Time to Taper: How to Get To Race Day Fresh and Avoid the Dreaded Taper Tantrums

This is the time of year when most marathon runners are finishing their goal races for the fall season. Once the excitement of this incredible accomplishment fades though, you might be left wondering when you should start running again.  There’s no simple answer here but ensuring that you give yourself enough time to recover both mentally and physically will help with preventing burnout or injury in the next training cycle.  The amount of recovery you need will depend on a lot of factors that will be addressed with topics such as: What actually happens to your body when you race a marathon? How long does the “damage” from running a marathon last? How do you know when your body might be ready to start running again? What is the difference in the amount of time needed before you are ready for easy running compared to tougher structured workouts? Is it ever okay to run the day after you complete a marathon? Coach Hayley has guided many runners through this process and helps us with answering the tough question of how soon is too soon to start running again after a marathon. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Manukora Honey Are you looking for a delicious way to spice up your pre-run snacks and make them healthier? Then you need to try Manukora honey. Not only is it hands-down the best honey I’ve ever tasted, Manukora Honey contains powerful nutrients to support immunity and gut health. The bees collect the nectar from the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand. The nectar is packed with bioactives and the honey that is produced has 3 times more antioxidants and prebiotics than your average honey. A special antibacterial compound called MGO also comes from the nectar of the tea tree. Manukora third party tests every single harvest for MGO and makes these results available through their QR system.             It’s a game changer, and all you need is 1 heaped teaspoon each morning to get the most out of the amazing bioactives in Manuka. I love it in the morning before my runs and I’ve found myself craving it as I wake up. Now, it’s easier than ever to try Manukora Honey. Head to manukora.com/RTTT to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook! LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

It’s a runner’s worst nightmare being out on a run and suddenly GI issues strike.  If you’ve been running long enough, there’s a good chance that at some point you’ve eaten the wrong thing or just gotten unlucky and suffered this uncomfortable situation.  So today, we’re going to help you solve this problem! You’ll learn… Why running can cause digestive problems How to fuel before your runs to minimize the chance of discomfort Why it’s important for distance runners to “train your gut” for fuelling during a run What are the factors other than nutrition that contribute to GI struggle How to respond if you find yourself dealing with a case of runner’s trot Don’t let an upset stomach stop you from crushing your next run and tune-in to hear strategies from one of our expert coaches, Andie Cozzarelli, for preventing any GI issues on your runs. Gels, Sports Drinks and Gummies: Which is the Best Fueling Option for the Marathon - Runners Connect Dr. Stacy Sims - Supplementation for Women: https://www.drstacysims.com/blog/Empowering%20Female%20Athletes%20Part%202 Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Mushroom Breakthrough One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you’re trying to get your work day going.   I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.   That’s why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough   It’s a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.    It’s the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You’ll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.   For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout.   And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and overall health.   If you didn’t know, mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” because most of the energy your muscle cells need during aerobic running is supplied by mitochondria.   This is why one of the primary goals of all the runs we do is to increase the amount of new mitochondria in our cells and to increase their efficiency.   But, now there’s a new way to also improve your mitochondria - Mitopure from time-line nutrition.   Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.   In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.   Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.   Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice.

