Your Endurance Lifestyle. Redesigned.

So your next race is right around the corner and you are trying to figure out how to get ready. Specifically, you need to taper to get ready. But since you are on this wacky “Ten Hours” plan you aren’t sure what to do. I mean, if you are only working out 10 hours in a given week, who needs to taper, right??? Well, almost right. Here’s what you need to keep in mind…

1. You Don’t Need Less Time. The typical taper has folks dropping X% of time per week for two or even three weeks prior to the big race. The goal here is to allow the body to absorb the training in preparation for a big effort on race day. But since you have properly balanced training and recovery already, you don’t need the same type of lead up.
2. You Don’t Need More Intensity. Athletes are advised to include some higher intensity work to “sharpen up” for race day. As a 10Hours Athlete, you are already sharp…too sharp can mean brittle, and we don’t want that.

Instead…

3. Nail Your Race Simulation. Some of your longest workouts will be just prior to your taper. These are must-do sessions that will help you perfect your race-day approach…there is no need for ridiculous overdistance workouts.
4. Make Two Weeks To Go The Light One. Too light in your last week means you’ll be sluggish on race day. Avoid this common issue by making two weeks out your “light” week, and keeping more of a regular 10Hours week for that final lead up. This will ensure you are rested and warm enough to make the most of race day.

And remember to shrug off those crazy training stories you hear everyone else relating in the registration line, at the pre-race dinner, or in transition on race morning. They don’t hand out medals for what you’ve done to get ready for race day, only what you do on race day!

Good luck!

Coach P

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