Definition
The strategic reduction of training volume before a major competition to allow full recovery while maintaining fitness. The athletic equivalent of not staying up late before your big presentation.
Example Usage
I'm tapering for next week's marathon, which means I'm eating pasta and being paranoid about every tiny ache.
Origin
From the concept of gradually narrowing or reducing, adopted into endurance sports training in the 1980s
Fun Fact
A proper taper can improve performance by 2-6%, which at elite levels can mean the difference between gold and not even placing.
Source: Endurance sports coaching and exercise science research
Related Terms
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