I am about 10 days out from my next half marathon which means it's time to taper. And you'd think after 49km in 4 days I'd be ready for that but it's harder than you think. You get used to running long, far, and often. I'm still learning about tapering but here are a few things that I've learned:
-Start cutting mileage two weeks prior, I haven't always done this especially this year with so many back-to-back races however I have seen the benefits of tapering, and it can make for a really big PR. I mostly cut mileage for the LSD's (Long Slow Distance runs) which are my weekend runs. My weekday distances don't change very much, I imagine that will change slightly for full marathon training.
-Don't try anything new, now is not the time to start messing with all the work you've already put in.
-If you were going to get new shoes, wait till after the race, unless you're like me and you get the exact same shoes every time but even then I'd still run in them a few times before a race.
-On rest days, don't cross-train just REST, this has been probably the most difficult concept for me.
-No hill training or extreme speed training during this time. I still do some short tempo runs but avoid pushing myself past exhaustion.
So now that I'm tapering, I woke up early yesterday for a beautiful 7km:
I'm excited to start cross-fit next week but also very nervous, expect a post about that in a couple of days.
My Mom Monday Giveaway is running till Sunday night, if you haven't entered yet be sure to check it out!
What did you do for Work It Out Wednesday? Do you have any different advice regarding taper time?
I have a really hard time actually TAKING the rest days while tapering too - I always find myself thinking 'well, I COULD just lift weights, right?' Good luck on your half!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard especially once you get into the routine of working out daily...
DeleteSo exciting for you! Rest days are hard for me, but I do enjoy the break! Hope you have a great race!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!!
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