Pain and taper

I can see why they call it taper -- perhaps to reduce your pain so you're ready on race day. I'm not sure why but this morning I woke up and my entire body was sore. My calves, my back, my arms. I debated whether I would go to Bikram Yoga this morning and I just couldn't get out of bed. I usually feel this way after a run (the worst leg of a triathlon, in my opinion) but yesterday I swam, so I was a bit confused. I haven't swam in two weeks, so that could be part of the problem. I was out of breath a lot quicker and that worried me. I have two scheduled swims this week and I may try and get one more in just to get ready for race week. I can't believe I'm about a week away from leaving for the race and less than two weeks to race day.

It's exciting but I'm also very nervous. I think it's the fear of the unknown. I've always been a sucker for that kind of fear, giving into it for a few brief moments, but then it passes quickly because I jump into things anyways, realizing there's nothing to lose. And I realize afterwards there was very little to be afraid of.....

But one thing I just hope doesn't happen....what if the bike gets a flat? I asked my friend Andrew if the bike has a tube changing kit and he said he'd be sure there was one to go with the bike, but even if there is, I'm not sure I'd know how to change it. I guess I have to watch some You Tube clips on that?

My friend Lara is going to meet me in London and we're going to take a few days to see the city. I'm excited about that. I haven't seen Lara for two years and I've really never seen London. So the pain will be worth it in the end and I'm just hoping I'll be ready.