*This is an updated post from September 2019.
Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week we have a fun topic for you! This week’s Tuesday Topic: How do you taper without going crazy? You can write about this or any running related blog post. Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
If you’re a runner you either love or hate the taper, there’s no in-between on this subject, LoL. I fall into the “love the taper” group of runners. Although I don’t believe any of us will be tapering for any races in the immediate future, it will be good to keep these tips in mind for when we start training for races again (maybe 2021? fingers crossed).
Why do I love taper time? It’s pretty simple – I have more free time!
Think about what you’re gaining
Sometimes it can seem like training for a race can take over your life. Workouts before or after work, long runs on the weekends, incorporating other workouts like yoga and strength training, trying to go to bed at a decent hour – it really infiltrates all aspects of your life. I really love having the extra time to complete tasks, connect with friends, or just rest!
Give extra TLC to your body
Our bodies take a beating while training. I use the taper time to get in way more stretching – it makes me feel like I’m getting my body “race day ready”, For me, the stretching includes a lot of different yoga moves and some quality time with my foam roller, lacrosse ball and handheld massager. It could all be in my head, but I always think the my body appreciates the extra TLC!
Use the extra time to visualize your race
I’m a huge believer in using visualization, especially before a big race. I’ve done this for all of my marathons. We spend so much time training but do we spend anytime thinking about the race course and how we will feel running through the last mile and ultimately the finish line? Thinking about those things not only puts a smile on my face, but it also calms my nerves as well.
Tell me: How do you taper without going crazy?
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Topic for next week – If you could run with any celebrity, who would it be? Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Wendy says
I only tapered for marathons–and it was hard to taper! In a way, though, the taper was a nice break after pushing so hard for so long! I needed to keep telling myself that.
kookyrunner says
My favorite part of the taper is the extra sleep! The one thing that always bothered me during taper time were the ‘phantom pains’ – like all of a sudden my knee or ankle would start to hurt, lol.
Catrina says
I am with you on visualization and preparing yourself mentally for a big race!
We focus a lot on the physical preparation, but being mentally prepared can make or break a race.
Imagine the feeling of passing the finish line with a new PB!
kookyrunner says
It’s such a great feeling, and I feel like it puts me in a more positive head space leading into race day!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I’m with you, I embrace the taper — usually because I’m tired by that point! Love all your tips, Kim. Great post!
kookyrunner says
LoL agreed! By the time taper comes mu body is more than ready for a break!
Shathiso says
I did a proper stretching routine today and my body loved the extra TLC! I really need to do that more often!
kookyrunner says
Awesome! I really take stretching for granted even though it’s literally the easiest part of any workout routine.
Kimberly Hatting says
Yet again, we are in total sync with this! I think athletes in general (not just runners) do themselves a disservice by not tapering. Heck, we are constantly being reminded to take rest days (and being shamed for not doing so LOL). Someone once asked me why I don’t continue training in the final week (or weeks, for longer events) leading up to a half marathon, and I told them that I’d rather save that energy for race day. That final week (or weeks) is not enough time to gain any “last-minute” fitness and puts you at greater risk of injury…not worth it (IMO).
kookyrunner says
Yup, I couldn’t agree more! It doesn’t make sense to train hard all the way through to race day because then you have nothing left in the tank for the day of the race.
Darlene S Cardillo says
As I said to Zenaida, I forgot what training and racing was like.
I feel less is more and never really train so hard that I feel like I need a rest.
These are good tips though.
I can’t wait to train again!!
kookyrunner says
I completely relate to that – it’s going to feel weird to actually train for a race again.
Marcia says
I runfess I kind of enjoy the taper and having all the work done. You’re right it is most definitely the time to get the mental game on point.
kookyrunner says
Same! It’s nice to know that all the hard work of training is complete.
San says
When I started running, the taper intimidated me so much…. haha… now, I am like, ok, great, it’s taper time! Let’s do this! 🙂
I love the idea of visualizing the race… that is a great way to mentally prepare!
kookyrunner says
As I trained for more races, I started to find the taper to be the best part of training, lol.
Deborah Brooks says
I tapered for my tri races in the past. I always felt like I was not doing enough. It’s an odd time in a long training process.
kookyrunner says
I can imagine tapering for a Tri is really different than tapering for a race because there’s so much involved!
Zenaida Arroyo says
I also love to taper. My body needs a break after the long workouts. I need a break too. 🙂
kookyrunner says
Same!