A taper is a period prior to a race when the athlete decreases the amount of training to rest and peak for the best performance. The taper may last for a few days to a few weeks depending upon the duration and intensity of the event.
The taper allows muscles to recover and replenishes glycogen stores, ensuring the body is prepared on race day. For extended events such as marathons or Ironman triathlons, an effective taper is necessary to rest while remaining sharp. Poor tapering can lead to fatigue or sluggish movement, so athletes tend to adjust their taper based on previous experience and the status of their training.
