Fever

Send off party was a one in a million event... and was followed by very intensive training weekend in cornwall. Very intensive.
Friday afternoon I picked up a car from the lovely high road. Fair to say at this point I was tired, and a little worried about the drive down. This was not assisted by sitting in the office waiting for my car to come round, and seeing some half blind idiot total a motorbike outside the window. Yikes.

That makes you pay more attention when you're driving.

So having a quick nap before the off, picked up the younger Yeti and got on the road.
One million hours later we arrived at the very wonderful spot selected for the weekend, to dinner provided by the Lady Nicks, and naturally an early night to ensure maximum training session the following day... (hmmm)

Quick dip in the ocean later, and chat to local radio, and back in time for the game. Essential viewing. And dinner. Essential eating. Roast me up some vegetables. And a quick visit to the parentals for Mothering Sunday, Essential Champagne.

Sadly followed by an awful journey up the M4 where I may or may not have taken a couple of wrong turnings, and may or may not have ended up on the wrong side of the river. Fortunately I was with silent passengers fighting sleep who either don't know london all that well, or who were too polite to say anything. But I was struck down by yeti fever after that, leaving me with woolly legs and raging temperature. Shame.

So now. The final stage. Runners World recommends a carefully planned approach to the taper. Neatly translated here.

Tapering
Running less in the weeks prior to a race is scientifically proven to lead to better performances. Known as tapering, this period of decreased training allows your mind and body time to recover from months of hard training so they are in prime condition come race-day.

Translation - ease off guys, doing less in the weeks prior to the trek may or may not be proven to lead to a better performance on the mountain. We need time to recover and be in prime condition. But either way it will make the next couple of weeks more fun ... Instructions as below.

Recovery rebound
Many runners experience a renewed sense of fitness midway through the taper as their body draws strength from its imposed period of rest. No matter how good you feel, resist the urge to cram in extra miles or add high-intensity speed sessions to your training plan. Such sessions will only put extra strain on your body and hinder rather than help your race preparations.

Translation - lie still. Feel awesome. Do not, repeat do not go to the gym.

Cross-training
As tempting as it might be to channel your energy into other sports, do so with caution. It's best to avoid undertaking any activity that could leave your muscles feeling sore or vulnerable to injury.

Translation - lie still. Feel awesome. Do not, repeat do not go to the gym.

Nutrition
Eat well - Now is not the time to count calories - your body needs energy to repair muscle tissue damaged during training. Consider increasing your intake of protein, fruit and vegetables, and loading up on vitamin C to give your immune system a much-needed boost.

Translation - Ah yes. Cake. I need calories. The manual says so. I am therefore 'considering' upping my intake of protein. I wonder how much protein there is in Mars bars. And snickers. And green & blacks...

Carb-loading
For the few days immediately prior to the race, try to get 60 to 70 per cent of your daily calorie intake from carbohydrate sources such as pasta, potatoes, rice and cereal. This will pack your muscles with glycogen and delay the point at which you 'hit the wall' during the race.

Translation - Hmmm... you know I hear that beer is largely carbohydrate. Beer and pizza nights therefore the perfect combination. And they have to contribute 60-70 % of our daily intake. I knew training had a kick back.... Good times.

Stay hydrated
Keep your energy and fluid levels high by cutting down on caffeinated and alcoholic drinks and consuming plenty of water, especially during the week before race-day. You can tell whether you are adequately hydrated by checking the colour of your urine (it should be clear or pale yellow).

Translation - Drink beer. You shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet.

Weight gain
You're likely to put on a few pounds during your taper but try to remember this is only temporary. Having your energy reserves at full capacity will help on race-day and you'll have lost the extra weight by the time you reach the finish line.

Translation - its nothing to do with the beer and pizza, and all about the tapering. Besides we are going to lose weight with the lentil rice diet, so stock up. Rotund is the target shape. All hail the mountain.