Ep 54 Race time! How to perfect the taper, and a preview of the Kerry Way Ultra
· Trail Running Ireland Podcast
Recording live from UTMB in Chamonix, Eoin Flynn talks to René Borg about how to taper for the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Clonmel, the Kerry Way Ultra and EcoTrail Wicklow. Then Sean Clifford, three-time runner-up at the Kerry Way Ultra, previews the race's tenth edition.
Eoin reports from Chamonix, where more than 80 Irish runners are racing across the week. He wishes the Irish starters in the full 171 km UTMB well, and gives a word for sponsor EcoTrail Wicklow on 24 September.
René explains the balance a taper has to strike between shedding fatigue and losing fitness. For a short mountain race like Clonmel, most runners only need to ease off in race week itself. He suggests sharp efforts close to race pace with long recoveries, a shorter and enjoyable final long run, an easy run or strides the day before, and staying calmer before an ultra. For ultras, runners can do very little in the final week. If you've lost training, shorten the taper, and once you've made a plan for the week, stick to it.