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4 Taper Tips: Focus on Controlling What You Can Control
Get to the start line ready to roll with these taper tips
The Taper. If you’re unfamiliar, tapering refers to the reduction in volume and intensity of your workouts leading to race day. You’ve been running for months, increasing your mileage, getting better and better. Your body is in training mode and it can be difficult to turn that off. Follow these taper tips to effectively utilize the extra time you now have. Continue to follow your training plan, implement these taper tips, and get to the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon start line ready to run your best!
Take care of yourself
This is vital and something you should’ve been doing since you began training! However, it becomes even more important leading up to Feb. 16th. Your training has introduced more miles than normal, early wake-up calls, and a reduction in time for yourself. Tapering your miles means you’ll have more time for self-care. Spend an extra 30-60 minutes a day foam rolling and stretching. Schedule a massage. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep.
Dial-in your nutrition/hydration
Keep an eye on your calorie intake! You burned more calories during training than you will when you taper. Adjust accordingly so the pounds you shed during training stay off! Focus on a balanced diet of moderate carbs, quality protein, and healthy fats. Start hydrating NOW. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Continue including electrolytes like you’ve done during training. Carry a tube of Nuun with you, pop a tablet into your reusable bottle, and make your water count! Make sure you try the on-course fuel, GU Energy Labs.
No new workouts
Just like nothing new on race day, no new workouts when tapering. This includes everything from a pick-up basketball game to lifting heavy weights at the gym. You don’t want to run the risk of spraining your ankle or pulling a muscle. Stick with what’s comfortable. If that’s running or cross-training (swimming, cycling, etc.), focus on less-intense and lower-volume workouts.
Sidetrack yourself
An increase in your mileage could mean you’re behind on your favorite show. Maybe you haven’t read those new books you got for Christmas. Now’s the time to distract yourself from the fact that you aren’t running as much as you have been. Spend a couple of hours binging your favorite show. Grab that new book and read at your favorite park. If you find yourself getting antsy because you’re not moving, try to foam roll or stretch while watching your favorite show. Or try reading your book while riding a stationary bike.
Follow these taper tips so the taper doesn’t frustrate you or stress you out. The sudden addition of extra time and the feeling that you should be running can be confusing. Follow these taper tips and focus on controlling what you can control. What do you do to get to the start line ready to roll when you taper? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
Best Brunch In Austin
Don’t let the Austin Marathon festivities leave you hangry. We’ve got your brunch grub needs covered! Whether you’re craving tacos or pancakes, there’s something delicious nearby to fill up and refuel with carbohydrates and protein. So don’t delay – treat yourself to a chill brunch sesh at one of Austin’s fab restaurants today!
Our staff has rounded up some delicious eats for you marathoners that will fill those empty stomachs in no time – so grab yourself a plate (or three) as part of your weekend adventures.
Cafe No Se
1603 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
The Cowboy Breakfast is a spectacular and hearty spin on a full English breakfast (the cilantro butter, YUM). For a sweeter tooth, you can’t go wrong with their gluten-free pancakes, either.
Comedor
The sleek downtown restaurant lead by chef and runner Philip Speer and rolls out its brunch menu Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You might even see Philip on course with @comedorrunclub.
The menu includes a Masa Madre Waffle with fig jam, brown butter, and fresh figs; a huitlacoche omelet; carnitas tacos; carne asada and eggs, and more.
Perlas
The menu is a little fancy with dishes like barbecue shrimp with grits and poached eggs, French toast, and a lobster omelet. The restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor dine-in services. Brunch hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Tamale House East
1707 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78702
Simple yet delicious, this old Austin staple brings the heavy hitting for brunch. Pick from your favorite breakfast taco or from plates like chilaquiles.
Cisco’s
1511 E 6th St.
Austin, TX 78702
The migas plate at Cisco’s is a fantastic go-to. No frills, quick, inexpensive, and absolutely delicious. Cisco’s has been a staple of East Austin for over 6 decades. In fact, it has been said that many of the deals made in Texas government occurred in the back room of Cisco’s over coffee, biscuits, migas, and huevos rancheros.
True Food
Delicious, fresh, clean food that will make you feel as good as it tastes! The gluten-free banana pancakes are pretty mind-blowing. True Food aims to deliver healthy, clean, locally sourced food, and honestly, they deliver!
Phoebe’s Diner
The fluffy buttermilk biscuits in Phoebe’s Benedict will draw you in but it’s the killer hashbrown casserole that will keep you coming back to Phoebe’s. Also recommended: their cornbread muffins. Delish!
Manana
Located at the gorgeous South Congress Hotel, Mañana has incredible coffee drinks to give you that extra pep you’re looking for. The Chocolate Fronks Milk Latte or the Nitro Cold Brew is the way to go. Why not also treat yourself to a vegan banana snickerdoodle while you’re at it.
Snooze
1700 South LamarAustin, TX 78704
1109 East 5th StAustin, TX 78702
3800 North LamarAustin, TX 78756
Treat yourself to their signature pancake flight: Pineapple Upside Down, Blueberry Danish & Sweet Potato pancakes. Better yet, choose your own flavors! You can’t go wrong with pancakes at Snooze.
More Honorable Mentions
Taco Deli
Suerte
Vera Cruz Tacos
Matties
Bird Bird Biscuit
Juan in a Million
Peached Tortilla
Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
Need ideas for the runner in your life? From blister-resistent socks to a high-tech watch, our 2020 holiday gift guide has you covered!
