The hard work’s already done. The miles, the early mornings, the long runs when no one was watching.
Now it’s about arriving ready.
The final week before a marathon isn’t the time to chase fitness. It’s about keeping the legs ticking, the mind calm, and the body loose. You drop the mileage but not the movement. A few short runs, some light strides, enough to stay sharp without emptying the tank.
This week’s focus shifts from pushing to preparing. From doing more to doing just enough.
It’s a good time to lean into recovery; roll out the tension, open up the hips, switch the mind off for a while. A few minutes with a band or roller can change how you feel the next day. Small habits that make a big difference.
Keep the rest simple: eat how you normally eat, hydrate a little more than usual, and prioritise sleep like it’s part of training… because it is.
You’re not trying to reinvent anything now, you’re just polishing what’s already there.
The night before, lay everything out, visualise the start line, then let it go.
On race morning, keep your warm-up light, trust your routine, and enjoy it.
That’s what taper week is really about, turning down the noise so you can feel ready when it matters most.
