Tapering for a Marathon While on a Running Streak:
A Different Approach

Welcome back, fellow runners! Today marks Day 1229 of my running diaries, and I’m excited to delve into the topic of tapering for a marathon while maintaining a running streak. If you’ve been following my journey, you know that my goal is to run the circumference of the earth, a staggering 40,000 kilometers, by my 50th birthday. This means I’m averaging about seven to eight kilometers daily. Amidst this ambitious goal, handling tapering presents unique challenges. Here’s how I navigate them.

What is Tapering?

Tapering is essentially the reduction of exercise volume or the stress applied to your legs as you approach an endurance event like a marathon. Typically, this process begins about two weeks prior to the marathon, ensuring your legs are as fresh as possible on race day. Normally, after the marathon, you would incorporate at least a week, possibly even two or more, for recovery. This tried and tested methodology is known to maximize performance.

The Unique Challenge of a Running Streak

When you’re on a running streak, tapering for a marathon can't be applied in the conventional sense. Given that a running streak involves running every single day, complete rest days are off the table. For my journey, running seven to eight kilometers daily has been my norm, with my absolute minimum being five kilometers. As a result, my legs are always under a constant state of fatigue, which poses additional challenges when preparing for marathon distance events.

Adjusting to a Different Tapering Approach

In order to manage tapering while maintaining my running streak, I've had to become creative. Here’s how I do it:

Reducing Speed

One crucial adjustment is lowering the speed at which I run. I focus on a more relaxed pace to reduce the stress exerted on my legs. This slower pace helps to keep my legs fresh without compromising my commitment to run daily.

Incorporating Shorter, Slower Runs

During the week leading up to the marathon, my runs are considerably slower than usual. For example, this past Wednesday, I ran a seven and a half kilometer distance a bit quicker than my marathon pace to keep my legs remembering the rhythm. The other days are filled with comfortable, leisurely paces averaging over six minutes per kilometer.

Strategic Run Planning

Another tactic involves strategic planning of my runs. On the day before the marathon, I ensure to do a very easy five kilometer run early in the morning, allowing as close to 24 hours of rest for my legs before race day. This slight adjustment provides more recovery time, helping to ease any residual fatigue.

Post-Marathon Recovery

The day after a marathon, it's tempting to think of a recovery involving no running. However, given my running streak, I’ll be out there again the following day. Of course, this post-marathon run is extremely slow and gentle, merely to get loose and aid in recovery. Throughout the winter season, with no races planned, I'll continue running at a much slower pace, keeping my legs active without unnecessary stress.

Adapting and Listening to Your Body

Running streaks and tapering processes can coexist with a little finesse. Though it may come across as a hybrid tapering method, the key is to finely balance it with slower runs and prudent pacing. Always listen to your body. When setting such intense goals, it’s crucial to adapt and ensure you're giving your legs the best possible form of rest they can get within the constraints of your streak.

So, to my fellow running streak enthusiasts, yes, you can still taper for a marathon. It just requires a thoughtful tweak to your training regimen. Slow your pace, maybe shorten your distances, and engage in recovery running to keep your legs fresh and ready for the big day.

Hope you find this insight helpful! Remember to subscribe, share, like and comment to support my fundraising mission. Let’s continue to conquer our challenges, one run at a time!

Happy Running!

Kevin Brittain