Don’t Taper, Peak: Unlocking Your Best Performance on Race Day
Ready to Peak? Let’s Do It Right.
As a certified running coach, I’ve guided hundreds of athletes toward peak performance—and let me tell you something that might surprise you:
I ditched the old-school taper and embraced the art of peaking.
Those last 14 days before your goal race—whether you’re lining up for a half marathon or full marathon—aren’t about shutting down. They’re about fine-tuning, firing up, and arriving at the start line sharp, not sluggish.
Let’s break it down.
1️⃣ Stick to Your Routine
Your body loves rhythm.
If you’ve been training four days a week, keep running four days a week. If you run six, stick with six.
Consistency = confidence.
Don’t confuse peaking with drastic change. We’re not resting — we’re refining.
2️⃣ Reduce Volume Gradually
Yes, you need to scale back — but smartly.
📆 14 days out: Cut 10–20 minutes from your usual sessions
📆 Race week: Cut 20–30 minutes, not more
This keeps you fresh without feeling flat.
Too many runners cut too much, too soon — and arrive sluggish. Instead, reduce volume but keep moving.
3️⃣ Keep the Intensity High
Here’s the secret sauce:
While volume goes down, intensity stays high.
✅ Short, sharp intervals
✅ Strides and light surges
✅ Tempo bursts
These signal to your neuromuscular system: we’re still in business!
Your legs stay primed. Your mind stays sharp. Your fitness peaks.
Just remember — don’t race your workouts. Stay controlled. Stay smooth.
4️⃣ Stick to Your Strategy
Your race strategy should be decided before race week — not at the start line.
🎯 Are you starting conservatively and building?
🎯 Going out with the pacers?
🎯 Running a negative split?
Trust your plan. Trust your proven training plan. Race-day energy can be intense, but the goal is clear thinking, not impulsive pacing.
5️⃣ Reflect, Visualise, Build Confidence
This is one of the most underrated parts of the peak phase.
👉 Look back at your training log
👉 Remember the tough sessions you nailed
👉 Replay the long runs where you surprised yourself
👉 Visualise crossing the finish line, strong and smiling
Let those memories become fuel.
Let your confidence rise with your readiness.
6️⃣ Smile Often. Enjoy the Moment.
This is what it’s all about.
You’ve trained hard. You’ve earned this.
Race day is the reward — not the test.
🧠 A positive mindset reduces stress
💪 It improves performance
❤️ And it reminds you why you fell in love with running in the first place
So smile often. Laugh a little. Say hi to other runners. Be part of the magic.
🔥 Peak with Purpose. Race with Confidence.
Here’s the truth: effective peaking to race isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing the right things, at the right time, with the right mindset.
As your running coach, I want you to show up ready to conquer — not questioning your prep or wondering if you did too much or too little.
So:
✔ Stick to your routine
✔ Trim volume, not purpose
✔ Keep intensity, stay sharp
✔ Trust your strategy
✔ Build belief in yourself
✔ Enjoy the process
With the right peaking strategy and a proven training plan, your half marathon or marathon training comes to life — at just the right moment.
You don’t need to taper.
You just need to peak.
💬 Want a Coach in Your Corner?
If you're ready to peak perfectly and race at your best:
🎽 Explore Personalised Coaching Options
📥 Get a Personalised Proven Marathon or Half Marathon Training Plan
👟 Join RunTeam – Training, Community & Coaching
Be the best you can be. Let’s peak together.