I enjoy working out, I love to swim, I like training for a specific meet - but I just hate tapering.
I hate not having the great feeling you get after a tough workout.
I don't like having to swim last in my lane when I usually lead and getting asked 20 times if you I want to go ahead.
I hate having to get out after 1/2 or 2/3 of the practice.
I don't want to worry about what and how much I eat, when I usually have to make sure I eat enough.
I dread hitting the taper low -- for me about 1 week into the taper and it can last up to 1 week -- your arms feel tired and sore when you know you have done nothing to cause this.
I don't like the waiting for feeling good in the water - day after day - probing your body during the short workout.
I hate the questions that go through your head - even after having done this so many times. Did you train enough - will the taper be too long - too short - can you really taper when you swim so much less ?
And then one day (hopefully before the meet) I jump in the pool and it starts to click. I feel good in warm up and the build sprints feel even better. I swim a pace 50 that feels effortless and just get a little smile on my face when I hit the wall in a time that would have required an all out sprint just 2 weeks ago. Finally the taper is over and the meet can start ....
