The Taper Tantrums

Have you ever noticed that your body may feel different when you start to taper for a big race? Legs may feel heavy, energy levels might be low, and little niggles or aches and pains can pop up almost seemingly out of nowhere. To have crappy workouts leading into a big race is actually normal when you taper. Here’s why:

First, since you’re so focused on how your body is feeling leading up to race day, you can be more hyperaware of every little ache and pain. The brain is a powerful thing and can often magnify these perceptions.

Your body functions via two primary nervous systems – the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. Our sympathetic nervous system is dominant during periods of heavy training (similar to the stress of cramming for a big exam), and then we crash during taper when volume and intensity decreases.

During peak training, the body is on overdrive, regularly secreting adrenaline and producing endorphins. Now that you’ve backed off training, your body does not produce as much of these hormones, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic. This is normal!!

Microdamage sustained to soft tissues during heavy training is also now given time to repair. This can sometimes cause soreness or cramping/twitching in your muscles as the body adapts. Again, completely normal so no need to panic!

Hard and intense training can temporarily suppress your immune system. As you taper, the immune system kicks into overdrive and your chances of catching a cold are higher. Do all the little things to stay healthy (sleep, hydration, eating well, washing your hands, etc.).

All of these things are normal and a sign that the taper is working! (If you don’t have any of these issues, don’t worry, it’s still working). Trust in the process and have a great race!