Many runners dread the reduction in mileage that comes in the final three weeks before an event. After months of high volume, cutting back feels counterintuitive, almost like losing fitness. However, muscle biopsy studies show that glycogen stores, muscle strength, and aerobic enzymes reach their peak efficiency only after a prolonged period of rest. Red blood cell volume also increases during this phase, meaning your body becomes more efficient at transporting oxygen. “Tapering does not make you weak; it reveals your true strength,” says veteran coach Sarah Vance. The goal is to shed accumulated fatigue — while keeping your neuromuscular pathways sharp — so that you feel explosive on race day.
Our race calendar lists the regional events with short courses.
Reaching the summit brings an immediate end to the timing, but not to the physical effort. Unlike typical races, you must still get yourself down the mountain, as transport is rarely provided at these rugged peaks. This slow, post-event walk down the access trail demands focused concentration on fatigued joints, making hydration and a dry windbreaker essential items packed in your small waist belt. The atmosphere at the top is quiet and communal, defined by spent athletes leaning on rocks, sharing stories of the steepest pitches, and slowly sipping water as the adrenaline fades.
Running long distances on consecutive days is a cornerstone of preparing for multi-day events or long-distance mountain challenges. Instead of completing one massive thirty-mile run, breaking the volume into two blocks of fifteen miles on Saturday and Sunday reduces the risk of acute injury. The main objective is to simulate the late stages of a long run without having to stay on your feet for seven hours straight. Your body learns to cope with depleted glycogen stores and muscular fatigue during the second effort. On Sunday morning, your muscles are already stiff, which forces you to find a more efficient stride.