You’ve made it to the taper! Congrats on your hard work this training cycle. You have done the work, so the next few days will be spent resting to prepare for your goal race.
During this time, there are a few things to focus on.
During this time, there are a few things to focus on.
- Enjoy your additional free time! You have earned it!
- Take your remaining runs at the paces I’ve prescribed. It may feel too slow but resist the urge to go faster or longer. The main goal with the time left is to get ready for the race. Holding back now will pay off then. I promise!
- Focus on hydrating. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.
- Sleep! Sleep! And sleep some more! Two nights before race day is the most important night where you want to get some good sleep. Don’t stress if you don’t sleep well the night before your race - it won’t affect your performance. :-)
- Be inspired. Read race reports, watch inspirational running movies.
- Enjoy the expo - take in the photo-ops and freebies. But don’t spend too much time there and on your feet. Avoid the free samples if you go the day before race day - you don’t want to try any new foods!
- Visualize the race. More importantly, visualize the finish line, and you crossing it.