Taper Madness

The long runs are in the bank and the fitness level is what it is. The only thing to do now is sit and wait for Marathon weekend and pray for decent weather on raceday.

Author displaying a hint of madness while working the mile 7 water stop at the Boston Tune Up 15K.

It's taper time! Taper is a necessary evil but it is evil nonetheless.


Benefits to taper:

• I get to spend more time with the family.
• I get to stay in your nice warm bed on Saturday morning instead of lacing up in the dark.
• I get to rest up and let minor aches and pains heal.
• I get to spend more time writing blog posts.
• I get to play the "taper card" and skip a run when the weather is just a little too cold and windy.

And there are a few disadvantages of taper.

• I get grumpy, edgy, and fidgety. Endorphin withdrawal.
• The marathon dreams become vivid and sometimes terrifying.
• My aches and pains actually seem to increase for a little while.
• I tend to get minor cold/flu symptoms when I take it easy for a few days. I'm not sure if this is real or not but it feels real.

What happens to you when you taper?

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