Tapering.

[Paul B]

So I have a race in 2 days time and I’m feeling pretty fatigued. I’ve done some big kms (for me) YTD and plenty of intensity. I have had a taper of sorts but my legs are toast.

I’ve had an easy week so far but did a 40km effort yesterday at moderate effort and the residual fatigue really came to the surface. Conventional wisdom says after a rest day today to do some race pace openers tomorrow, the day before the race. Given the state of my legs though I’m thinking another day off and get there fresh on the day and just do a good warm up. It’s only a 50 km race with a few moderate climbs and I know it backwards as it’s on roads I ride all the time. Any thoughts?

[Abby]

Being 10% underdone is a million times better than being 1% overdone. Sounds like you know already what you need to do - don't overthink it. Rest the legs, and just be there early enough before the race to warm them up OK...

[Derny Driver]

2 day rest is fine. Freshen up.

[Alex Simmons/RST]

+1

[Paul B]

Thanks for confirming what I thought was the way to go. Legs coming good now so should be firing tomorrow.... I hope !!!

[Alex Simmons/RST]

By the way, what you describe is not really tapering, rather it's just a bit of freshening up, which is all most people need.

Tapering is a process that can take 10-14 days, is only required for those that actually have long period of high training volumes that warrant it, and is no magic bullet either with an typical improvement in performance of perhaps 2%.

[Paul B]

By the way, what you describe is not really tapering, rather it's just a bit of freshening up, which is all most people need.

Hey Alex. Yea I know. I had tapered but I messed it up a bit That’s why I ended up in this situation. And yes, the freshening up will be key and maybe I might even get some supercompensation happening...... Bit optimistic on that front though.... that will probably hit in a weeks time

[Paul B]

Tasmanian State Championships Road Race. M7. Got the win

[ironhanglider]

Tasmanian State Championships Road Race. M7. Got the win

Excellent result, did you pace it like a Richmond Bakery ride? (never contributed but I did enjoy reading the thread).

Cheers,

Cameron

[Paul B]

Like a tough Richmond Bakery Ride. Yea just pushed hard and because I know the course so well I felt like I had a huge advantage. Nonetheless, it was the quickest roll around the Richmond roads that I’ve done.... but really, it was just a matter of hanging with the front.... the M5 and M6 guys.

[g-boaf]

Tasmanian State Championships Road Race. M7. Got the win

Way to go!