Tapering: The Art of Detachment

by Sue Aquila

Here is what I have learned about tapering in the last 10 years.

It works. Being fit with less fatigue is huge.

There are more ways to taper than there our races. I have tried virtually all of them: the no taper, the step taper, the swim taper, the gradual taper and the do nothing taper. Each works to varying degrees and results.

I will feel like crap. I refer to it as the taper hangover.

I will complain about tapering. I will describe it without hesitation to anyone I meet (boring them to a slow and painful death).

My coworkers dread it. The increase in energy level is frightening and if harnessed could solve our alternative energy crisis.

This year I am adding a new weapon to my taper arsenal: detachment. Business has races or key events that require tapering similar to training and may require tapering in training. The events requiring tapering share common traits -- a peak event for revenue and/or an event that has an unusually high level of risk or reward.

Over time I have learned to research, make the tough decision, reduce my work fatigue and get ready to do the work. Once the decision is made I practice the art of detachment and focus on the success of the project. Failure is not an option. What if I don't detach from my decision? I find I am plagued by second guessing, worry and made up problems.

How will I apply my business taper to my training taper? By practicing the art of detachment. I recognize that my body lies. During training, we all are incredibly connected to our bodies and it's myriad of idiosyncrasies. We listen to every gurgle and feel every tweak as we analyze how far over the edge we could fall. Ironically this connection is a strength in my training but a weakness in my taper.

This year I am prepared for my body to lie. The taper hangover and tweaks are all a conspiracy for my body to get the training it craves. The body is a cruel master requiring us to push ourselves over the edge or to do utterly nothing.

This year I will approach taper as the end game for my business of training. I will rest, I will sharpen my tools and I will get ready to do the work. If my body has anything to say about it, I will send the call to voicemail.

By the way, I never check my voicemail.