Let the tapering begin

This article is so good. I love knowing that even amazing athletes can have this kind inner dialogue.
http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249608-2012-London-Olympic-Games-Mountain-Bike-Event/article/14072-Georgia-Gould-Olympic-Race-Report

The week went as planned for the first week of taper. My work week was a little hectic and I was pretty fried on Friday night. The weekend was also kind of hectic. I was kind of crabby about it and trying to really focus on my taper was hard. Erik was gone this weekend, so finally on Sunday I was able to get up kind of early and get the ride and run done, then I stayed home and relaxed. Fell asleep on the couch for an hour or so, got pretty packed etc.

Okay, so now I am kind of freaking out a bit. I think I need Erik to come back and hang out with me. Get me to stop constantly thinking about the race. I also think it will help that my parents, Erik and I are driving together. Sort of a distraction.

You are going to think this is weird, but I don't have a ton of questions. I have my race day nutrition strategy figured out. I have my bike and wheels and repair system figured out. I have my clothes, shoes, socks etc. figured out. If it is hot I have a pretty good plan for taking care of that (on the run anyway). I sent you last years race plan. I modified it, but really want to talk about execution and strategy. (That part I left from last year)

Swim- I would like your input on where to start and how to execute the beginning. I am terrified of feeling like I am going to drown. I get really really panicky. Just for that reason I think I want stay off to one edge or let the huge wave start before me. What do you think. I know swimming in the race in not my forte and I am willing to give up the time.

Bike- On Sunday I rode up Hyalite for part of the interval. I rode hard, but was within myself for a hill. I know that going downhill I just don't ride that hard and that could give me a little break from the uphill. So, do I push it up the hills? I know pace over the race will change, but should effort too?

My run for this year too has a lot different feeling than what I wrote last year. I don't think that just finishing the race will take everything I've got. I have more in me than to do a casual run. Hopefully :). So when should I start to feel like I should push it? I want to settle in for a few miles. Adapt my legs, adapt to the temperature etc. It is sort of a gift that I want to give myself. An easy first few miles. I also think I want to give myself a few aid stations to walk through. I am thinking mile 4, turnaround, and mile 18?