Taper goal: arrive hungry to race, not undertrained
Most taper mistakes are emotional: adding workouts, adding miles, or “testing fitness.”
Simple taper structure
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Reduce volume gradually, keep some intensity (shorter).
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Keep easy days truly easy.
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Prioritize sleep and predictability.
What to avoid
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New workouts or “extra long runs.”
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Aggressive stretching if you don’t normally do it.
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New shoes, new gels, new socks.
Related links
Back to the athlete guide.
Training guardrails
- Keep easy runs truly easy so workouts stay high quality.
- Progress one variable at a time (volume first, then intensity).
- Use cutback weeks every 3–4 weeks to absorb training.
- If pain changes your gait, scale back and get assessed.
How to use this guide
Treat this page as a decision checklist:
- Confirm the race date and official logistics.
- Choose a realistic training plan length (16–24 weeks is common).
- Practice fueling and pacing in long runs.
- Keep race week simple: tested shoes, tested gels, conservative start.
Verification reminder
Race details change between editions (dates move, routes get rerouted, and registration rules update). Use this page as a starting point, then confirm time-sensitive details on the official site close to race day.
Training guardrails
- Keep easy runs truly easy so workouts stay high quality.
- Progress one variable at a time (volume first, then intensity).
- Use cutback weeks every 3–4 weeks to absorb training.
- If pain changes your gait, scale back and get assessed.
How to use this guide
Treat this page as a decision checklist:
- Confirm the race date and official logistics.
- Choose a realistic training plan length (16–24 weeks is common).
- Practice fueling and pacing in long runs.
- Keep race week simple: tested shoes, tested gels, conservative start.
Verification reminder
Race details change between editions (dates move, routes get rerouted, and registration rules update). Use this page as a starting point, then confirm time-sensitive details on the official site close to race day.