Taper Advice Welcome

[Starbeach]

Hello!

I'm training for the 'New Forest Half Marathon' on the 10th September.

It will be (hopefully 🤞!), my second half marathon.

I lost three weeks of training due to ill health and a holiday, so I'm a bit behind in my training.

Last weekend I ran 10 miles, and this weekend I ran 11 miles.

My question is 'what is the best strategy for the two weekends I have left before the race day?'.

Option one:

26th August: 12 mile run

2nd Sept: 13 mile run

7 day taper with a few short runs.. Race day 10th Sept

Or

Option two:

26th August: 12 mile run

2nd Sept: 8 mile run

7 day taper with a few short runs .. Race day 10th Sep

Or... any other strategy! 😀

Would really appreciate any advice. I only started running a year ago and so still have a lot to learn!

Thank you 😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Hello and welcome!

I assume you are not following a training plan, hence the question? In my opinion, you’ve already done most of the training for a HM on 10 September. Most plans take you to 10 miles before race day so as you’ve done 11 miles then you're in pretty good shape already. Well done!

Having said that, I know some runners prefer to run the full distance before Race Day to give more self-confidence but this strategy depends on various factors like your age, previous running experience and how you felt after your 11 miles.

Based on a comment in your post it sounds as if you have already run a HM. What did that experience tell you? Could you replicate that last few weeks if that worked out for you before?

An option could be that you start your taper early and run a couple of 10-12K’s as a long run and 5-7K for your other runs.

If you’d like a virtual pompom cheer from us here the Friday before your race then let us know on this link. It’s a bit of fun 🥳

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Enjoy the rest of your training, whatever you do, and good luck 🍀

[Starbeach in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks so much for the advice Irishprincess, very helpful 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hi! Personally, I would definitely go with option 2. The 12 miles is virtually there and having fresher legs on the day will be more valuable than another long run, I'm sure.

I had to drop out of the NF HM because of injury, so am very envious! I've transferred to the 10k though so will still get to experience the atmosphere. Hope you have a great run 😊

[Starbeach in reply to linda9389]

Thanks so much for the advice Linda9389, and best of luck with the 10k -should be a beautiful course 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Starbeach]

It does sound wonderful doesn't it. Hopefully I will be back for the half another time