Running on fresh legs due to tapering is nerve racking and possibly one of the hardest parts of training. Websters definition to taper off is "progressively narrowed towards one end". I think of a candle stick when I read this and its relation to running. You build your base, over time you grow, and as you approach the end of your goal the tapered shape helps ignite your efforts. Building your candle isn't easy. The base requires hard work to build a foundation, growth period allows a routine but encourages self challenges, and tapering your craft to a point to be ignited. When race day comes you want to light your candle with confidence knowing it will endure the race. I want to light my candle and get this race started. But I'm not there yet a couple more days till race day (Sunday). Tapering will be necessary for successful ignition. In a craft that promotes rewards through physical efforts it feels almost counterintuitive to taper off. Don't run, don't train, and rest might be the most beneficial but also the hardest.
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