Hi Reader,

My training block has just wrapped up and now I'm in taper mode (reduced volume, more sleep basically). I am looking forward to a little extra time to catch up on things, get my Cocodona race gear, fuel, etc in order and just be.

That said, it has taken me way too long to figure out what to write for this newsletter. I don't feel stressed or worn out...my brain is just going a million miles a minute thinking about everything to get done before the race. So guess what? This is going to be a shorty.

My most recent podcast is about the taper...why we do it, what it does to use physically, mentally and emotionally, how to do it and what to do when you actually have some time back. This is the biggest training block I have had and I have been craving this time. I think a lot of us get to a point where we need a break from things we don't like...maybe it's a job, maybe is a relationship, it could be anything. This isn't weird, if you don't like it and you get burnt out...that's normal. Now this just gave me another podcast idea here so I'm not diving into this here.

But, for some, it can feel weird when you need/want a break from something you love...like trail running. I have enjoyed the training so much but I also could feel it in me that my body and brain (especially my brain) need this taper. I feel so strong right now but also a bit depleted...that's normal by the end of training (hell, sometimes in the middle but that normally means something needs adjusted).

Some people struggle with the taper because of this. I love this, why do I need a break? What am I going to do? Is this my whole identity? Am I losing fitness? What do I even do with my hands?

You gotta switch your brain to not think of this apart from training...you must think of it as the last part of training because it is part of training. Without the taper for you "A" race, you aren't going to be recovered enough to do what you set out to do. Yes, there are DNFs BUT people will DNF more from overtraining which many times includes skipping the taper...DO NOT SKIP THE TAPER.

It's a good thing to do in life. You need to take a break...a mental health day from work, a solo trip without your partner and/or kids, whatever it is...we can't go into everything at our best if we are always trying to go full steam. You won't recover and you won't ever feel rested. I'm sure there's people reading this who are like yeah, nice idea. Y'all, I have talked to people who leave vacation time on the table because they think work will fall apart without them...let me tell you, they will replace you in a heartbeat. People think taking solo time is selfish...and it is but not entirely...because you can come back rested and be more present.

There are nuances here, not everyone has the privilege of having paid time off or the ability to get away for an extra day or 2....that's real. But if you are one one of those fortunate people who can, taper from work, taper from life sometimes...it's not going to fall apart. The more you put the taper into your real life, the easier it gets to take that space.

All right...I talked a lot more about the running taper in my most recent Dirt Nap Diary podcast episode: Episode 38: The final phase of training: Taper like you mean it​

Where are you overtraining or not taking the rest? Reply to this email and let me know.