8 Replies to “Taper Troubles: Peaking right to run your best race”
Tapering sure can be really tricky! for my first 3 marathons I ran an easy 2 miles the day before the race. In my most recent one I didn’t but I think i was more stressed at that race. I think part of it is finding what works for you!
I’m outta the game for a few weeks due to injury, but I run a LOT of night races here in SC, we seem to have alot… and people who run a little that morning, if they are usually morning runners, say they do really well in the night races when they do that. Tapering is super hard, it’s not just the time off from running but also pre-race nerves!
I agree- I have learned that a rest day leaves my legs stale and needing to warm up morning the next day so I always run a few miles the day before a race.
Sometimes it’s a relief when I make it to the taper (meaning I’ve made it through training injury-free), and other times it freaks me out. Sometimes during taper I’ll get random pains, which also freaks me out, but apparently that’s just the body finally fully recovering from training. And every once in awhile I’ll feel strong, light on my feet, and ready to go.
I’m currently tapering for the 25K trail run on June 1 and it’s going alright. No phantom pains and no taper-crazies. I think I have a more lax approach towards trail races, and that helps.
Tapering sure can be really tricky! for my first 3 marathons I ran an easy 2 miles the day before the race. In my most recent one I didn’t but I think i was more stressed at that race. I think part of it is finding what works for you!
that last line is SO true…a tenet of all things running, right?! 🙂
I’m outta the game for a few weeks due to injury, but I run a LOT of night races here in SC, we seem to have alot… and people who run a little that morning, if they are usually morning runners, say they do really well in the night races when they do that. Tapering is super hard, it’s not just the time off from running but also pre-race nerves!
boooo for injuries….you heal up fast!!
I agree- I have learned that a rest day leaves my legs stale and needing to warm up morning the next day so I always run a few miles the day before a race.
awesome minds think alike. 😉
Sometimes it’s a relief when I make it to the taper (meaning I’ve made it through training injury-free), and other times it freaks me out. Sometimes during taper I’ll get random pains, which also freaks me out, but apparently that’s just the body finally fully recovering from training. And every once in awhile I’ll feel strong, light on my feet, and ready to go.
I’m currently tapering for the 25K trail run on June 1 and it’s going alright. No phantom pains and no taper-crazies. I think I have a more lax approach towards trail races, and that helps.
hahaha…taper madness EXISTS!! i always have to fight hard for sanity mid-taper. 😉