Tapering is the planned reduction in training volume in the final one to three weeks before race day, while keeping some intensity. It lets your body recover from months of training and arrive at the start line fresh, not fatigued. Mileage usually drops gradually rather than stopping all at once.
It's the process of cutting back your running volume in the weeks before race day so your body can recover and rebuild. You keep running, just noticeably less, with reduced mileage rather than reduced intensity.
Most marathon plans taper for two to three weeks, while half marathon tapers are often shorter, around one to two weeks. Shorter races like a 10K may only need a few days of easing off.
A common approach cuts total weekly mileage by roughly 20 to 40 percent in the final weeks compared to peak training. Some short, race-pace efforts are usually kept in to stay sharp.
It's a common and temporary feeling caused by the sudden drop in training load, not a loss of fitness. Most runners feel fresher again within the last few days before the race.
Yes, it's common enough to have its own nickname, taper tantrums. Trust the training you've already banked rather than trying to add extra runs to calm the nerves.