Taper Planner
A good taper sheds fatigue without losing fitness. Enter your peak training week and get a research-based, week-by-week volume plan into race day.
Your taper
Volume comes down; intensity and frequency stay.
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How this calculator works
The plan reduces weekly volume toward roughly 50% of peak by race week while preserving intensity and frequency. The exponential option front-loads the volume drop; the linear option steps down evenly. Both follow the direction of the Bosquet 2007 taper meta-analysis.
Assumptions
- • Intensity and frequency are maintained through the taper
- • Peak week reflects your genuine recent training load
Limitations
- • Optimal taper length and depth vary by athlete and event
- • Volume is a simplification — session structure also matters
Who this is for
- • Triathletes and runners planning a race taper
- • Athletes unsure how much to cut back
Who this is not for
- • Athletes mid-base or build phase (this is for race week run-in)
- • Replacing individualised coaching for elite peaking
References
Related Articles
Continue exploring our comprehensive triathlon resources
Taper Planner FAQ
Scientific References
Meta-analysis establishing volume reduction as the key taper variable