Taking a rest! - the benefits of staying fresh before race day.

It's now at the point of the training programme that after a few tough months, long mileage and high intensity that the body can be feeling the effects. If you experience tiredness on any of these taper days, why not downgrade that run mileage wise or if you have a niggle or two - take a day off! The hard work is largely done and staying fit, healthy and raring to go on race day are the main goals at this stage.
In the past, I've often fretted about how much mileage or how many tempo runs I had done, rather than listening to my body and resting up, easing up on intensity, concentraing on getting proper sleep or even stretching or paying the physio a visit to ensure that the body is ready for the 26.2 mile punishment that's on the way!
Those few extra miles at this stage are of no use and won't be remembered fondly if you suffer from burn out on the day itself!
As Frankie says "RELAX"! (Apologies for the younger readers of this blog...just Google it!)