Contreras, B. E., D’Acquisto, L. J., Nethery, V., & Burnham, T. (2003). Taper improves running economy but not velocity at lactate threshold in distance runners. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 202.

A 14-day training taper was evaluated for running economy and lactate threshold in male distance runners (N = 10). Training consisted of 15 weeks of summer and basic training and five weeks of mid-season training. Taper was 14 days. Oxygen consumption was measured during four five-minute submaximal treadmill runs at increasing speeds.

Lactate threshold was not affected by the taper. Running economy improved in the taper at speeds common to training paces.

Implication. Taper improves running economy at the speeds used in training.

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