Running a Marathon For Dummies
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Tapering, which is a reduction in your marathon training, enables you to recover from the training you’ve completed so that you’re fresh and ready to go on race day. Follow these tapering guidelines before your marathon:

  • Reduce your running volume but maintain the intensity with tempo runs and interval workouts.

  • Don’t try any new workouts.

  • Increase how much carbohydrate you eat to at least 70 percent of your calories over the final week before your marathon.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking enough water and sports drinks that your urine is a pale yellow color.

For a 3-week taper, reduce your peak weekly mileage by

  • 30 percent the first week

  • 50 percent the second week

  • 65 percent the week of the marathon (not counting the marathon itself)

About This Article

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About the book author:

Jason R. Karp, PhD, is a nationally recognized running and fitness coach, freelance writer and author, and exercise physiologist. He is the owner of RunCoachJason.com, a running coaching and personal training company, and the 2011 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year.

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