TAPERRRR!!!!

Definition of taper - 9 results in Dictionary.com

ta⋅per
1   /ˈteɪpər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [tey-per] Show IPA
–verb (used without object)
1. to become smaller or thinner toward one end.
2. to grow gradually lean.
–verb (used with object)
3. to make gradually smaller toward one end.
4. to reduce gradually.
–noun
5. gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object.
6. gradual decrease of force, capacity, etc.
7. anything having a tapering form, as a spire or obelisk.
8. a candle, esp. a very slender one.
9. a long wick coated with wax, tallow, or the like, as for use in lighting candles or gas.
—Verb phrase
10. taper off,
a. to become gradually more slender toward one end.
b. to cease by degrees; decrease; diminish: The storm is beginning to taper off now. I haven't stopped smoking entirely, but I'm tapering off to three cigarettes a day.

Unfortunately, #2 isn't what's happening, and hopefully not #6. But #4 and 10B certainly hit the spot right now.

In related news, these are also called tapers and are used for body piercing...



Yikes....

My body is tired and sore. I love the new bike, but I'm pretty sure there are little fists that punch my hamstrings with every pedal stroke. I couldn't even sit down without wincing the other day. It's getting gradually better and lowering the seat helped a bit for sure. I'm just hoping the adaptation to the new position will be rapid enough that I'm all set to have a good run on Saturday. I took her out in the hills the other day for 50 miles and 3000 feet of climbing and she actually climbs pretty awesome, so I'm looking forward to testing it out on the hills in Camp Pendleton!

A big plug for one of my favorite new items:



I hated the bottle launcher on my Cervelo. HATED it. Constantly launching bottles and it was positioned so that the bottles were hitting my butt and I had no end to problems getting them in and out. Once at a race I gave up and held the darn bottle for about 4 miles and just dumped it at an aid station because I couldn't get the darn thing in. The Bontrager Race Lite system is like a breath of fresh air. Never launches and it is SOOOOO easy to access. Love this thing!

Oh yeah, and I'm back in Cleveland (hence the ability to find hills). It's really nice to be home for a couple days to recharge and start the SATW (Super Awesome Taper Week). I head out on Wednesday and am sooooo excited for the race and camp. In California I will get to see my best bud Justine who is doing her pediatric oncology fellowship in LA, my triathlon buds Lauren, Matt, Lindsey, Danny, Marky, Paulo, Tracy and Shawn, Sergio, Andrew, Rachel, and all the new teammates, and hopefully my most awesome cousin Brienne and my aunt. And there is that little race to do...

My main goals for this race are to be much faster than last time, while still crossing that finish line just as happy



With the awesome support that will be out on that course, both goals should be achievable. If you're following at home, my race number this year is 2004 and I start about an hour after the pros in the last female wave. Which is awesome because I'd much rather have a bunch of people to pass than have a bunch of people whiz by me!

Now it's time for SATW workout #1. Time to get ton that trainer!