Marathon taper question

[Reggit]

Ok, I’m on the cusp of my first marathon - 14 April. The plan I’ve been following (Greg McMillan) has a three week taper, longest run was 21 miles so I know I’m in the ball park distance wise. Not trying to set the world on fire time wise, just finishing will do me - aiming for 5:15-5:30.

I’ve been really run down (probably literally) over the last week and had to miss the mid-week, mid-long run last week through illness/tiredness - child been up and coughing every night since Xmas isn’t helping! - and really struggled with a HM length long run last weekend.

However, I’ve got a 1600m repeats run scheduled ten days before the race - does this sound excessive? - I’ve probably been reading too much.. some plans seem to call for easy runs whilst others have similar tempo session included.

I guess I should just knuckle down and not question it 😛

Pre-race nerves I think… Sorry 😁

[TailChaser Marathon]

Sounds like a bit of maranoia setting in Reggit, I’d just go with the flow and get it done. You’ve made it this far. I’m on a two week taper for a HM on Sunday and I’ve got repeats on Tuesday as part of a 40 minute run. You can always take it gentler than you have other ones. If you don’t do it you’ll worry that you’re not doing enough, that’s what maranoia does to you. Good luck!

[RunWillie Metric Marathon]

I’m following a marathon plan for the first time & my plan has speed work in the taper. Cheering for you! Reggit You’ve got this!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

It depends how you feel. If you’re up for it then fine 😀 I love a restful taper and go a bit Zen 👌. Marking a winding down before the big day. The hay is in the barn sorta thing 😀

[misswobble Marathon]

I have an easy taper but then I’m getting on a bit and value the opportunity the taper affords to kick back. It depends how you feel. You might feel up for it 😀 If not, go easy.

Just keep moving 💪😀👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Fresh legs are worth their weight in gold. If you feel it's too much, you can always compromise with slightly slower or shorter repeats.

I always find that, as a race approaches, the runs all feel hard, and all the more so because you know you need to find more on the day. It's generally just your mind playing tricks.

Now is the time to believe that whatever happens over the next 2 or 3 weeks, marathon day will be the day you reap the rewards of everything you have already done in your plan. Look back, I bet you've done lots. That's one big reward on the day 😊

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

I had speed runs in my plan but failed to do any taper runs as I had a bit of an injury so was advised to rest. So in other words - do what ever you feel will suit you best!