My taper began officially on Monday. Most people would think that everyone is excited to get to the taper, but in reality sometimes it comes with mixed emotions.

The truth is taper is a bit confusing. It’s also when the nerves begin to set in and the reality that the marathon is about to happen occurs.

I think in some ways the taper is both a time I look forward to and dread all at the same time. Makes complete sense right?

This came in on Monday afternoon and it really helped boost my excitement!

 

While we are on the topic, lets get honest about what the taper is really like.

A Needed Break

Let’s face it, after 17+ weeks of training it is nice to have a bit of a break. You know you’ve put the work in and it’s time to let your body recover.

Plus, it gives me lots of chance to spend extra time stretching and foam rolling.

 

Panic Mode

Once you’ve gotten excited that you get a break, it’s completely natural to break right into panic mode. You start to doubt all the training you have put in, you start to think about just how far you’ve got to go (26.2 miles), and you at least once will have a mild panic attack.

If you’re anything like me you might even fail an important workout that week. It’s okay – it happens

It’s okay, it’s normal. The best thing you can do is breathe and remind yourself to trust your training.

 

It’s Time to Clean Up The Diet

Marathon training is never a time to try to lose weight. Of course, some people do but trying to make drastic diet changes during this time is often a recipe for disaster.

However once your taper hits you begin to realize you need to cut out a lot of the extras you know you should be eating. In our house, we focus on cutting out sugar and high fiber foods. Since we are both cursed with very sensitive stomachs we tried to eliminate it as much as possible for the 2 weeks leading up to the race.

I still eat lots, but I try to focus on healthier dinners and snacks.

These delicious Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bites have been a great addition. They have the perfect combination of 10g of protein, 10 g of Omega-3 & 6, health fats, and only 3 g of fiber. The perfect taper food!

They’re also super easy to take for a quick snack, making them perfect for a crazy quarter end. Plus, if you can’t tell they are puppy approved too!

 

 Create Your Plan

I’ll be sharing my race plan in the next week, but to me creating my race plan during taper week is a great way to keep me on track.

I write it out, both the good and the bad, and find a realistic plan. This allows me to take a lot of the guess workout of it and helps to calm my nerves.

 

Remember, stick to YOUR plan not what someone else does. We all train differently, all race differently, and knowing your body and your plan is a big key to success.

 

Focus on The FUN

When it comes to racing, the training is the hardest part. The early mornings, the long runs, the tempo runs, the workouts, it’s all hard work and isn’t always easy.

When it comes to race day, that’s when the fun begins! Regardless of the outcome remember to go out there and have FUN!

 

If you can’t have fun, then what’s the point?!

Do you enjoy the taper period?

What’s your favorite healthy snack?

 

Disclosure:  I received these Hemp Heart Bites as part of a campaign through Fit Approach.  All opinions are my own.