When Jacob Heslington was sitting in the ICU as a 21 year-old recovering from severe blod clots, he probably didn’t imagine that only 9 years later he would be running in the Olympic Marathon Trials. Qualifying alone would have been an impressive feat. His success didn’t stop there though. In only his 2nd ever marathon, Jacob managed to finish 21st in a time of 2:15 and while competing against a field of over 100 incredibly talented elite and semi-elite runners from across the country. He’s the ultimate everyman runner, balancing his training with a full-time engineering job and 3 kids. There’s a lot you can learn from the training of elite athletes. What makes Jacob a special role model to runners is that he has achieved such incredible success in the face of adversity countless times. This is a real-life story of an athlete that has overcome the odds to make his running dreams a reality. He’s joining us on the Run to the Top Podcast so that other runners can find inspiration to achieve their own goals. We’ll cover topics including: How Jacob Heslington went from being unable to walk to competing at the Olympic Marathon trials How Jacob finds time to train at an elite level while balancing work and a family Why Jacob made it his goal to try to compete in running at the highest level What is the mindset required to comeback from a life threatening illness What advice Jacob has for other athletes going through life struggles We’re excited for Jacob to share his incredible story with you. His unique insights into the intersection of elite performance with the stressful life of “normal” runners will be sure to inspire you. Jake’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/heslingtonjake Personalized coaching from Jake Heslington: customfitrunning.com Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Previnex Joint Health Plus Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days.  In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination. I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that’s why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys. If you’re suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order. Lever Have you seen top athletes like Eilish McColgan and Kara Goucher using the LEVER system lately? If not, let me fill you in on why this might just be the game-changer you've been waiting for. The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight while exercising on a treadmill, which means less impact on your joints. Whether you're coming back from an injury, looking to increase your running volume, or wanting to add some serious speed work to your routine, LEVER has got you covered. Our own has been using it and only 5 months after hip surgery has been able to build mileage up to 45 miles for the week by reducing impact on the LEVER. She’s even been able to run faster with better mechanics while still keeping the effort and HR in the easy zone. What’s even better? The LEVER system is incredibly portable. It sets up on your home treadmill or at your local gym in under two minutes. And because we know you'll love it, we’ve got an exclusive deal for you. Use the discount code RunnersConnect at levermovement.com to get 20% off your purchase. Trust me, your joints, achilles, and sore muscles will thank you, and so will your future self.

There’s a lot of bad information out there when it comes to injury treatment and prevention. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you get information from a reliable source like today’s guest, doctor of chiropractic Chantelle Maryuen. Chantelle works at the Runner’s Academy clinic in Toronto, offering a variety of services helping runners with “striving to make striving for your goals a joyful experience rather than a painful one”.  Part of the challenge in following research-based principles is that they are so specific to the individual. This means that good treatment for one person could be totally counter-productive for someone else. We want to make this episode as relevant as possible to you, so we’ll cover what treatment options are proven to work for the vast majority of runners but also where to find good information to make treatment decisions for yourself.  Treatment doesn’t just apply to injuries though. How you treat niggles or soreness can be just as important to keeping you healthy. Whatever your current health, we promise you’ll learn something new. During the interview we’ll cover topic including: What is the difference between a chiropractor and physiotherapist, and how can each play a role in supporting good health How often and when to consider seeing a clinical professional  What should runners focus on to avoid getting injured  What popular treatment options are actually proven by research to provide benefit How to seek out good advice with treating an injury or pain How to differentiate normal training fatigue from something that might need medical attention A big part of achieving your running goals is staying healthy so that you can get your training done. Unfortunately, taking the wrong approach to treating injuries could be making the situation even worse. That’s why you should listen up, to make sure you know what treatment options are proven to help keep you running pain-free.  Guest Bio: Dr. Chantelle Maryuen is a graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She was a competitive cross country and middle to long distance track runner for York University Track Club and the University of Toronto's Varsity Blues. She is a UESCA-certified and NCCP-trained run coach and currently trains for road races. She has clinical interests in running-related injuries, gait analysis, and rehabilitation. She applies various techniques in practice such as Neurofunctional Medical Acupuncture, Active Release Techniques (ART), joint mobilization and manipulation, Neurodynamic Solutions (NDS), exercise, education, and the latest evidence, to deliver the best patient-centered care. The Runner’s Academy Clinic: https://www.therunnersacademy.com/   Chantelle Maryuen Instagram handle:@therunnerschiro   The Runner’s Academy Instagram handle:@therunnersacademy     Exercises for desk workers: www.instagram.com/reel/DBAOEtkNp3k/?igsh=MW1ja3k2bnhkMjZrcg==   Short foot & progression exercise: www.instagram.com/reel/DBByzNwRM5e/?igsh=MWtjeGN4ZTU3eGtyNA== Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Manukora Honey Are you looking for a delicious way to spice up your pre-run snacks and make them healthier? Then you need to try Manukora honey. Not only is it hands-down the best honey I’ve ever tasted, Manukora Honey contains powerful nutrients to support immunity and gut health. The bees collect the nectar from the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand. The nectar is packed with bioactives and the honey that is produced has 3 times more antioxidants and prebiotics than your average honey. A special antibacterial compound called MGO also comes from the nectar of the tea tree. Manukora third party tests every single harvest for MGO and makes these results available through their QR system.   It’s a game changer, and all you need is 1 heaped teaspoon each morning to get the most out of the amazing bioactives in Manuka. I love it in the morning before my runs and I’ve found myself craving it as I wake up. Now, it’s easier than ever to try Manukora Honey. Head to manukora.com/RTTT to get $25 off the Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook! MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

