The Nick Bare Podcast 149: How to Taper Well for a Race or Competition
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Nov 24, 2025 Discover the art of tapering for peak race performance! Tapering isn't just about cutting back; it's a strategic way to enhance muscle recovery and glycogen stores. Learn about the common pitfalls, the mental challenge involved, and how to avoid taper tantrums. Nick shares his effective 10-day taper plan and carbohydrate loading strategies, including how many carbs to consume and when to start. Get ready to feel light and energized as you lead up to race day!
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Plan A True Taper
- Do a planned reduction in both training volume and intensity before a major event to let fatigue dissipate and preserve fitness.
- Aim to show up race day fit, fresh, and mentally primed rather than under-recovered and blunt from accumulated fatigue.
Taper Reveals, Not Builds, Performance
- A correct taper exposes the fitness you built; poor tapering leaves you fit but unable to access performance due to fatigue.
- Tapering converts training adaptations into usable race-day performance when executed well.
Corral Energy After Perfect Taper
- Nick recalled feeling explosive energy and readiness while waiting in the corral at California International Marathon after a perfect taper.
- He described wanting to sprint and scream from excitement because the taper left him fresh and primed.
