I hate tapering!

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.

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 ...

Taper = PMS Or.... Pre-Meet Syndrome ... But very similar symptoms, I think, to the other kind of PMS... Men, bear this in mind, and you'll have much more sympathy with the women in your life. :D I have mixed feelings about tapers for running/swimming events. On the one hand, my body's ready for the break... on the other, :mad: grrrr... I want to MOVE!!! But when I do, I think, "aggh... way, way too sluggish!" Did a mile/2000 yard swim a couple days before my 5-miler just easy, but thought, "why is my easy pace so SLOW today?" But I reminded myself that it wasn't race day yet, and my body would respond when the time was right--and it did. You'll do awesome!

I enjoy tapering, but I think it's almost inevitable thoughts of "am I resting too much?" will creep into your head. You've just got to stick with it. As Ande said "trust your taper."

Prolo Injections do they work??? http://totalhealthvision.com/ totalhealthvision.com/wst_page4.html Prolo Injections are being used for autisim clients also. I am on a taper at all times.

not quite climbing the wall yet,. Just starting a thread called "I hate tapering!" is probably a good sign that your taper is working. Always taper for good times...... Ian.

Just starting a thread called "I hate tapering!" is probably a good sign that your taper is working. Always taper for good times...... Ian. Good point. LOL. It appears to have worked pretty well on day one since I swam PBs.

Good point. LOL. It appears to have worked pretty well on day one since I swam PBs. Fort was rocking yesterday! Alison

Hey Taper-Haters! I too will be starting a 3 week taper on Wednesday after my "long" swim (1.5 miles). I've done some half-a**ed tapers in the past, but I'm actully trying to stick to a planned one this time for my 1.4 miler on Sept 8. I am fairly new to tapering, and I know the mantra tends to be keep up the intensity but shorten the mileage and increase the interval between workouts to reduce volume. How strict should I be when resting? Can I hop on an exercise bike for 30 minutes to keep from going totally bonkers, or should I be joining Fort in b**tchy land? :D Thanks!!

your meets done you can start training again get back to work BUT keep up the sprint and strength focus ande 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.