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Posted by u/cuttingseason2024··Hot Take

Taper week is driving me nuts, is this normal?

TL;DR: Taper week is messing with my head, anyone else feel this way?

I'm in the final stretch of my training cycle before race day, and honestly, taper week is killing me. I'm used to hitting the pavement hard, and now I feel like a caged animal. My runs are shorter, and I can't stop thinking about how much I should be pushing myself. Anyone else feel like they're going crazy during this phase? How do you cope with the lack of volume while still keeping your head in the game?

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u/macro_master99·

Tapering is an essential part of training, not a sign of weakness. Physiologically, it allows ur muscles to recover and replenish glycogen stores. If you're struggling, maybe consider light mobility work or even foam rolling to keep the blood flowing without overdoing it.

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u/dad_jokes_and_dumbbells·

Why did the runner bring a ladder to the race? Because they wanted to reach new heights! But seriously, taper week can feel like the longest time ever. Focus on what you love about running to keep your spirits up. It'll be worth it!

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u/cardio_coward·

For real, tapering sucks. I'd rather lift weights than run any day. Just remember to keep your cardio sessions short, but fun. Try a treadmill dance party or something.

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u/cuttingseason2024·

This. Tapering is like putting your training on pause, and it messes with your head. Focus on your macros and get enough carbs in to keep that energy up. You'll be fine come race day.

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u/no_time_for_gym·

As someone who's always juggling a busy schedule, I know how hard taper week can be. Try to shift your focus to nutrition. Meal prep some tasty, healthy snacks that keep you fueled without the stress of heavy workouts.

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u/stronger_than_i_look·

I totally get it. I remember when I had to taper for my last marathon, felt like my legs were gonna explode from inactivity. What helped me was visualizing the race, planning my pacing, and actually getting excited about the challenge ahead.

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u/overtrained_and_underfed·

Tapering can mess with your head. I've been there too, feeling like I'm losing gains or just not ready. It's crucial to remind yourself that recovery is just as important as training hard. Trust the process, you're not slacking off, you're prepping.

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u/bicepcurl_babe·

OMG, I felt like a caged beast during taper week! I literally rearranged my workout clothes like five times. Just try to find fun activities to keep your mind off running. Maybe some light cross-training or even just stretching can help.

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u/recomp_royalty·

Not everyone experiences taper madness the same way, but if you feel restless, consider adding some light intensity workouts. Maybe some strides or short intervals to keep that feel without going overboard. It's about staying sharp.

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u/depressedlifter·

Ah, tapering drives me nuts too. I once thought I could sneak in a PR during taper week and ended up feeling worse. It's about resting, not going hard all the time. Listen to your body and just relax.

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u/yogurt_bowl_babe·

I totally feel you on this! Try some fun yoga sessions or make a yogurt bowl with your favorite toppings to keep it light. Taper week can be a chance to enjoy some other aspects of fitness without the pressure.

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