Categories: Running

How to Handle the Taper

I hear these crazy rumors I’m running a marathon in four days. WHAT?!

JK, I’m actually just going to run another marathon and keep talking about it.

Between my really short taper and really short training cycle, it seems like it can’t be possible. I’ve also been insanely busy at work — the normal busy-before-PTO, extra meetings and launching things left and right. It’s been a stressful week, but it’s generally kept me from obsessing over the marathon, so that’s good.

ALSO BIG NEWS: I met my fundraising goal this morning for NYC! I’m really floored by the generosity of my friends, family, fellow volunteers and coworkers. And really thankful for corporate matching programs.

But I wanted to check in to share some of the stuff I do to both stay sane and recovery as well as possible while tapering.

1. PT. I’ve seen my PT twice this week. I need all the help I can get.

2. Water. Like all the freaking time.

3. Planning fun stuff for race weekend. I have to give Heather all the props for this one — she emailed me today with lots of awesome suggestions for things for us to do in Chicago — she researched restaurants, comedy clubs and boat tours for us. [I definitely recommend a boat tour either the day before or after the marathon if you’re in Chicago. It’s an awesome way to see the city while staying off your feet.]

4. Compression socks. I know the jury is out on if they work or not…but they feel like they work to me, and that’s really enough for me.

Things I’ve Written About Taper Elsewhere

Taming the Taper Crazies – Competitor.com

How to Taper for Your Best Marathon Yet – DailyBurn

Things Other People Have Written About Tapering

Taper Tips (Jen Chooses Joy)

Tackling the Taper (Suzlyfe)

Anything Can Happen on Race Day (And Other Marathon Training Anxieties) (Breath Deeply and Smile) (Ain’t that the truth!)

Marathon Peaking and Tapering (This Runner’s Recipes)

The Art (And Some Science) of the Marathon Taper (Coach Debbie Runs) << This one is a great week-by-week guide

Dear First-Time Marathoner (Suzlyfe)

The Taper Crazies (My Healthyish Life)

Taper? I’m Supposed to Taper? (MCM Mama Runs)

Theodora Blanchfield

View Comments

  • Good luck this weekend! Should be great! I'm running MCM in a few weeks as my first marathon (yay / yikes!)....how long should I be attempting to be dry for? The idea of giving up wine for the next 2+ weeks sounds unbearable. I'm thinking the week before....

  • Wishing you the best of luck this weekend! And yes to compression socks, especially Pro Compression :)

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Theodora Blanchfield
Tags: marathon

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