Race topo Chart. What is a taper?

I completed the ST 100 elevation chart using the information I extrapolated from "A walking guide to the Superior Hiking Trail." In this book, they took GPS elevation data for the entire trail and placed it on several charts for each segment as it was completed. As GPS is not perfect, the elevation chart is not ideal, but it is close to the other data I have seen. (It also makes Moose Mountain look like the worst climb.)

I have read or heard so much about a taper for a 100-mile race that I am not doing it right. The easiest comments I read were 75 percent of the workout level three weeks before, 50 percent two weeks before, and 25 percent or less the week before. I kept charging full boar up to 9 days before the race, and will do less than 20 percent over the next 9 days? I have been feeling strong over the past few weeks. My confidence that I can finish this year is less after the experience I gained last year. Experience should give me confidence. Although this course is challenging, there must be more than physical workouts and experience.

Most people started the taper with two weeks to go. Although my son is leaving to study in Germany and some other issues are bringing me down, I decided to go to the hills on Wednesday. Karen Gall met me at Hyland after my second repeat, and we attacked the hills very hard together. She was so strong, and after a few more, I knew I needed a taper. We were averaging around 16:55 per mile for the first 12 repeats. I downloaded the run and had an average heart rate of 147… Wow…

Then I challenged Karen to see how long it would take here to catch me. So she started, and I followed. She gained on me with each repeat, and after 5 repeats, we were averaging a 16:20 mile pace, and I was feeling like I was at Sugarloaf last year. My legs were heavy, I was soaked with sweat, and I felt like little was left. Karen still looked strong, and near the end of the 6th repeat, she came up behind me.  What a workout to take the personal issues out of my mind! That was a hard 6 repeats. The average heart rate was 158! AVERAGE. Peak was listed at 173. Now conventional wisdom says 100 percent for me would be 175…

I was so sore and fatigued that I had trouble sleeping that night. I woke to the greatest muscle fatigue. I don't know when I was ever that stiff. Well, last year after the 100. It may not have been a good idea, but I feel better mentally.

I started to think about what a taper is anyway. Thursday, I went for a 2-mile walk and a swim and did some heavy upper body and mid-section weights workout. Today, I plan nothing. Saturday may be a 20-mile easy bike ride? One thing is sure: next Tuesday is the last day I will do anything other than live life. Ice will do ice and heat treatments on the sore areas, start packing, finish the detailed planning, and drop bags for the race. Last year, I was cocky up to the night of the race, and I was so scared I almost had difficulty speaking. This year, I am just nervous about everything. Not overly nervous, not cocky, but apprehensive about my chance of success. Steve Q. gave me an 80%, and I appreciate that confidence. I am a 50/50. I may be better prepared physically than last year, but I need to prepare more mentally. But in the words of many, "That is why we play the game." Without the st "rt, we are 100% assured of failure.

Carry on…