How to Incorporate Massage into Your Taper Phase for the London Marathon

The final weeks before the London Marathon on 27th April are critical for runners. You’ve done the hard work, logged the miles, and pushed your limits. Now, it’s time to taper—reducing your training load to allow your body to recover and perform at its peak on race day.

But what exactly is tapering, and how can massage play a crucial role in this phase? Let’s break it down.

Why Taper?

Tapering isn’t about slacking off—it’s a scientifically proven strategy to maximise your performance. By cutting back on mileage and intensity, you allow your body to:

✔ Recover from accumulated fatigue

✔ Rebuild muscle strength

✔ Reduce the risk of injury

✔ Store up energy for race day

Most marathoners taper for two to three weeks, gradually reducing their mileage by 20-30% per week while maintaining some intensity in their workouts.

How to Approach Tapering the Right Way

A proper taper involves more than just running less. Here are key strategies to optimise your taper phase:

🏃 Stick to Your Routine – Keep training at a lower intensity but don’t overcompensate by suddenly changing everything.

🥗 Fuel Properly – Maintain good nutrition habits, ensuring you’re stocked up on carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

💤 Prioritise Sleep – Your body needs rest to fully absorb the benefits of training.

💆 Schedule a Sports Massage – This can be a game-changer in helping your muscles recover and stay fresh before race day.

The Role of Massage in Your Taper Phase

Incorporating sports massage into your taper period can provide multiple benefits:

✅ Reduces Muscle Soreness & Fatigue – Helps flush out toxins and lactic acid build-up from training.

✅ Enhances Circulation – Promotes better oxygen flow to the muscles, aiding recovery.

✅ Prevents Stiffness & Injury – Keeps muscles supple and ready for peak performance.

✅ Promotes Relaxation – Helps you manage race-day nerves and stress.

When to Book Your Pre-Marathon Massage

The best time for your pre-race massage is around 3-7 days before the marathon. This allows your muscles to fully recover while still benefiting from the increased blood flow and flexibility.

💡 Avoid deep tissue massage too close to race day (if you haven't had one before), as it may cause temporary soreness. Instead, opt for a lighter, relaxation-focused massage in the final few days before the race.

Ready to Feel Your Best for Race Day?

To help you stay fresh and race-ready, we’re offering a special discount on pre-race massages for all London Marathon runners (and, let’s be honest, anyone who wants one!).

📢 Use code MARATHONLEGS for £10 off your massage – offer valid until 26th April!

Book your pre-race massage now and give your legs the care they deserve!

Good luck on race day – go smash it! 🏃‍♂️🔥🏅