To taper or not to taper
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1226 days
ironmike12 posted 3 years ago.
I'm in the same siutation, but my A race is more spread out from my first half. I'm gonna use the first one to work on nutrition timing and things of that nature. So, to answer your question, I'm not gonna taper. I think it depends more on what your goal is for the race. If you don't care how you finish then don't taper and use it as training. If you are concerned, because it is a B race, then do a limited taper. Just my thoughts.
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1235 days
Triguy98 posted 3 years ago.
In your case, I would do a limited taper.IT will allow you to remain somewhat competitive (if that matters to you) and allow you to give closer to full effort on race day. I think races are valuable training tools, but should still be treated as a race, including taper. I like going through the whole process of everything, especially early in the season, to remind myself of what its like.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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KenMierke posted 3 years ago.
Generally we do gradual tapers for 3-4 weeks for A races, where volue and intensity gradually decline for a long period. A 3-4 week taper is not just 3-4 relly easy weeks. For B and C races, we use a drop-off taper, where volume and intensity are dramatically reduced for about one very easy week. I have an article on tapering tht Joe Friel and I wrote for inside Triathlon. I'll be happy to send it to anyone who wroites me off list at Ken
Ken Mierke Ken@Fitness-Concepts.com
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Author, The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training
www.EvolutionRunning.com
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trithis04 posted 3 years ago.
I don't like to give up the training time if the race is not a priority. Remember, not only do you loose the build time during your taper, you always have some recovery time on the otherside. So, it really depends on your goals for the race. I would stay away from a long taper period, cut some distance the during week before (possibly a day of rest) and hit. That way you can stay on a regular routine for your "A" race w/out really breaking stride.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
I understand tapering for my 'A' races but I have some confusion for the 'B' and 'C' races.
I am working through my training plan for my 'A' 1/2IM in late July. However, I have another 1/2IM in about a month which I would classify as a 'B' race. The question is do I taper at all for this 'B' race. Or simply look at the race as a big training day. And if yes to tapering - is it just a limited taper (just a few days). I don't want to short change my preparation for my 'A' race. Thanks in advance for any input. - RV
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss