Tapering for half marathon

izzyinbliss
izzyinbliss Posts: 37 Member
edited September 29 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all, I'm doing my first half marathon in 2 weeks, and would love to hear your tips and suggestions on do's & don'ts as I prepare to taper off and get ready for race day! In particular, the day before—should I do a short run (say 3 miles) to warm up those muscles? Or should I take a rest day? Cheers, Izzy

Replies

  • westcoastSW
    westcoastSW Posts: 320 Member
    BUMP because I would like to know too -- I just registered for my first half.
    Good luck to you! :smile:
  • Kymmochi
    Kymmochi Posts: 9
    Oh is it the AFC half marathon? I was going to do that too except they ran out of spots :/ and what I suggest is to take it easy in the final days leading up to the big day, and to load up on good carbs the night before. My coach always suggests pasta! :)
  • bunchesonothing
    bunchesonothing Posts: 1,015 Member
    I would not run the day before. You want to be buzzing and ready to go the day of.

    You don't NEED pasta before a half marathon, but it sure is yummy...

    CORRECTION: You won't need to carbo-load before a half marathon as long as you are getting in a generous daily serving of carbs in your diet, especially considering the taper you'll be doing.
  • ladderguy055
    ladderguy055 Posts: 22
    Oh is it the AFC half marathon? I was going to do that too except they ran out of spots :/ and what I suggest is to take it easy in the final days leading up to the big day, and to load up on good carbs the night before. My coach always suggests pasta! :)

    I agree, take it easy the day or 2 before. As far as carb loading goes, you really need to carb load for a couple days to get any real benefit. And make it good carbs not just pasta.

    Good luck with the race and have fun!
  • Cindoise
    Cindoise Posts: 2
    Hi! I've run about three halfs so here's what works for me...

    I don't run the day before and really cut back the week prior to the run...a few short quick runs but nothing major. About five days before the run I started hydrating like crazy and the last few days before I increase my carbs. You'll also want to make sure you get lots of sleep the last three days before the race, but in particular the sleep two days before the run...apparently that is one that counts the most as you might have a hard time sleeping the night before due to excitement!

    I also lay everything out the night before...full gear, gels, I pin the number on the shirt so the next morning it is a no brainer. The worst thing is getting to the race and forgetting something, or fumbling around and being late and frazzled.

    Good luck!
  • izzyinbliss
    izzyinbliss Posts: 37 Member
    Thanks for the wise counsel everyone!
  • izzyinbliss
    izzyinbliss Posts: 37 Member
    It's the San Francisco Marathon on July 31!
    Oh is it the AFC half marathon? I was going to do that too except they ran out of spots :/ and what I suggest is to take it easy in the final days leading up to the big day, and to load up on good carbs the night before. My coach always suggests pasta! :)
  • izzyinbliss
    izzyinbliss Posts: 37 Member
    Thanks! It's amazing how many different opinions there are out there on food! It seems like not overeating during the tapering is also important, so I'll keep your advice in mind :-)
    I would not run the day before. You want to be buzzing and ready to go the day of.

    You don't NEED pasta before a half marathon, but it sure is yummy...

    CORRECTION: You won't need to carbo-load before a half marathon as long as you are getting in a generous daily serving of carbs in your diet, especially considering the taper you'll be doing.
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