Tapering is one of the most difficult mental challenges we face as runners when targeting a big goal race.
We’ve put in weeks and months of hard training and sacrificed a lot to try and get ourselves in our best racing shape and yet everything could come crashing down in the final two to three weeks if we’re not careful.
Add in the fear of the reduced mileage and workouts ruining our fitness plus all the weird feelings, such as dead legs we commonly experience in the final two weeks and it’s no wonder the taper is a huge stress.
With goal spring half and full marathons right around the corner, I thought today would be a great time to take on some listener questions about the taper.
Not only might you have the same questions, but we’ll dig deep into the topics so you can really learn and understand the ins and outs of the taper.
Today, you’ll learn…
- How to reduce your mileage properly during the marathon so you hit the starting line fresh while not losing fitness.
- How to adjust your weekly mileage, workouts and long runs when tapering for a 5k or shorter race distance.
- How your diet might change when tapering for a marathon and common questions about weight gain, carbs, etc.
- How to avoid peaking too soon for your race
- How to taper off your strength training before a big race so you don’t lose all your strength gains, but still feel fresh come race day.
- What to do if you find yourself injured only a few weeks from your goal race
I know I picked up some great tidbits just from listening in on the coaches and I know you will too.
If you have questions you’d like our coaches to answer on the podcast, you can head to runnersconnect.net/daily and submit them to us.
You can send an audio recording or type in your questions. We’ll do our best to get your question featured on the next round-up show.
Enjoy today’s episode!
Connect, Comment, Community
This week’s show brought to you by:
BiOptimzers Sleep
If you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep all night, then you’re going to love the new product from BiOpimizes called Sleep Breakthrough.
Sleep Breakthrough is a delicious sleep drink that supports your natural melatonin production and relaxation without creating a dependency so you can have your best night’s sleep on demand
You’ll fall asleep in minutes and you’ll stay asleep throughout the night.
For an exclusive offer for our listeners go to sleepbreakthrough.com/runtothetop
In addition to the discount you get by using promo code RUN10, you can unlock special gifts with purchase with retail values of at least 20 dollars.
LMNT
Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.
That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial.
Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.
To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.