Every run in a good training plan serves a purpose. That doesn’t mean that you have to enjoy them all equally though. Even if you have performance goals, it can be a lot easier to stick to the plan if you enjoy the process. Today’s show is all about giving you new workout ideas that you’ll actually want to do. Coach Ruairi has more than a few ideas and he’s sharing his favorite workouts to help give you some inspiration. Each of these workouts is RC coach approved to help get you fitter without compromising on fun. Ruairi knows a thing or two about keeping running interesting. He often jumps between the road and trails and has been known to drop several viral tracks about running. Don’t let his rapping skills fool you though because he’s also an excellent coach and runner with a 2:21 marathon PB. You need a variety of workout types to achieve your best performance from tempo runs to long runs. This show is meant to cover them all and Ruairi will share which workouts he loves when preparing for different race distances. For each of these workouts we’ll get into: How Ruairi likes to structure the workout What makes the run one of Ruairi’s favorites Where each workout can fit into a training cycle to boost your performance How to modify each workout for different goals or fitness levels Take out your notepad and listen carefully because Ruairi has some great ideas to keep your running fun. Essential Fartlek Workouts video: youtube.com/watch?v=PdGS8qwS-Gs&t=520s Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Mushroom Breakthrough One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you’re trying to get your work day going.   I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.   That’s why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough   It’s a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.    It’s the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You’ll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.   For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout.   And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Sabrina Little is a 5x national champion ultra runner who happens to also be a professor of moral philosophy. During her career, when she wasn’t breaking American records, she earned a Phd in Philosophy at Baylor University. More recently though, she published her book “the Examined run - why good people make better runners” all about how running fits into a happy and fulfilling life. Her book is filled with thought-provoking lessons for anyone who loves to run and she is the perfect guest to explore how running can make us better people or even how practicing virtuous traits can make you a better runner. One of the key tenets of Sabrina’s writing is that virtuous traits like patience and empathy are teachable and performance-enhancing, so practicing them is beneficial to excelling in sport. This means that becoming a better person can actually be a tool to improve your running! Some of the topics we cover include: Why virtue can be beneficial to athletic performance How to practice building traits of virtue through your running How to find your “why” for running What are Sabrina’s thoughts on the role of running in a happy life Sabrina has a way of making philosophical topics approachable and relevant to runners that we’re sure you’ll love. Tune-in and find out for yourself how you can become a happier and faster runner all at the same time. The Examined Run by Sabrina Little Sabrina on Instagram: sabrinalittle Sabrina’s Psychology Today Sports and character page: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/considerations-of-character Sabrina’s iRunFar column: https://www.irunfar.com/author/slittle Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and overall health.   If you didn’t know, mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” because most of the energy your muscle cells need during aerobic running is supplied by mitochondria.   This is why one of the primary goals of all the runs we do is to increase the amount of new mitochondria in our cells and to increase their efficiency.   But, now there’s a new way to also improve your mitochondria - Mitopure from time-line nutrition.   Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.   In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.   Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.   Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. MetPro Using Metabolic Profiling, MetPro’s team of experts analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your goals.  Your MetPro coach then works with you to consistently make adjustments based on your metabolic data as well as how your plan fits your lifestyle.  MetPro’s coaches are not only educated experts in their field, but they’re empathetic that people have demanding schedules and often stressful lives. They will work one-on-one with you to identify the best nutrition and fitness strategy that is going to work for your personal goals and lifestyle needs. Get a complimentary Metabolic Profiling assessment and a 30-minute consultation with a MetPro expert at metpro.co/rttt

