Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics! This is an updated post from September 2019.
This week’s Tuesday Topic: How to taper for a race before going crazy? You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier! Remember to come back for later linkers!
Honestly, I don’t mind the taper. While some people get taper crazy, I actually look forward to it and love it.
What exactly is tapering before a race? Basically it means to take a break from running so your muscles could rest and recover. By doing this you will be able to be rested enough and have a successful race. Tapering usually starts 2-3 weeks before your race. Most tapers are done for a marathon but can also be done for half marathon.
During taper I may run a few days but more importantly make time to rest and sleep. When I trained using the Hansons Marathon, I was not used to running 6 days a week and was constantly tired. I welcomed with open arms when it came time to taper.
So what can you do when you have more time and energy in the weeks before your half marathon or marathon?
🏃🏽♀️ Sleep. Your body needs it.
🏃🏽♀️ Think about your goals. What are your A, B, and C goals?
🏃🏽♀️ Make a gear check list/bag and check it twice. Write it down so you have everything ready for race day. The last thing you want to happen is to arrive at your race and find out you forgot your gels, sunglasses, or socks.
🏃🏽♀️ Finalize your fuel and hydration. Will you be bringing your own or use what is provided on the course?
🏃🏽♀️ Reflect on your training. You worked hard in the weeks/months prior to your race. Perhaps you wrote about it in a blog or journal. Reading about it will get you more excited knowing you went through weeks of long runs, waking up early, and dealing with the hot/cold weather.
🏃🏽♀️ Eat better/healthy. While it is tempting to eat all of the food, it isnt’ a good idea. Drink plenty of water and eat meals that have good carbohydrate to help store fuel for race day.
🏃🏽♀️ Read a book. Grab a glass of water, sit on the sofa, and relax with your book. Or a movie will be ideal too.
🏃🏽♀️ Meet up with friends. Many of them probably haven’t seen you for weeks since you’ve been training hard for your race. Use that time to catch up with them, laugh, and to have a good time.
A nice list, Zenaida!
I remember I used to worry because I never slept well before a race. But it’s not the day before the race that counts. The sleep we get during the weeks that lead up to the race is important.
Exactly!
Great tips, Zenaida! I also love a taper. Maybe I’d feel differently if I ever train for a marathon — but I doubt it! I’m sure mentally I’d be more crazy if I trained for a marathon, though. 🙂
You never know!
I must admit I love the taper too! I used to worry that I would lose running fitness when tapering, but I’ve always come to the race strong, in large part due to tapering and taking in easy in the run up to the race.
I used to think the same thing. I didn’t know any better.
You and I are very similar since we both actually enjoy the taper time, lol. I think one of the best things about taper time is getting back to more of my “normal” life – more sleep, less stress and more time with friend/family.
Exactly! Training takes up so much time and it feels go to have that time back to do other things.
I forgot what this is since it’s been so long since I’ve raced lol
I don’t really taper since I don’t train hard and race often.
These however are great tips for those who do.
Hope races come back soooon!
I hope so too!
A great list. Prepare, but also distract from what’s coming… LOL that’s a good strategy!
So true.
I love and hate the taper. Not so much the actual taper but the mental gymnastics that occur during the taper, lol! I only taper for full marathons, thankfully.
I’ve also tapered for marathons as well. I don’t think I’ve actually officially trained for a half marathon.
the few times I have done it, it makes me antsy!
I’ve heard of people feeling that way too.