I've been attempting to do some reasonable 10 day-2 week taper for an upcoming meet. Perhaps this is unusual for a sprinter, but I've found I hate tapering. I'm not terribly good at sticking to a taper plan. I feel more unfit each passing day. I just want to get back to my usual workouts and cross training ...
On top of this general angst, a tri friend told me today that tapering makes you b*tchy. :bitching: I've read this in running books too. Seems somewhat true for me, unfortunately for my family.
Anyone else hate tapering or is it just me?!
Having said this, I'm sure I'll have fun at the meet.
Fort:
The shoulder pain as a result of the speed work concerns me a bit. Are you making adjustments to your stroke as a result of the speed work that would contribute to the shoulder pain?
If that's the case, it's no wonder you don't like to taper. Don't forget that increased speed work should be accompanied by increased recovery time. In many cases, I have observed that the recovery aspect of the taper is as or more important than the speed work that you might get done. Focusing on the recovery aspect might help keep the shoulder discomfort to a minimum as well.
Make sure to let us know how the meet goes.
Nah, I didn't get shoulder pain last time I did speedwork. I think it was the combo of getting a bunch of prolo injections and then heading right into speedwork. Probably should have had the injections sooner. Generally, my shoulder is very gradually improving as long as I keep doing my exercises.
I'm sure the meet will be fine. I was really just saying I don't enjoy the taper process because I'd rather work out. I dislike rest days and recovery, and, for that reason, probably don't get enough of them as Paul was pointing out too. You experts ...
Fort:
The shoulder pain as a result of the speed work concerns me a bit. Are you making adjustments to your stroke as a result of the speed work that would contribute to the shoulder pain?
If that's the case, it's no wonder you don't like to taper. Don't forget that increased speed work should be accompanied by increased recovery time. In many cases, I have observed that the recovery aspect of the taper is as or more important than the speed work that you might get done. Focusing on the recovery aspect might help keep the shoulder discomfort to a minimum as well.
Make sure to let us know how the meet goes.
Nah, I didn't get shoulder pain last time I did speedwork. I think it was the combo of getting a bunch of prolo injections and then heading right into speedwork. Probably should have had the injections sooner. Generally, my shoulder is very gradually improving as long as I keep doing my exercises.
I'm sure the meet will be fine. I was really just saying I don't enjoy the taper process because I'd rather work out. I dislike rest days and recovery, and, for that reason, probably don't get enough of them as Paul was pointing out too. You experts ...
