As March draws to a close, many UK runners enter a more reflective phase of training. The long Sunday efforts that defined the winter and early spring now give way to shorter, sharper sessions. For those targeting the TCS London Marathon on 26 April, or any of the wave of spring half-marathons and trail events, the focus shifts from building capacity to sharpening and protecting what has been gained. Bib collection at the London Marathon Running Show is only weeks away, and the building energy is palpable.

This tapering period brings its own subtle challenges for the feet. Reduced overall volume can feel like relief, yet the sharper pace efforts and residual fatigue from peak weeks often leave the plantar fascia taut, the forefoot sensitive, or the arches carrying a lingering sense of heaviness. The body is adapting to lower mileage while the mind races ahead to race day. The feet, caught in between, can quietly protest if not given deliberate attention.

Runners who arrive at the start line feeling fresh tend to treat these final weeks with learned discipline. They maintain a consistent post-run drying routine so that even shorter efforts do not leave residual moisture that could soften skin during the final long-ish runs or the race itself. Strategic taping continues on any areas that signalled discomfort during peak training. Shoe rotation ensures one pair remains optimally fresh and supportive for key sessions, while light mobility work like gentle calf stretches, toe spreads and ankle circles, helps preserve suppleness without adding stress.

The London Marathon, with its flat, fast course and extraordinary crowd energy, rewards those who reach the starting line, let alone the finish line. The same principle applies to the growing calendar of spring trail races and local events. Small, consistent attentions in the taper to this upcoming race season prevent minor niggles from becoming race-day distractions.

Practical considerations for the coming weeks:

• Dry footwear thoroughly after every session. Rapid, gentle internal drying keeps skin resilient.

• Use tape proactively on any previously vulnerable spots during sharper efforts.

• Rotate trainers to maintain consistent support and dryness.

• Incorporate light recovery practices, including elevation after longer runs.

Tapering is as much about preservation as it is about sharpening. Care for the feet with the same thoughtfulness given to pace and nutrition, and they will carry you through the final preparations, and the race itself, with greater ease and confidence.

How is your taper progressing, or what are you targeting in the coming weeks? Share your thoughts with us.