Question:

Hi I am running in the F.L.M. and the training plan I have put together puts my last long run of approx 20 miles at the start of 4 weeks of taper would 3 weeks taper be better?

Thanking you

Jay.

Answer:

Hi Jay,

Tapering for a marathon really depends upon several things: Is this your first one and if not what did you do before and did it work or not? If this is your first marathon I would be tempted to have a longer taper ie 4 weeks - the reasoning is that as I am not sure how my body will react doing a 20 miler 3 weeks before I would rather make sure that I did not have the mileage in my legs on race day. It is a personal thing and you really need to know your body - the more experienced runners probably taper a little closer to the event but as I said I would rather be sure of having fresh legs than being tired. If you have built up your mileage steadily throughout your programme and have managed to do some speed work then I am sure you will be OK come race day. I hope that this helps - if you need anything else then please let me know. Good luck

Kind Regards

Peter Hier