Fall race training is coming to an end which means it’s almost race day. At this point the only thing standing between you and your race day goals is surviving the taper. Almost all runners suffer from a case of the “taper crazies” due to a reduced volume of training. During this time of craziness we tend to get nervous, over-think things and doubt our ability to reach our goals. This is the prime time to train your brain especially if you neglected to do any sort of mental prep work earlier on in training.
Here are four things you can do during the taper to build confidence in the weeks leading up to your race:
#1. Make a list of every hard workout you successfully completed during this training period. This list is separate from your training log. Keep it beside your bed or in your bag and refer to it every time you start to doubt your abilities.
#2. Bookmark and read race recaps from the runners that inspire you the most. Only read positive posts and start to block out any negative information. Here are a few recaps I have bookmarked:
- Asia’s Eugene Marathon Recap
- Meggie’s Eugene Marathon Recap
- Gia’s L.A. Marathon Recap
#3. Write out a list of phrases or words that you will say to yourself during the race when things get tough (and trust me, things always get tough!).
#4. Read these articles:
- Turn on the Light
- The Power of Prime: The Cluttered Mind Uncluttered
- Train Your Brain to Run Your Best
- What to Expect on Marathon Day
Do you love or loath the taper? How do you deal with the “taper crazies”?
These are great tips! I’ll be sure to check out those articles. Thanks for the shout out. 🙂
Great tips, Jess! And follow @Marathoner on Twitter!
I already follow you on twitter! Thanks for stopping by!
These are great tips. The mental part of training is just as important as the physical part. As I’m 2.5 weeks out from my half Ironman, I’m trying to get my mind into a positive, happy and confident place, even with the anxiety. Thanks for the great reminders. Looking forward to meeting you in NYC later this month! xo
Thanks for including my post. The taper crazies get the best of us.
It’s all about trying to keep yourself busy and remembering to “trust in your training.”
Happy taper time!
Running my first full on Saturday and NEED this advice. Freaking out and anxious. Will definitely follow #3 and #4!
Good luck! I’m sure you’re well prepared and will crush your goals!
Thanks. Your encouragement came at the right time. I always loathe the taper, but keeping positive is the only thing that kept me going. Love all the 4 tips.
I decided to kick tapering in the teeth and pound it in the face with my bare feet this time around! Great post
I like your methodology.