I’m going to go out on a limb here but I argue that more people (including me) crash during the taper period than any other training period. I think it has something to do with being at the end of your training and a loss of focus. In any case, here’s my story:
Your article did not talk about the car that hit you. Was it a hit and run?
Dave
This might be true. i’ve lost the count on how many athletes I’ve had crashing on race week. That includes Sergio today!
There might be something to that. In 2000 I crashed (all by my own self) 100 yds from handing in my bike at IMC. D’oh! More embarassed than anything. Too relaxed? Too distracted? Too focused on where a porta potty was because I’d been hydrating too much? Who knows. Glad you’re okay.
Yeah, could be something there. I think getting a little too tense and focusing on the race ahead instead of the terrain ahead at the moment might be a factor.
If you arrive at your taper tired but healthy you are on the critical path with a ton riding on getting to the start in one piece. Instead of Baby on Board signs maybe we should get Tapering Athlete On Board, Stay the Hell Away From Me!
It wasn’t a hit and run though the car did stop a ways down the road. I just got the bike back and the guy owes me about $400 in repairs.
At IMC a 39 year-old top female age grouper was staying in the room next door to us. Shed done long course worlds in Denmark and had qualified for Kona, and was very fit going into IM Canada. But she crashed and broke her arm on the Tuesday before the race!
She was very good about it. Never complained, and supported all the athletes. I never got her name (just that she’s from the Toronto area), but I wish her all the best in her recovery and for Kona.