We get that you’re busy, and finding a balance between training and life will probably make you a better runner than forcing your training at the expense of sleep or important life commitments. Life is unpredictable and it can be hard to find the right balance for you. Coach Jeff Gaudette is familiar with this struggle as a running coach and father of 4. While completing all of your easy runs and workouts might be challenging, the hardest part can sometimes be finding the time to fit this into your busy lifestyle, and then maintaining your energy the rest of the day afterwards. Unless you’re a professional athlete with endless time for training, you likely have struggled with this at some point. We’re diving into some of the most hectic situations everyday runners face to help provide some tips for fitting in your training without feeling like you need to give up the rest of your life. Some of the questions we’ll answer include: Why it can be so difficult to fit in your training  What are the pros and cons of running at different times of the day Which training activities should you should prioritize and which you might be able to skip on occasion How to adjust your training around various life conflicts runners face  We know you lead a busy life, so let’s not beat around the bush and get right into it! Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Mushroom Breakthrough One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you’re trying to get your work day going.   I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.   That’s why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough   It’s a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.    It’s the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You’ll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.   For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout.   And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

We pride ourselves on bringing you informative content, but sometimes it’s even more fun to throw that out the window and just talk about how much we love running. We’re bringing the classic game of One Gotta Go to the Run to the Top Podcast and there will be plenty of tricky decisions to make. The goal is to choose among a group of beloved running items and imagine which one to give up forever if you were forced to choose. Coach Ruairi Moyhnihan is taking on this tough challenge but don’t worry because we won’t actually make him give up any running gear and gadgets. What we will do is make him choose between his favorites. The result is great running banter that will entertain any lover of the sport.  Tune in as we force Ruairi to choose between items in categories including: Running accessories Racing essentials Types of carbohydrate-rich foods Running surfaces And many more… We might sneak in a few useful training tips but mostly, this is an episode to talk about all the things we love most about running. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Previnex Joint Health Plus Joint Health Plus from Previnex is clinically proven to reduce joint pain, joint stiffness,and improve joint flexibility in 7-10 days.  In fact, it is clinically proven to be up to 5 times more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination. I saw immediate results when I started using Joint Health Plus and that’s why I reached out to Previnex to see if we could put together an offer for you guys. If you’re suffering from joint pain or simply want to get a jump start on protecting your joint health as you get older, head to runnersconnect.net/joint and use the code RTTT15 to save 15% on your first order. UCAN If you’re looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT

Most training plans call for a reduction in mileage before your goal race but if you feel nervous and anxious during this time you’re not alone. In fact, there’s even a name for the emotional turbulence runners feel during this time and it’s called the taper tantrums. If you’re tapering for your next marathon right now or will be soon, it’s important to remember your body needs this rest and not to panic with extra training. This episode provides a guide to runners resting up for the big day while managing the symptoms of this very athlete-specific ailment. It’s completely normal to start to question your fitness at this time but it’s important to remember that the taper is a key component of your training. Much like rest days, the taper allows your body to recover and then absorb the fitness you gained from hard weeks or months of training. This non-medical advice for runners will cover questions like: What are the taper tantrums and what are typical symptoms? How should you structure your taper to get the most benefit? What are some ways to manage the symptoms of the taper? What are some things to avoid doing during your taper phase of training? Getting the taper right is just as important as your big long runs if you want to perform well for your goal race. There’s no single correct way to taper but there’s lots you can do to make sure your body and mind both come out of it feeling fresh. How to Taper Correctly to be Ready for Your Marathon - Runners Connect Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: Mushroom Breakthrough One of the most difficult things about training hard in the morning is the brain fog and mental fatigue that comes when you’re trying to get your work day going.   I am sure all you morning runners can relate to that feeling of not being able to focus and get motivated those first few hours at work.   That’s why I was excited when BIOptimizers released its one-of-a-kind product called Mushroom Breakthrough   It’s a powdered blend of 5 potent superfoods including 1.2 pounds of concentrated mushrooms, which have been shown in research to enhance memory, focus, processing speed, and more.    It’s the perfect way to not only boost recovery post-run, but improve mental clarity in the morning without taxing your adrenal system with caffeine. You’ll notice the difference in concentration, focus and mood, especially on those days when morning training really has you feeling tired and unmotivated.   For an exclusive offer go to bioptimizers.com/runtothetop and use code RUN10 during checkout.   And the great thing about BIOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. LMNT  Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect.

