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Whether you’re a seasoned Mudder or a nervous first-timer you should already know just how much TMHQ loves training. So don’t think we’ve lost our minds when we tell you that in the run-up to your event we actually want you to cut down on your sessions.
That doesn’t mean it’s time to pack it in altogether and return to the sofa, with a cider in one hand and a cake in the other (but if that’s your post-event plan we won’t judge you), just that tapering your training gives your body and mind a chance to recuperate before the big day.
How Tapering Can Help You Reach Peak Performance on Event Day
Tapering is a vital part of training for any big event – and while it may feel weird to reduce your workload in the weeks leading up to the event it is important for your body.
Around two weeks before your date with the Tough Mudder obstacle course you should begin to reduce your training volume. This should help stimulate a peak in performance by letting your body recover from intense training without losing any of that hard-earned muscle.
This might sound counterintuitive or even contradictory to the Tough Mudder attitude but enjoy it – the reduction in training gives you a great chance to rest-up and recharge both physically and mentally for the challenge ahead. Plus that extra time you gain back can be used for the event day preparation you haven’t had a chance to think about yet like clothing and travel.
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail
It’s a good idea to integrate a tapering strategy into your training schedule (which we’re sure you’ve been following for months). While the duration and frequency of your training sessions should decrease during this time an effective taper period should still feature a high intensity workout when you do get down to it.
Just be careful – although the excitement of event day can make it tempting to really push yourself you’ll regret it if you’re already tuckered out, or worse injured at the starting line.
Put simply, continue to trust your training plan, stay prepared but enjoy the reduction in training and use it to get your head in the game, and eventually your face in the mud.
Training hard but not booked your spot yet? Get to it Mudders.
