Allan,

I have always done a 3 week IM taper. Cut volume by 1/3 1st week, and other 1/3 the 2nd week, and to about nothing other than loosening up the 3rd week (and packing, traveling, etc). When i cut the volume I also increase the intensity but not to the point of residual soreness. Remember to also reduce your caloric intake so that your are not "fat" on race day. Eat good and healthy and drink a lot! Have fun - positive attitude makes you faster!

Good luck,

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

This summer I tappered two weeks for IM Switzerland. I did the last long ride (194km, 2400m height) 15 days before the race. Two days later I did the final long run (24km hilly). See my traiing log:
http://qbike.com/cgi-bin/cal.cgi?name=felix__w&pswd=I7a74999&shn=0&sha=2&mon=7&yr=2003

This approach was recommend by Christoph Mauch (3rd IM Switzerland).

The 2nd last week I was in holidays in the Swiss Alps where I could not swim (and cycle). I run 3 times (including long run) and cycled once.
In the last week I swam and run once and cycled twice (short rides).

I felt good during the race and was very happy with my finishing time at IM Switzerland.

Felix

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http://www.weilenmann.ch.vu