Many runners already swear by their morning cup of coffee, but caffeine can also boost your running performance if used correctly. This effect works by reducing the perception of pain and increasing alertness on the run so that you may feel more comfortable running at faster paces. If this sounds too good to be true, it’s even recommended by World Athletics as a legal performance enhancer. The key to getting the greatest benefits is understanding how to use it properly in training or racing since caffeine can have other effects like GI upset or dehydration if you’re not used to running with caffeine in your system.  David Hellard is very familiar with the benefits of caffeine as an ultra-endurance runner and host of the Golden Trail World Series. He’s even started his own line of caffeine products designed to make it more convenient for runners to get the athletic benefits of caffeine. He’s joining the show to chat all about how he uses caffeine and how other runners can make the most of caffeine to improve their running. Some of the topics we’ll be covering include: How caffeine can boost running performance How and why David started Caffeine Bullet How to avoid GI upset when running with caffeine Deciding the right timing and dosage of caffeine And whether there any benefits to a “caffeine taper” We’re buzzing to share how caffeine can help your running so let’s get into it! 20% Off any Caffeine Bullet product: caffeinebullet.com/RUNTOTHETOP or use code RUNTOTHETOP Guest Bio - David Hellard: www.davidhellard.run/runner Caffeine Bullet Instagram: @caffeinebullet Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: TIMELINE Improving your mitochondria is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your performance and overall health.   If you didn’t know, mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” because most of the energy your muscle cells need during aerobic running is supplied by mitochondria.   This is why one of the primary goals of all the runs we do is to increase the amount of new mitochondria in our cells and to increase their efficiency.   But, now there’s a new way to also improve your mitochondria - Mitopure from time-line nutrition.   Mitopure restores mitochondrial function, so every cell in your body has the energy to do its job and keep you healthy and functioning right.   In fact, clinical studies have shown that 500mg of Urolithin, one of the main ingredients in Mitopure, can significantly increase muscle strength & endurance with no other change in lifestyle.   Mitopure comes in powder form to mix into your favorite smoothie or softgels to make them easy to take.   Improving your mitochondria is one of the best things you can do for your health and with Mitopure from time-line nutrition, it has never been easier. Go to timelinenutrition.com and use promo code RUNNERSCONNECT for 10% off the plan of your choice. UCAN If you’re looking for a better energy gel that contains no sugar and instead uses a revolutionary slow burning carbohydrate called LIVESTEADY, then you should check out UCAN. Independent, peer-reviewed studies have shown LIVESTEADY is absorbed quickly through the stomach to reduce GI distress, yet is released into the blood stream slowly to provide sustained fueling without the spikes and crashes typically associated with traditional gels.  By avoiding the sugar spikes, UCAN can help be less reliant on frequent feedings of sugar-based fuels during the run. All this data means using UCAN can help you avoid hitting the dreaded wall during the half, full and ultra marathon distance. Head to runnersconnect.net/UCAN to get 6 Edge energy gels for FREE. All you pay is shipping. You can also save 20% on your entire order at ucan.co with code RUNNERSCONNECT