Train Your Brain: Taper Madness

Train Your Brain

Taper Madness

Dr Heather Bechtel

Congratulations!  You have put in the work this season, and you’re ready for some well-deserved rest.  Tapering means it is time to let your body repair from all the hard work and get ready for your big day.  This time can be a welcome rest, but it can also be nerve-wrecking.  What if I lose fitness from resting?  Why does everything hurt?  What do I do with my time?

1. Trust your training.  There are physiological reasons for cutting back.  Your mind will think you’re losing fitness, and you will be tempted to just sneak out for “an extra-long run” or “just a short race.”  Do not do it!
2. Trust your team.  If something does not feel right, do not be afraid to ask your coaches or your MIT medical team.  Most of the time, these wandering pains are short-lived and will not get in the way for long.
3. Find other activities to fill your time.  Extra stretching (as mentioned in Joe’s article) or sleep could directly benefit your recovery.  You could also find other activities completely unrelated to running.
4. Prepare your mind for race day.  Make plans for race-day logistics (see today’s accompanying article), like gear and transportation.  Visualize meeting your race day goals.  Meditate if that works for you.  Use all your favorite stress-reduction tools (except running, that is).

This is the final stage before race day.  Let your body and mind prepare so you can make the most of your race.