Why is running during tapering such hard work!

Last long run was on Sunday, just over 12 miles. Had a rest Monday, worked Tuesday , Wednesday and legs felt fine. Thought I would go out today for run and even though it was only six miles, it felt hard work. I had a few niggles but all was ok. I struggled with enthusiasm to go in the first place! Why are taper runs so hard? Is this normal?

[C3PO Marathon]

It is, and happened to me this week. I only managed 11 km of my 16 km run on Tuesday.

I joined a London Marathon training group on Facebook, and people there are going crazy about the same thing.

[Hidden in reply to C3PO]

That's reassuring!! I know I am only tapering for a hm but it is like I have lost all enthusiasm and entered a sloth like phase. Any niggle and twinge is like a red flag of concern. I guess as long as I keep getting out that should be enough.

[John_W Marathon in reply to C3PO]

I've been in that group since February - it's a bit manic isn't it?

[C3PO Marathon in reply to John_W]

It sure is. I wasn't that stressed out until I joined.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to C3PO]

I think I'll leave well alone

[John_W Marathon in reply to roseabi]

4000 people in the group and a LOT of people asking the most banal of questions - all answers can be found in the Final Instructions... ironically the email that everyone was desperately waiting for! #facepalm

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to John_W]

Goodness me they do ask some silly questions!

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I was just looking at the calendar and wondering how your taper was going. At this late stage we probably get into our heads too much. Easy to say when its not me I know I think you can trust your training now. You've done all the things you need to do. It goes without saying you will be AWESOME! I had a much better 12k run today than last week as I gave myself a day of rest - no more back to backs. Did a new route and was a cool misty rainy morn which was nice too.

[Hidden in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker, training is done as you say. I just need to tick over without injury and get to the start line. I guess in my head the training is done so my body is breathing a sigh of relief, hence the sloth mode. Good to hear your runs are feeling better, you have been doing really well. Running suits you!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

You've got this and maybe I do too. Just need to do a full 18 on sat - seems ages since I last did one.

[Hidden in reply to Decker]

Good luck for your 18 on Saturday! You can do this 🏃

[misswobble Marathon]

As soon as I hit taper mode my mood improves. To me it translates as foot off the gas. Relax, enjoy life 🙂👍🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Yes this is me, more relaxed like a sloth! I guess the drive is not behind me at the moment.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I remember writing on here last year that I thought that the hard thing about tapering was that I'd finally reached the end of my training for the marathon yet I still had to blooming well run 16k

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Last week I came across an old reply of yours to someone where you swore half mara was as far as you wanted to go - now you are training for ultras This running, she make us craaazy!

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

Ha, I saw an old reply of mine where I argued at length against the idea of me doing a triathlon. Never listen to me

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Hahaha!

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

Training plan is done, targets reached so I have downed tools lol. Still the finale is waiting in the wings though! Cannot ever imagine running a marathon or an ultra, you have my respect!

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Hoorah!

Thanks 😊

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

If you do a half, the only way is up 💪

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Haha well I need to get round the half first lol.

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Does seem to happen - and then you pull it out of the bag on the day.

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Not sure why but this always used to happen to me too ( it’s been a long time since I last did a race)!,

Park it, finish your taper and nail that race with lovely fresh legs.

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon]

I have this joy to come in June. Everyone says you will do great so prove them right!

[Hidden]

Thank you everyone for your reassuring posts! Sitting here in bed with a cuppa (rather than parkrunning) thinking about next week, eek! Need to consider logistics, what to take and wear......

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Faffage list time

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

Yes faffage time! List writing will commence later, any assistance gratefully received. I need to get out for a run shortly though then start when I get back. My parents are very worried after my brother died suddenly from a heart attack late November and are terrified something could happen to me on race day..........no pressure....

[Gabby08 Half Marathon]

Totally normal - I was exactly the same. You’ve done the work. Bring on the faffage! You will smash this! 💕

[Hidden in reply to Gabby08]

I need to dig out the faffage posts to feel reassured lol. Shorter runs are feeling tougher and my head is all over the place! Trying some reassuring and positive talking to myself 😉

[Gabby08 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Yep, that sounds about right - before my first one, I couldn’t work out how on earth I’d be able to run 13 miles when 1 mile was leaving me in a wheezing mess. But it works. No idea how, to be honest, but it really does! You’ll love it, honest! xxx