a big believer in active recovery. When I am not doing anything, I go flat and I become grumpy ;)