How long should I taper for first IM?

Triathlon Forum
1

I am doing my first IM (IM CDA) on June 26. I was thinking of doing last long ride Sat, June 4. Is that too late? Should I plan a three or four week taper? I have been putting in 12-15 hours a week with last few weeks towards the higher side. I have been doing tris for about 10 years but this is first IM.

Don’t have a coach…this is seat of the pants training plan.

Thanks,
Mike

2

I’d consider doing another long ride on June 11th or 12th. That should be at the end of your first peak period. It doesn’t have to be as long as your other “long rides”. Maybe cut it back to around 75%ish of the distance of those rides?

I did two peak weeks and a race week, equaling about a 3 week taper period. Worked ok for me.

3

Hey Mike,

Gradual 3 week taper would be fine for you. 5:00-6:00 ride at 3 weeks out (depending on what you have done and how you feel) – 3:30-4:00 ride 2 weeks (you might run 20-40min after as well).

You have my email if you have any more questions … feel free!

4

If you’ve been doing tris for about 10 years, you should know better than anyone how your body responds to a taper. Go with what has worked in the past.

For me, I taper each discipline different - run the longest, swim the shortest.