I have a secret… I love to taper

Triathlon Taper
I’m taking my cues from my dog Bella these days. She knew how to rest. But, she didn’t like to share the remote control.

That’s right. You read that headline correctly.

I. LOVE. TO. TAPER.

In fact, I think it’s pretty darn taper-ific.

I realize this taper-love makes me something of an endurance-weirdo. I read the tweets, Facebook statuses, and articles that attest to how much people hate to taper, or find the taper as something that must be tolerated, not loved.

Sure, I understand the taper-tantrums.

The first time I did a “real” taper was before my first marathon. I didn’t like it so much that first time. But, on race day, I was able to run so well, on such fresh legs – so fresh, so happy, so strong.

I immediately realized the magic that is the taper.

And you know what? I love magic.

I also love rest. In fact, I’m an official fan club member of rest. In fact, I’m going to run for president.

I relish in the reduced volume. I enjoy the short bursts of intensity that keep me fresh, but not in a constant state of fatigue.

I love the feeling of my muscle fibers putting themselves back together, getting stronger.

I laugh at myself when the random phantom pains start roving all over my body, some trying to convince that I’m broken. But, I know, those pains will disappear the second the cannon goes off.

I take pleasure in the little bursts of excitement and nervousness that bubble up every so often, reminding me that race day is near.

I enjoy the down time, watching highlights of races on YouTube, weeping with joy as goals are accomplished and dreams are realized.

I’m even okay with the irritability and antsy-ness because I know those are necessary emotions to get me race ready. (John may have different opinions on this one. The other day, he told me I really needed to race…or else.)

After weeks upon weeks (that turn into months upon months) of brutally punishing myself with 15-20 hours of weekly training, there is something absolutely delicious about “only” 10 to 12 hours of training.

Not only is my body magically putting itself back together, little bits of magic happen all over the place.

  • The laundry gets done.
  • The checks get deposited.
  • The furballs get vacuumed.
  • The books get read.
  • The naps get napped.
  • The garden gets watered.
  • The blog gets bloggified.
  • Phone calls get made.
  • Friends get seen.

I know that adaptations to training come from adequate recovery. Yet, finding what is “adequate” can be tricky.

The secret to a perfect taper is a mix of both art and science, which varies based on individual factors, the nature and history of training, and the type of the race. For example, I find that I don’t need a super long taper, and I like a little bit of intensity mixed in here and there. Your perfect taper may be something quite different. (For tips on putting together a taper, click this post from my coaching site.)

Regardless of the details, a taper is a necessary part of race day success. It permits adaptation to training load, which leads to strength and freshness on race day.

Therein lies the magic of a well-executed taper: I get rest, I recover, and then on race day, I go fast. Voila!

I hope my secret is safe with you 😉

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How do you feel about the taper? What the secret to your perfect taper? 

 

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