I hate the Taper

Former Member
Former Member
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 ....
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    ehoch, Dude...... enjoy your taper. Taper is wonderful. Taper is rest. Taper means speed and snap. Are you crazy?
  • Saturday is our 3 hour practice day. I was alone for the first hour, just me and the assistant coach Ali. Then all the young ones came in for the final 2 hours. Lot's of distance mixed with some sprints. Looked like coach wrote the workout for the older kids who he know would not be there. We had to adjust the times, since even if I were swimming SCY I would not have been able to handle the last 2 intervals without paddles and/or fins. Paddles and fins are my secret weapon for keeping up with them. Actually since I usually drag my legs, the fins make me kick to keep up with them. Believe me this 46 year old body can't keep up any other way.