With 10 days to go until the US Half Marathon champs in Houston , I'm in full-on taper mode. Well, it's mostly because of the race coming up, but also partly due to the sub-zero temperature outside. That's not so fun to run in. Out of all the aspects of training -- base fitness, intervals, tempo runs, nutrition, injury prevention, etc. -- the taper is the toughest to really hit successfully. Which is ironic, since (in theory, at least) it's the easiest part of the training calendar. Why is it so tough? Because it's a balancing act between running with just enough intensity to stay racing fit, but resting just enough to feel fresh for race day. Too much intensity in your running will leave you tired for the race. Too much rest and you'll feel flat. And that balance completely varies from person to person -- some people respond best to more rest, some people to more running. Oh, and to make matters even better, you've got all the psychological games going ...
Inside the mind and legs of a sub-elite distance runner