I'm planning on resting for a meet in Feb. As usual, I'm wondering what taper to use, how much to rest, etc. I don't feel like I've really hit on the "one" plan that works for me.
I know everyone has their own approach to taper and may taper for between 1-4 weeks. In every taper plan I've seen, the yardage always drops off gradually. Has anyone ever tried a "drop dead" taper? One where you continue to exercise at your regular level and then, say 7 days before the big meet, you precipitously drop the yardage down to 1500 or so with very little sprinting? Thoughts?
I'm wondering if this type of taper might work for me, as I feel (possibly falsely) like I lose conditioning if I taper too long.
Tapers work for a variety of reasons, one of which is the confidence of the swimmer. Since you do not think you will be able to hold your conditioning, you are predisposed to look for failure if you taper too long. Lots of people think like this.
The taper you describe is fine but for one point. Sprinting is a must every day, but only two or three race pace swims max. The rest of the practice is warmup, kicking (got to keep the legs), stroke technique, pace (if you are doing anything over 50 yards), and warm down. Starts and turns should also be worked on.
And lots of rest laying down, off your feet. if you can stay in bed for the entire week, that will be the best thing of all.
Tapers work for a variety of reasons, one of which is the confidence of the swimmer. Since you do not think you will be able to hold your conditioning, you are predisposed to look for failure if you taper too long. Lots of people think like this.
The taper you describe is fine but for one point. Sprinting is a must every day, but only two or three race pace swims max. The rest of the practice is warmup, kicking (got to keep the legs), stroke technique, pace (if you are doing anything over 50 yards), and warm down. Starts and turns should also be worked on.
And lots of rest laying down, off your feet. if you can stay in bed for the entire week, that will be the best thing of all.
