The Taper

Taper. The this word describes not only a period in an athlete’s training cycle, but also can be used when describing a candle, comparing geometric shapes, and explaining financial activities. In both the athlete and the bank, the taper is necessary. An athlete gets rest so that he or she can compete on fresh legs, and the bank risks inflation if it does not taper. It is difficult for an athlete to taper after dedicating weeks and sometimes even months for a race.       

 For me, the taper torments me as much as the speed workouts and hills. It drives me nuts that I can’t keep training to get better the days leading up to an important run. In fact, I try to get up early week before a long run and get a little run here and there to get used to the early morning run routine.

   So, during the nervousness of the week of not being able to train hard, I focus on several other elements- nutrition (did I eat enough veggies and protein?) I take the puppy on long walks. I try to go to bed early- around 10pm!

   Also, being around other people is super important for me during the taper. Often times, I can FEEL grumpy because I am not getting to exercise as much or as hard as I want. Other people can always make things better.  I normally eat dinner the Saturday before with some running friends and my fiance. This week, I got in a 50 minute AM run with my friend and we talked all about work, all about our training, and all about our strategy. And fun events coming up with our friends!

My taper schedule for a half marathon:

Sunday- 8 miles

Monday- Swim 35 minutes/Yoga

Tuesday- Run 30 minutes, core work

Wednesday- Run 50 minutes

Thursday- Off

Friday- Swim/Yoga

Saturday- 20 minute run

Sunday- 13.1!

The lessening of workouts does not mean that it is less important. It means that the body is recovering and preparing to perform at optimal level. It definitely teaches you to mentally prepare and give the body rest.

Ask me next time how I feel.

 

Here’s me before the inaugural Love Run (in the pouring rain!)

And after I PRed with my cheering squad.