The purpose of this study was to determine if a 7-d systematic reducti
on in training volume or ''taper'' could improve distance running perf
ormance. Three groups of eight runners were examined: 1) run taper, 2)
cycle taper, and 3) control. Training in the run taper group consiste
d of high-intensity intervals and an 85% reduction in training volume.
The cycle taper group performed an equivalent amount of interval trai
ning as the run taper group, but each member exercised on a cycle ergo
meter. Control subjects continued normal training. A self-paced 5-km t
ime trial served as the index of performance. The run taper group decr
eased 5-km time by 3% (1036.2 +/- 30.6 to 1006.8 +/- 28.2 s, P < 0.005
). A significant decrease (P < 0.01) in submaximal oxygen consumption
(6%) and calculated caloric expenditure (7%) at a running speed elicit
ing 80% of VO2max was also evident in the run taper group. Five-km per
formance and running economy were not altered in the cycle taper or co
ntrol groups. These findings indicate that 7 d of tapered running impr
oved distance running performance and running economy. A taper regimen
of equivalent duration cycle training maintained performance in dista
nce runners.