Half Marathon Taper: It’s Not Just Less Running

About this episode

This episode discusses how to effectively taper for a half marathon, including common mistakes and strategies for optimal race preparation.

The taper is not solely reserved for the marathon. When you are racing a half marathon as your goal race, a gradual and deliberate taper will prepare you to run your strongest, fastest race. In this episode, we discuss how to taper for a half marathon, including common taper mistakes and more. Thank you to our sponsors: ✨ Title Nine : Comfortable sports bras that actually fit, from a women-owned company. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for free shipping at https://runtothefinish.com/title-nine/ ✨ Probio : NSF-certified, clinically dosed, all-in-one supplement. Use this link for 40% off your order and an additional 10% and free shipping on a subscription. ✨ Wahoo KICKR RUN : A treadmill that feels like running outdoors. Shop here: http://bit.ly/4nai73H and read the full review: https://runtothefinish.com/wahoo-kickr-run-treadmill/ ✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts for special subscriber-only content! In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Common taper mistakes to avoid ✅ The physiological benefits of a taper ✅ How to structure a half marathon taper ✅ When to stop lifting weights before a half marathon ✅ How much you should run the week of a half marathon…

People in this episode

Hosts: Amanda Brooks, Laura Norris

Topics covered

• half marathon taper
• taper mistakes
• physiological benefits
• race preparation
• carb loading
• training advice

Keywords

• half marathon
• tapering
• running
• training
• race week
• carb loading
• exercise
• performance

Sponsors

Title Nine, Probio, Wahoo KICKR RUN

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Tread Lightly Running

More episodes of Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast

• Does Summer Running Really Make You Faster in the Fall? · September 5, 2026 · 35 min
• What to Do The Week After a Half Marathon or Marathon: A Science-based Post Race Recovery Guide · August 29, 2026 · 38 min
• Tune Up Race Formula: Timing, Recovery, and What the Training Theory Says · August 15, 2026 · 37 min
• The Psychology Behind Peak Running Performance with Dr. Trent Claypool · August 8, 2026 · 42 min
• Pilates as Strength Training, Can You Overfuel on Long Runs, If Max Cushion Shoes are Harmful and More: Our Hot (Science-based) Takes · August 1, 2026 · 32 min
• Sweat, Sodium, and Running Performance: What the Science Actually Says · July 25, 2026 · 36 min