I raced at PNA Champs near Seattle this weekend and all of my times were much slower than last year even though I trained for 11 months straight (Masters swim 3 days/week, weight lifting 2-3 days/week, with some cross-country skiing and biking on weekends). I stopped lifting 2 weeks prior to the meet but I swam up until Thursday before the Sat/Sun meet. Mostly did sprints on the Tues-Thur swims before the meet, about 2k meters all-up vs 3k meters for a normal workout. Plenty of sleep time. But I felt tired during the meet and ran out of energy on most events (200/500 yd free, 50/100/200 ***). Age = 51.
Should I have tapered more? I have no idea what caused my fatigue.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Seattle Jack
Parents
Former Member
I need to do more fast swimming practice throughout the year, not just weeks before the meet (like I did this year).
I think you're onto something here. The key to swimming fast is to set aside days to practice fast.
I had a similar experience thinking that if I practiced hard enough the times would drop. Not necessarily so. My former college coach essentially said that I was becoming a great workout swimmer rather than a racer.
Finding a race gear one or two sessions each week will surely bring about the desired results. Don't be too disappointed. On a positive note, every perceived setback ultimately leads to success.
I need to do more fast swimming practice throughout the year, not just weeks before the meet (like I did this year).
I think you're onto something here. The key to swimming fast is to set aside days to practice fast.
I had a similar experience thinking that if I practiced hard enough the times would drop. Not necessarily so. My former college coach essentially said that I was becoming a great workout swimmer rather than a racer.
Finding a race gear one or two sessions each week will surely bring about the desired results. Don't be too disappointed. On a positive note, every perceived setback ultimately leads to success.
