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What should taper week look like before an ultramarathon like AC100?
Cut volume, keep a little leg turnover, and shift your focus to sleep, fueling, and logistics. Taper week is about arriving stable and fresh, not proving fitness in one last hard session.
Last updated: 2026-02-18
What should be on your checklist?
Use this checklist to cover the essentials before race day or your next key training run.
- Reduce running volume versus peak weeks, while keeping easy frequency.
- Keep one short, controlled quality touch if your body responds well.
- Finalize gear, drop bags, and crew instructions early in the week.
- Protect sleep and hydration as non-negotiables.
What steps should you follow?
Follow these steps in order so your plan stays simple and repeatable under AC100-style conditions.
- 7-6 days out: short easy runs and no new training stressors.
- 5-4 days out: one light sharpening session, then return to easy running.
- 3-2 days out: finalize travel, aid-station plan, and nutrition prep.
- 1 day out: brief shakeout only if helpful, then rest and execute your plan.
If you feel flat during taper, that is common; avoid chasing that feeling with extra hard miles.
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What should you read next?
Use these related guides to build a full plan across training, logistics, and race-day execution.