Tapering: have I made a big mistake?

[Jo]

I leave tomorrow to fly to Tanzania where I will climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I’m nowhere near the fittest I’ve ever been, but I did train for this. I’ve exercised, in various ways, every day this year, mostly running and hiking. I adjusted my running schedule over the past two months to focus more on strength and endurance. 2 weeks ago, I was away on a trip that was almost entirely hiking and climbing stuff. I left my hiking place ten days ago.

since then, I’ve done very little. After a solid week of intense hiking and climbing, I wanted to make sure I was rested and recovered for Kilimanjaro. I’ve done some gentle half hours on the elliptical and a few easy-ish neighborhood walks, one hourlong hike, and that’s it. I still exercise daily, I still “close my rings” on my Apple Watch, but it’s been deliberately gentle.

I told myself I was recovering and tapering. Now I’m panicking. Did I just throw away fitness? Am I totally unprepared? Have I lost my mind? 

And what should I do today? The taper plan would have me do a gentle half hour walk and some elliptical time, but I’m feeling restless/anxious and really tempted to go do an hour or more of hill hiking with my daypack for Kilimanjaro. 

Please advise. I’m slowly losing my mind here.

[al320]

They dont call it taper crazies for nothing....

(You dont lose fitness in 2 weeks, youre good. Have fun and good luck!)

[Wines Not Whines]

You’re fine. You sound like me when I’m tapering for a race. At least 50% of it is mental. Have a great trip!

[sadlebred]

Yep! You are fine! Don't overthink it. Have fun, and we expect lots of photos!!

[wawa]

If you haven't left already,have fun!!!