If you’re training for a half marathon and a full marathon it can be difficult to work out how exactly to taper. Firstly, it’s good to note if you haverace priorities and recognise the difference between “goal races” and “training races.” For instance, doing a half marathon in the middle of marathon training can be a very good training technique.
This training fatigue simulates the feeling of the last few kilometres of the marathon and helps you become accustomed to running on tired legs, which builds mental toughness and confidence as well as fitness.A half marathon is a great time to do a marathon goal pace run, and if you nail it then it’s a real confidence booster. Practice taking your nutrition and hydration during the race as you will during the marathon, too. Frequent racing helps you develop a prerace routine – like what to eat race morning – and how to deal with race nerves. It’s also nice to have crowd support, aid stations, and a medal when you finish your “training run.”
Even though the half marathon is not your priority race, doing a mini-taper for it should not derail your marathon training.
