Beating the Taper Time Blues

 

The ‘taper crazies’ are a real thing.

You’re bored, restless, maybe anxious, but hopefully mostly excited about your upcoming race that is now only just days away.

Training intensity decreases, but excitement for race day increases as the countdown keeps ticking.

Tapering is incredibly important for success to prepare your body for any high demand activity it’s planning to endure.

The benefits and essential need for tapering is to avoid injury, give yourself added rest and recovery, hydrate, sleep, and relax.

Exercise, no matter the activity, is truly an act of putting stress on your body. Therefore endurance training/racing should be done especially carefully, and tapering should be taken seriously.

AptBPhoto_CiaraLucas_FitforaQueen0047.JPG

With the extra time on your hands during the taper, it’s normal to go stir crazy.

Bu there are plenty of activities to do that can keep you busy.

Here are my top taper week to do’s:

  • Light bike riding (shoutout to Peloton!)

  • Yoga class

  • Reading

  • Watching movies

  • Spending time with friends/significant others

  • Eating well, drinking plenty of water

  • Plan out race day, in GREAT DETAIL (outfit, accessories, music, pre/post race food) + get all last minute items necessary

  • Journal

  • Stay off your feet as best you can

Most importantly…

Say ‘No’.

This week is yours. Anything that stresses you, puts more on your plate, or has the potential to burn you out gets put on ‘pause’ for the week. Boundaries are important, and in my opinion, they’re a form of self-respect. Choose YOU this week!

Happy taper time, happy race week!

With love, health & happiness,

Ciara

Ciara Lucas