And so the taper begins

Tonight I opened up my training book and looked at this weeks schedule. "That's all?" I thought to myself. The next two weeks are known as the "taper" which is when workouts get scaled back to allow the body to heal and be ready for the race which is in 12 days. Twelve. Days. The words scare me to death. This morning Demetrius and I were messaging back at forth and he asked me how I was feeling with the count down. I told him that the thought of racing in 12 days made me feel sick. Always positive, he responded by saying "Sick of waiting?" I said, "More like scared to death of it being here." Again being positive, he said, "No need for that. Fear is not in the composition of iron." He often reminds me that I am strong, even when I start to doubt myself. His words lingered with me all day long. Every time doubt and fear start to creep in, I think, "Fear is not in the composition of iron." I may print that out and put it on my mirror. Those were words I needed to hear at that moment. 

So now that I have a moment... what should I put in my special needs bag for race day? I think of foods I crave when I am working out. Right now, I know that red grapes will be in my bag for the bike and for the run. Lays potato chips (something I discovered I "needed" during my 82.5 mile ride a few weeks ago. Ibuprofen... Hmmm, what else.... I have heard people say to put a picture of someone or something that you can look forward to. Definitely going to be printing pictures of loved ones before race day! It's going to be an amazing day. I can't wait to meet my competitors!