Taper tantrum - a term used to describe the overly-senstive triathlete who goes all high-maintenance or fussy or ballistic about silly things, can also be used to describe the general feeling on ST during the long winter months. “Man, I think everyone on ST is having a collective taper tantrum!”
Just wanted to share my cleverness with everyone.
Okay, okay, it’s not actually my term, I admit it. It was made up by someone who posted it in a thread that was yanked, unfortunately - unfortunate because it’s such a great little phrase that doesn’t deserve to be relegated to the dustbin of Slowtwitch. So, whoever it was that DID make it up, step up and get credit for it. Parkito? Psycholist? I think it was one of you?
I went into a local cheese shop where I am friendly with the owner. After I looked around for a few minutes, he looked hard at me and asked “What’s the matter? Are you tapering?” Other observant people have asked me that. They were right. I wouldn’t call it a tantrum, though. It’s a mixture of antsiness and lethargy, an odd combination I only notice when tapering. But if the taper is long enough, the weirdness goes away and I achieve a new happiness and satisfaction sprouting on the couch.
I don’t even recall what the thread was about. Why was it yanked? Someone was having one, I suppose.
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It was a silly post along the lines of who Swimfan was and his loose connection to a tri club and how the original poster was not going to join that club because of someone else’s concerns about drafting at Steelhead. I think. In other words, typical nonsensical drama. Which thankfully devolved into your post, and then accolades sent in your direction for coming up with such a great term.
Rtk, it’s not that everyone who tapers goes crazy, it’s more chalking up crazy behavior or inane rants or petty arguments etc. to tapering.
Got it. Like Richards (aka Kramer) was totally tapering.
But in fact the effects of the early taper are quite real and common. It’s not a pleasant few days. I’m very slightly curious what are the bio changes that cause it.
Got it. Like Richards (aka Kramer) was totally tapering.
But in fact the effects of the early taper are quite real and common. It’s not a pleasant few days. I’m very slightly curious what are the bio changes that cause it.
rtk
Yeah, I’d say Kramer was having a taper tantrum! Or something…
That’s a good point about the biological impact of tapering. I’d guess part of the grumpiness is from changing a familiar routine - but maybe also the lack of endorphins or whatever else one gets from working out?
I’d guess part of the grumpiness is from changing a familiar routine - but maybe also the lack of endorphins or whatever else one gets from working out?
“Oh, you don’t want to be around me.”
“I get grumpy, I get bitchy.”
“Laird says it like ‘What if you were a dragonslayer, and there were no more dragons?’”
“I start questioning who am I and what am I … unless it’s thirty feet, and I’m out surfing.”
I keep checking the mail, but there haven’t been any royalty checks showing up yet. I do appreciate you keeping everyone mindful of their obligation in this regard.
Being an aging athlete myself, I find it necessary to stay on top of my game year-round. The Thanksgiving holiday wasn’t a taper, but having to take a couple of days off for travel and family was barely bearable for me. I got home Friday and got out on the bike right away. By noon Saturday I’d done two rides and 106 miles. I’ve kept at it since then trying to make up for lost time. As the miles have piled up, my mood has improved.
Well, we are all lazy (and by “we” I mean “me”). Checks can be kind of a pain - the writing, the signing, addressing an envelope, finding a stamp. Oh, the humanity! Do you take Paypal?
Turkey Taper Tantrum - I like that. My theory is that all the tryptophan from the turkey and trimmings causes endorphin blockage, thus causing anger and tempers flaring. Or, that could be just due to the presence of too many family members.
Regardless, i agree that exercise is key. This is also why I play hockey, so that I can go and legitimately beat the crap out of people, while getting a good workout. But I digress.
I’m sure the money will come rolling in soon. Keep the faith!