Why do we get the “taper crazies?”
November 23, 2025
You’ve trained hard for months, putting in miles, crushing speed workouts, and even strength training regularly. But as soon as you hit “save” on your watch at the end of your peak long run, it begins: the taper. For a lot folks, this is the time they go f*cking insane. Call it the taper crazies or taper tantrums, it’s no secret that many runners go a little kooky as they taper for their big race. But why does this happen? Read on to find out.
What is the taper?
Before diving into why so many folks experience the taper crazies, let’s first define what the taper is.
The taper is the end of a training block when runners scale back their running in order to be fresh for a big race. Typically, the taper is 2-3 weeks long and involves a significant decrease in mileage and intensity, ending with a short easy run the day before the race.
This reduction in training gives your body time to digest the benefits and recover from a hard training block. Assuming you follow your training and taper plan at least somewhat closely, you’ll finish the taper feeling fit and fresh on raceday.
What are the “taper crazies”?
The “taper crazies” or “taper tantrums” is when runners who are tapering are irritable, nervous, or generally just act differently than their normal behavior. Some convince themselves they are injured or sick. They may freak out over minor issues and/or become obsessed about their race.
On behalf of all the runners out there, I apologize to every loved one who has dealt with a runner facing the taper crazies. Your support and acceptance of our ridiculous behavior does not go unnoticed.
Why do the taper crazies happen?
When you scale back your training, you’re left with extra energy and time in your day. You also get less of the classic running endorphins you’re used to feeling everyday. Combined with the pre-race nerves, this extra stress may manifest itself in physical or mental ways, such as phantom injuries or self-doubt about your readiness to race. And with all the extra time, it’s easy to start spiraling about your race (or lashing out at friends).
However, the taper crazies aren’t inherently bad; they mean you love to run and you care about your race!
How do you keep the taper crazies in check?
Here’s the list:
- Remember you have trained for your race! The hay is in the barn, the bricks are laid, the cake is baked, you pick your phrase. Some runners try to squeeze in a major hard effort to prove to themselves that they are ready to race. Don’t do this! These folks are essentially running their race before making it to the starting line. They’re left fatigued for the actual race. Trust the process. The best thing you can do for your race now is rest and let the work you did settle in.
- Visualize your race. While you might not have any more hard efforts, you can still work towards improving your race. Picture your entire raceday, from getting ready that morning, to grinding through the tough miles, to finishing strong. Imagine how you will feel and how you will handle these different race moments.
- Sleep. It’s so important for recovery, and that’s the goal of the entire taper. You have extra time now, use it wisely.
- Keep the rest of your life the same as usual. Now is not the time to try a new spin class or ridiculous fad diet. Eat how you have all training block and don’t add any new exercise or activity into your days.
- Enjoy time with people you care about. It’s easier to feel sane when you’re with friends. Use some of your extra time with your people. It’ll distract you from the taper, and let’s be honest, you probably haven’t seen your friends as much as you’d like with all the training you’ve been doing. Now is a great time to start making it up.