Today begins my two week taper to Chesapeakeman. I ran the Philly Distance Run yesterday and was able to finish in 1:25 with my heart rate in the 140's for the majority of the race. I was able to do this 2 days after a 4.5 hour bike/45 minute run workout. That helped boost my confidence in my fitness level but I have found that I have been extremely tense the last week and it has continued into today. I understand that that should be a normal emotion leading up to an IM but this amount of nervous energy is ridiculous.
Any advice for a 1st timer would be greatly appreciated. I know to take it very easy the next two weeks, and not give in to going longer or faster than the program calls for. I am also planning on packing early in the week and checking my things multiple times. I will be getting new tires and chain this week and having my bike double checked at the LBS.
Sounds like you have your bases covered... main thing I'd add is sleep as much as you can :) And be careful of your calorie intake now that training is less.
GOOD LUCK!!! :)
Definitely stick with what your program specifies. I would expect that there are some short race pace intervals in there but short durations.
Trust in your training - can't add anymore fitness now.
Oooh I thought of another! Stay off your feet as much as possible. Yes, you will suddenly have more time since training less. But spending 3 hours on your feet cleaning or hunched over working in the yard or whatever takes a toll on your body just like training, and can leave you whole other kinds of sore! Promise the wife/family/roommates that you'll be happy to get a bunch of chorework done in your recovery phase after the race.