More on "Tapering" and "Carbo Loading"

Though I am at the beginning stages of Houston Marathon training, I can't help but return back to my reference in the last post about the Atlanta Marathon and what to do as you wind down training. Try as I might to concentrate on getting started with my own training, there is more to be said for those who are nearing the end of their training for, say, the Atlanta Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, and eventually the New York Marathon, among others.

In "Easy Running" below I mention tapering and carbo loading, which are two very important steps the marathon runner must take before race day.

Tapering is the practice of decreasing mileage during your training schedule as you near race day. I begin tapering 2 to 3 weeks prior to race day. By the time you begin tapering, you should have already run the 20 or 22 mile long run you need to log prior to race day. Moreover, you should also have already logged plenty of base miles during the week. Therefore, by the time tapering arrives, you should have already sufficiently conditioned your body for the race.



Michelin Man: Patron Saint of carbo loading



By tapering, you are logging fewer and fewer miles while staying in condition. By running fewer miles, you are also conserving some energy. In fact, you should be building up your energy reserves by... carbo loading.

Carbo loading is easily the most fun you'll have in this greuling experience except for crossing the finish line. Carbo loading is eating, eating, eating. Breads, pastas... Mama Mia! Carbo loading helps you store energy reserves for the big day. You've no fear of ballooning into the Michelin Man -- you're a marathon runner for crying out loud -- and your energy stores will be fortified with the stuff that will help power you over the finish line.

What's more, because you're reducing your miles by tapering, you're burning less energy, so there is more to store. Everybody wins!

Hal Higdon, the legendary shiefu of marathon training and running offers some brief, but important tips in an article that appeared yesterday. Check it out.

Expert Advice for the Final Week of Marathon Training

So good luck to you poor bastar-- er, lean mean running machines about to run the big race. I'm rooting for you!