The taper is really more of a tradition than a real *need* especially for a half marathon done at a recreational pace.
Its a little different for competitive marathoners, because the stress on your body of running 20+ at a competivie pace requires time to not only repair the damaged and stressed muscles, but also to refill the glycogen stores needed to complete the marathon distance (a an intensity at Lactic Acid threshold.... a competitive pace)
I never really taper even for a marathon, though i always back off the strength training the week before, purely to flush out the excess water weight from the muscle repair process ( so i can run lighter!)
Taper feels good though huh?
BTW, by "taper" i am referring to the traditional, structured plan of stepping back for 2-3 weeks.
OF COURSE you need to take it easy for the few days leading up to the big day!
Good Luck Ncueno-- youve worked so so hard
Oh, and congrats on reaching your goal of "happy"! I dont know if i will personally EVER be able to achieve that.
Alexandra-- good luck to you as well
What halves are you both doing?