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 ....
This week and the beginning of next week 3 of our swimmers will be preparing for Jr. Nats and I will be tagging along with them even though our Nats is the following week. Easy for them is still hard for me so it works out good anyway. While they are gone I will hit the end of my taper and then its Nats time, YEAH!!!!!:woot:
Can't Wait!:D
Donna, we're in the same boat. I'll be tapering with the kids who are getting ready for Jr Nats, too. Then I have 1 practice on my own (coach is writing it up for me) before I head to Oregon and practice with my home team.
Question for all - how long is your taper? I'm used to a 2 week taper. My coach is in favor of a 10 day taper. I want to do what it right for my age.
This week and the beginning of next week 3 of our swimmers will be preparing for Jr. Nats and I will be tagging along with them even though our Nats is the following week. Easy for them is still hard for me so it works out good anyway. While they are gone I will hit the end of my taper and then its Nats time, YEAH!!!!!:woot:
Can't Wait!:D
Donna, we're in the same boat. I'll be tapering with the kids who are getting ready for Jr Nats, too. Then I have 1 practice on my own (coach is writing it up for me) before I head to Oregon and practice with my home team.
Question for all - how long is your taper? I'm used to a 2 week taper. My coach is in favor of a 10 day taper. I want to do what it right for my age.