Taper continues

I'm getting things checked off my to-do list during taper, including some things I wasn't expecting to do

Biking to-do's

1. Get bike tune-up - Check! My store looked it over and we replaced my tires, chain and cassette. I knew the chain would be due soon, so I'm glad to get that done now
2. 50 mile taper ride - Check! Took my freshly tuned up bike out into fall drizzle and had my lowest-energy ride of recent history. It's ok, I don't have to feel good for practice.
3. Bike crash - Check! Got that out of the way. It was super minor, and more like a bike-fall-down, but some rail tracks grabbed my front wheel and I fell down. My elbow is a little scraped and my hip is trying to bruise, but it's ok. Good reminder to really be cautious on rail tracks.

   

   Showing off the scrape

   

   Amazing bandage

   
   
4. Get bike checked again - in process. After the crash, there were some slightly bad noises coming from the bike, so I want to make sure the derailleur isn't going to suicide itself into my rear wheel or something terrible like that.
5. Re-pack saddle bag - Check! Since I had to take it off to leave my bike at the store, I decided to figure out how to fit two tubes, two CO2 cartridges, levers and multitool into my saddle bag. Pleased to report success, though if I have to unpack it, it may never all fit again.

Running to-do's

1. Get new shoes - Check! They are a different color than usual, but I think they fit the same as my regular ones.
2. Break in new shoes - In process. They carried me around for a nice 12 miler with no new blisters.
3. Recalibrate footpod - Check! Oh, the responsibilities of being a data-junky are never ending.

Swimming to-do's

1. Pack OWS stuff together - Check! Wetsuit, gloves, and two pair of new goggles are bundled together in the wetsuit bag and ready for pre-race brick.
2. 90 minute swims - In process. I've made it to 4 of 6, with 2 more this week. Getting it done.

Other things that remain to do include buying many sizes of ziploc bags for all of my ziploc needs, buying unscented trashbags to make throw-away warmups to leave in T1/T2 & special needs bags in case of a rainy/cold day, and buying more bars for my bike nutrition since I ate my last one this weekend!

It's coming together well and except for being tired and stupid, I am super proud of how I am holding up to the taper crazies.