Taper - a crucial part of training. Depending on what distance you are tapering for can change the length and amount that is needed for the proper tapering. And what is the proper tapering? All depends on what works for each individual, we are an experiment of one, not to be compared but to grab odds and ends from others as well as all of our own experiences in the past.
My taper week is very mental for me. I look back at all my training, all my races and gather what I have done right and what I have done wrong. So much can be learned by just looking back and evaluating your own performances. The races that were the struggles are the races that provide the biggest lessons learned.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty". Winston Churchill.
Taper week is not a week to test the waters and test those legs "just one more time". Its done. Rest. This is not a time to keep breaking down, this is a time to build up. Recharge those muscles and more importantly recharge your mind. You are as ready as you will be. When I approach that start line, I want to feel like I am ready to ROCK AND ROLL. I can't wait to run. I feel like a slug and I can't wait to move this body.
Again, giving advice on taper is something you can only get from yourself. That is the beauty of being unique - you work your own way and you will learn from yourself. Look back, what have you learned from you past races, past training runs? Fueling? Resting? Speed?
And another little tid bit - ALL POSITIVE THOUGHTS.
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference" Winston Churchill
Ok, gotta go...back to taper....
try and enjoy the relaxation week! i know you will be the best jill you can be at umstead!
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